Blog
Guides, comparisons, and tips for 3D CAD format conversion.
26 September 2026
What a STEP (.stp) file is and how to open it on Windows
A STEP (.stp, .step) file is a neutral 3D CAD model (ISO 10303): what AP203, AP214 and AP242 mean, how to open it free on Windows and when to convert it.
Read More26 September 2026
Batch export STEP from Inventor (and Fusion 360)
Inventor saves one STEP per Save Copy As. Task Scheduler or an iLogic rule exports a folder; Fusion 360 needs a script. Then convert them all in one run.
Read More26 September 2026
IGES (.igs) file: open it, convert it to STEP or STL
What an IGES (.igs) file holds, why it often opens as loose surfaces, and how to convert it to STEP or STL, one file or a whole folder. Measured results.
Read MoreSeptember 2026
Large STEP assemblies no longer hang in 3D CAD Converter 1.0.21
A 19 MB STEP assembly that meshed for more than 34 minutes at Fine quality now opens in its preview in 71 seconds. Also: STEP previews in half the time, OBJ export 4x faster and a Bill of Materials with quantities.
Read MoreJuly 2, 2026
Automate CAD Conversion with CLI, MCP & AI Agents
Script batch CAD conversion with cadconvert CLI, connect AI agents via MCP (no --json), install /contenta-cad skill. 10 free lifetime conversions, $179 one-time.
Read MoreMarch 29, 2026
How to Convert STEP to STL
Complete guide to converting STEP CAD files to STL for 3D printing. Learn about tessellation quality, batch conversion, and avoiding common mesh errors.
Read MoreJune 30, 2026
STL vs OBJ vs 3MF: The Best File Format for 3D Printing
Every 3D print starts with a file, and the format you choose decides how cleanly your model reaches the printer. Pick the wrong one and you can lose color, scale, or even a watertight surface — problems that only surface once the slicer chokes or the first layer comes out wrong.
Read MoreMarch 26, 2026
Mesh Repair: Fix Broken 3D Models
Automatically repair non-manifold edges, self-intersections, open holes, and degenerate faces in STL, OBJ, and other 3D mesh files. Batch repair entire folders.
Read MoreMarch 2026
STEP vs IGES: Which 3D Format Should You Use?
An in-depth comparison of STEP and IGES — the two most common neutral CAD exchange formats — and when to choose each one.
Read MoreJuly 2026
STEP File Won't Open? How to Fix It
A troubleshooting checklist for STEP files that won't open, fail with "invalid record index", import at the wrong size, or load with broken geometry.
Read MoreJuly 5, 2026
Batch-Export STEP from SolidWorks
SolidWorks has no built-in bulk STEP export. Here are the three ways engineers actually do it, then how to batch-convert the results without extra CAD seats.
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