Format Guide

Convert Autodesk Inventor Exports (STEP/IGES) to STL, OBJ, glTF

Export to STEP from Inventor, then batch convert to 12+ formats

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Valve with handwheel (STEP → STL), rendered from the converted file
STEP → STLValve with handwheel: 3.3 MB STEP → 3.6 MB STL, 71,512 triangles, 2.4 s (Ryzen 9 3900X).

Where this format fits

Your file

Solid CAD

  • STEP
  • IGES
  • BREP

Meshes

  • STL
  • OBJ
  • 3MF
  • PLY
  • glTF
  • GLB
  • FBX
  • DAE
  • X3D
  • OFF
  • AMF

3D faces in drawings and scenes

  • DXF
  • DWG
  • USD
3D CAD Converteropens, previews, converts

What you get

3D printing

  • STL
  • 3MF
  • OBJ
  • PLY

Web, AR and games

  • glTF
  • GLB
  • FBX
  • DAE

Viewers and archives

  • VRML
  • X3D
  • OFF

CAD exchange

  • STEP
  • IGES
  • BREP

Solid CAD (STEP, IGES, BREP) can become a mesh or another solid format. A mesh converts to other meshes. Dashed formats (DXF, DWG, AMF, USD) can be read but not written. VRML (.wrl) is write-only in the app: it can be exported, not opened.

What it will not do
  • Convert a 2D-only DWG or DXF drawing. It needs 3D faces.
  • Turn a mesh (STL, OBJ, 3MF) back into STEP, IGES or BREP.
  • Read native SolidWorks, Inventor or CATIA files. Export STEP or IGES from that program first.

From Inventor to Any Format — via STEP

3D CAD Converter reads the neutral STEP and IGES files that Inventor exports. Save your part or assembly as STEP in Inventor, then batch convert to share designs with partners who don't have Inventor.

Autodesk Inventor files can't be opened without an Inventor license. In Inventor, export to STEP (AP203/AP214) or IGES to make your designs accessible to anyone.

Batch convert those exported STEP files to STL for printing, OBJ for rendering, glTF for web, or any of 12+ formats.

Inventor Workflow Features

STEP/IGES from Inventor

Reads Inventor exports in STEP AP203/AP214 or IGES format. (Native .ipt/.iam files are not read directly — export to STEP first.)

Game Engine Formats

Convert to glTF/GLB for Unity, Unreal Engine, and web 3D viewers.

Batch Processing

Convert entire project libraries. Drag folders, get results.

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How to Convert Inventor Files

.ipt → .stepIn Inventor: save as STEPFile > Export > CAD Format > STEPSTEP keeps the exact solid geometry. No Inventor license? Ask whoever made the part to send you a STEP or IGES export.
.stepOpen it in 3D CAD ConverterDrop in the STEP or IGES file, or a whole folder of them. The exact geometry is read with no approximation.
.stl · .3mf · .glbSave the format you needSTL or 3MF for printing, GLB for the web, OBJ or FBX for rendering: one file or hundreds, on your own PC.
3D CAD Converter cannot open .ipt files: only Inventor can. Saving the STEP file is the one step that needs a Inventor license.
# Convert one Inventor STEP export to STL
cadconvert convert -i part.step -o part.stl

# Batch a whole folder of STEP exports to STL
cadconvert batch -i ./step-exports -o ./stl -f stl -r

The STEP export is done in Inventor (File > Export > CAD Format > STEP); the commands above run the conversion half. Use --tessellation to set mesh quality and --units to convert mm or inches.

Why You Do Not Need an Inventor License

No third-party tool can read native .ipt or .iam files without the Autodesk SDK — that includes 3D CAD Converter. But you do not need an Inventor seat to repurpose the geometry. Once anyone with Inventor exports a neutral STEP or IGES file, our offline tool handles everything after that: STL for 3D printing, OBJ for rendering, glTF for game engines and the web, and 12+ formats in one batch.

That means one paid Inventor seat on your team (or your supplier) can feed unlimited downstream conversions on machines that never touch Inventor at all. One-time $179, no subscription, your files never leave your PC.

Related: STEP  |  IGES  |  CAD Interoperability

Inventor Conversion FAQ

Can I open a .ipt file without Inventor?

Not directly. Native Autodesk Inventor files (.ipt parts, .iam assemblies) can only be opened by Inventor — no third-party tool reads the native format without the Autodesk SDK. The standard workaround is to export a neutral STEP or IGES file from Inventor (File > Export > CAD Format > STEP), which any tool, including 3D CAD Converter, can read. With no Inventor license, ask whoever created the part to send you a STEP export.

How do I convert Inventor to STEP or STL?

STEP export happens inside Inventor: File > Export > CAD Format and choose STEP (AP203/AP214). To then reach STL, OBJ, glTF or other mesh formats, load that STEP file into 3D CAD Converter, or run the CLI: cadconvert convert -i part.step -o part.stl. Batch an entire folder at once.

Is the converted geometry accurate?

Yes. STEP carries exact B-rep (boundary representation) geometry, so what you export from Inventor is exactly what 3D CAD Converter reads — no approximation on import. Mesh outputs like STL and OBJ are tessellated at the quality preset you choose, and units (mm or inches) are preserved or converted.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. The free trial gives you 10 conversions with every feature within 30 days, no credit card required, on Windows 10 and 11. After that it is a one-time $179 purchase with no subscription.

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