Convert anything, at global scale.
200+ formats and automation APIs that feels instant.
CONVERT
From
To
Drop files or choose a source
Upload multiple files at once, mix formats, and fine-tune every conversion with format-aware settings.
Max 2GB per file · Drag & drop ready · Mixed file types welcome
STEP at a glance
STEP
Convert to STEP when the output is intended for engineering exchange between CAD systems, suppliers, manufacturing partners, or PLM workflows.
It is the right target for precise solid models and product data that must survive outside a single vendor's toolchain.
Choose STEP when engineering fidelity and interoperability matter more than lightweight visualization.
IFC at a glance
IFC
Convert to IFC when the target workflow needs BIM semantics, cross-vendor building-model exchange, or coordination between architecture, engineering, and construction systems.
It is appropriate for design handoff, federated model review, and lifecycle building information exchange.
Use IFC when structured building data matters more than lightweight visualization alone.
Format comparison
| Feature | STEP | IFC |
|---|---|---|
| File type | Cad | Cad |
| Extensions |
|
|
| MIME type |
|
|
| Compression / quality | precise | precise |
| File size characteristics | depends | depends |
| Compatibility | limited | limited |
| Editability | high | high |
| Created year | 1994 | 1996 |
| Inventor | ISO TC 184/SC 4 industrial data standards community | International Alliance for Interoperability / buildingSMART lineage |
| Status | active | active |
| Transparency | Not supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Not supported | Not supported |
| Primary use cases |
|
|
| Common software |
|
|
| Archival suitability | moderate | moderate |
| Metadata handling | rich | rich |
| Delivery profile | limited | limited |
| Workflow fit | design | design |
| Layer support | Not supported | Supported |
| Vector scaling | Supported | Supported |
| Structured data | Not supported | Supported |
When to use each format
When to use STEP
- design authoring
- review handoff
- manufacturing exchange
- Strong neutral-exchange role in engineering.
When to use IFC
- design authoring
- review handoff
- manufacturing exchange
- Strong role in open BIM interoperability.
FAQs
Why convert STEP to IFC?
Convert to IFC when the target workflow needs BIM semantics, cross-vendor building-model exchange, or coordination between architecture, engineering, and construction systems.
It is appropriate for design handoff, federated model review, and lifecycle building information exchange.
Use IFC when structured building data matters more than lightweight visualization alone.
What changes when converting STEP to IFC?
This conversion changes how the format behaves in downstream tools and delivery environments.
Moving to IFC adds layer support. Moving to IFC adds structured data.
What should I review after converting STEP to IFC?
Check the exported file for Real-world interoperability still depends on how faithfully authoring tools map their internal models.; It is heavier and more semantically demanding than simple mesh interchange..