STEP and STL files are very common file formats when it comes to digital file exchange in the CAD and 3D printing  world. It’s possible to convert STL files to STEP files in FreeCAD.

You may have an STL file that you want to use as a STEP file somewhere. Here’s what to do. First you have to drag the STL file(s) inside your empty FreeCAD window or open it from within the software (without a document open). Then all you have to do is taking a few steps to export it as a STEP file.

The color added to the STL file, will also be saved within the STEP file.

The video below shows how you can change an STL file to a STEP file. The Part workbench is used for this. If you just want to read how to do this, continue reading below the video.

A STEP file (.stp) is a very common file format when it comes to digital file exchange in the CAD world. It’s possible to import and edit STEP files online. You can do this with the free CAD software called FreeCAD.

When you have a STEP file ready to use, you can just drag it inside your empty FreeCAD window or open it from within the software with the import feature. Then create a new document first, click ‘File’ and then ‘Import’ and select the STEP file.

FreeCAD is a great tool to import and edit STEP files. When using this free CAD software, importing STEP files is one of its great features.

Below you can watch my video about editing a STEP file in FreeCAD. In this video, the Part Design and Sketcher workbench were used to add pins and cut holes from a sketch that was added to the original STEP model.