Below, we outline the STEP file types we accept and guide you on how to find the best export instructions for your CAD software and version.
We only accept STEP files - ideally STEP 214.
Usually, saving your CAD as a STEP file simply involves:
File > Save As or Save As Copy in your CAD software and select STEP as the file format.
If you encounter any issues, our team will be happy to help — just reach out to us!
Jump to our vendor-specific instructions for more help
⚠️ Please do not ignore errors in your CAD when exporting. Please fix any errors you encounter within your CAD before attempting to export and upload into Partful. Ignored errors can lead to missing parts or processing errors in the platform.
Why is it important to ensure all the parts and assembly references are up to date?
When your file is run through our pipeline, if the General Assembly file has out-of-date assembly and part references, then you will find that the converted file won’t include all the parts.
Does your company design its products?
Yes:
Click here to see our list of guides and find your guide.
No:
The reason we ask whether your company designs its products because Partful needs CAD Data that is owned by the Original Manufacturer and not from a third-party.
If you’re a dealer or third-party parts vendor, then we can’t help, but do let your OEM suppliers know that you’d like a 3D parts catalog like Partful!
I don't know:
The reason we ask whether your company designs its products because Partful needs CAD Data that is owned by the Original Manufacturer and not from a third-party.
If you’re a dealer or third-party parts vendor, then we can’t help, but do let your OEM suppliers know that you’d like a 3D parts catalog like Partful!
If you think you own your CAD Data, then click here to see the CAD we support.
Which CAD vendor do you use?
- Solidworks - read the guide here
- Inventor - read the guide here
- Catia - read the guide here
- Creo - read the guide here
- Siemens - read the guide here
- None of these
- I don't know
⚠️ Please do not ignore errors in your CAD when exporting. Please fix any errors you encounter within your CAD before attempting to export and upload into Partful. Ignored errors can lead to missing parts or processing errors in the platform.
None of these
Don’t worry! We only accept STEP files - ideally STEP 214.
Usually, saving your CAD as a STEP file simply involves:
File > Save As or Save As Copy in your CAD software and select STEP as the file format.
If you encounter any issues, our team will be happy to help — just reach out to us!
I don't know
If you’re not sure who your CAD vendor is, then you will need to talk to your Technical Documentation or Engineering Team.
You may also need to ask them to download the CAD data as a STEP file for you.
For this reason, we recommend getting your Technical Documentation or Engineering Teams involved in using Partful, and joining any onboarding conversations we have with you.