.STP File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .STP file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

What is a .STP file?

An STP file is a 3D assembly file supported by various mechanical design programs such as TurboCAD and Fusion 360. It contains three-dimensional object data saved in the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP) format. STP files are saved in a text-based ASCII format that conforms to the STEP Application Protocols ISO 10303-2xx.

What Are Common Causes of ".STP" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".STP" (Step) file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental Deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".STP" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. Software or Hardware Malfunction: Issues with software or hardware components, such as a sudden system crash, power failure, or disk corruption, can lead to ".STP" file loss or failure.
  3. Virus or Malware Attack: Malicious programs can infect and damage ".STP" files, making them inaccessible or corrupt.
  4. File System Errors: Errors in the file system, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can cause ".STP" file loss or failure.
  5. Improper File Transfer: If ".STP" files are not transferred properly, such as interrupted or incomplete file transfers, it can result in file corruption or loss.
  6. Human Error: Mistakes made by the user, such as accidentally formatting the storage device containing ".STP" files or overwriting them with incorrect data, can cause file loss or failure.
  7. Software Incompatibility: Incompatibility issues between different software versions or incompatible software used to open or edit ".STP" files can lead to file corruption or loss.
  8. Physical Damage: Physical damage to the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or damage to the storage media, can result in ".STP" file loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up ".STP" files and take preventive measures, such as using reliable antivirus software and maintaining a healthy storage device, to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".STP" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".STP" file may be deleted.

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".STP" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".STP" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".STP" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".STP" files, and select analysis type.

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

How to open file with ".STP" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo sTEP 3D CAD File image file file?

Programs that open ".STP" files

Windows
IMSI TurboCAD Pro
ideaMK STP Viewer
Autodesk Fusion 360
Dassault Systemes CATIA
LKSoft IDA-STEP
FreeCAD
CADSoftTools ABViewer
Mac
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe
FreeCAD
Autodesk Fusion 360
Linux
Dassault Systemes CATIA
LKSoft IDA-STEP
FreeCAD
Web
ShareCAD.org
Autodesk Fusion 360
Wikifactory
iOS
Autodesk Fusion 360
Android
Autodesk Fusion 360

Additional Information

  • File type: STEP 3D CAD File

  • File extension: .STP

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: N/A

  • HEX: 49 53 4F 2D 31 30 33 30 33 2D 32 31 3B

  • ASCII: ISO-10303-21;

  • File types that use the extension .STP:

    • STEP 3D CAD File

    • RoboHelp Stop List File

    • SharePoint Template

    • Analysis Studio Project Information File

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Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

What are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .STP files, and how can they be resolved?

There are several common reasons for encountering problems when opening .STP (STEP) files, and they can be resolved by following these steps:

  1. Incompatible Software: If you are using software that does not support the .STP file format, you may encounter issues. Ensure that you have software capable of opening STEP files, such as CAD software or STEP file viewers.
  2. File Corruption: Sometimes, the .STP file itself may be corrupted, leading to problems when opening it. Try obtaining another copy of the file from the original source or ask the sender to resend it.
  3. Outdated Software: If you have outdated software, it may not support the latest version of the .STP file format. Check for software updates or consider upgrading to a newer version that supports the file format.
  4. Insufficient System Resources: Opening large or complex .STP files may require significant system resources. If your computer does not have enough memory or processing power, it may struggle to open the file. Close unnecessary programs or consider upgrading your hardware.
  5. Incorrect File Association: If your computer does not have the correct file association for .STP files, it may try to open them with the wrong program. Right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate software for opening .STP files.
  6. Security Settings: Some security settings or antivirus software may prevent the opening of .STP files. Temporarily disable any security software and try opening the file again.
  7. File Conversion: If all else fails, you can try converting the .STP file to a different format, such as .IGES or .DWG, using specialized conversion software. Then, open the converted file with the appropriate software.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek assistance from technical support or the file's creator to troubleshoot the specific problem further.

Are there any specific software or tools that can help in fixing issues with opening .STP files?

Yes, there are several software and tools that can help in fixing issues with opening .STP files. Some of the popular ones include:

  1. Autodesk Fusion 360: It is a 3D CAD/CAM software that can open and edit .STP files. It allows you to view and modify the geometry of the file.
  2. SolidWorks: It is a 3D CAD software that supports the .STP file format. It provides various tools to analyze and modify the file.
  3. FreeCAD: It is a free and open-source 3D CAD software that can import and export .STP files. It allows you to view, modify, and analyze the file.
  4. CATIA: It is a multi-platform software suite for CAD, CAM, and CAE. It supports .STP files and provides advanced tools for analysis and modification.
  5. Siemens NX: It is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE software that can open and edit .STP files. It offers a wide range of tools for design, simulation, and manufacturing.

These software tools can help in resolving issues related to opening or working with .STP files. However, the specific tool to choose depends on your requirements and the complexity of the file.

Are there any alternative file formats or conversion methods that can be used to overcome problems when opening .STP files?

Yes, there are alternative file formats and conversion methods that can be used to overcome problems when opening .STP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) files. Here are a few options:

  1. STEP File Viewer: If you are having trouble opening .STP files in your current software, you can try using a dedicated STEP file viewer. These viewers are specifically designed to open and view STEP files without any compatibility issues.
  2. CAD Software: If you have access to computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360, you can try opening the .STP file in one of these programs. CAD software usually supports multiple file formats, including .STP, and can provide a more robust environment for working with 3D models.
  3. Conversion to Other Formats: If you need to convert the .STP file to a different format, you can use software or online conversion tools. For example, you can convert the .STP file to .IGES, .OBJ, or .STL formats, which are widely supported by various 3D modeling software.
  4. Import/Export Options: Some software may have import/export options that allow you to convert .STP files to a compatible format. Check the documentation or settings of your software to see if this is possible.

It's worth noting that the success of these alternative methods may vary depending on the complexity of the .STP file and the software you are using.