Turn STEP / STP models into visual instructions

Check beta availability

STEP and STP are two extensions for the same supported CAD exchange format. Use this workflow to explain where parts belong and which components an instruction refers to.

This guide describes the STEP CAD beta preview. Availability depends on your deployment. If STEP CAD upload is absent after enabling Allow beta features in User Profile, use PDF drawings or images and ask the StepGen team about access.

Add the model as a source

1. 1

   Open the project where you are preparing the instructions.

2. 2

   Add your .step or .stp file through the source upload area when CAD upload is available. Keep the file within 25 MiB.

3. 3

   Wait for CAD processing to finish before opening its preview or generating instructions. Larger assemblies may take longer.

4. 4

   Add PDF process sheets or Text Notes that describe the actual procedure, required tools, and checks.

Find the view your operator needs

1. 1

   Open the processed CAD source to see its 3D preview and component list.

2. 2

   Drag to rotate, scroll or pinch to zoom, and use two fingers or right-drag to pan.

3. 3

   Choose Iso, Front, Back, Left, Right, or Top for a standard orientation. Use Fit model in view to bring the model back into frame.

4. 4

   Find and select the components relevant to the action. Choose Isolate to focus on them, or Hide to reveal parts behind them.

5. 5

   Choose Show all to return to the full assembly before preparing a different instruction.

Enlarge

Example rendered CAD view from beta validation. A useful instruction view makes component position and orientation clear; colors and names depend on your source model.

Save a view for an instruction

Prefer one clear purpose per view. An overview helps the operator orient themselves; a close view helps identify a connection or inspection point.

Where automatic CAD views are available during instruction generation, review each attached view for the correct components and angle. Replace an unhelpful view with a manually saved one.

1. 1

   Frame the relevant components with enough surrounding detail to show their position.

2. 2

   Choose Save view and give the view an action-oriented name, such as “Locate the mounting plate.”

3. 3

   Use the saved view in the project’s media workflow and attach it to the corresponding instruction step.

4. 4

   Restore a saved view from Saved views when you need to revisit its camera position and visible components.

Review the instructions against the process

• Check that component names and selected geometry match the intended part.
• Confirm that every action and safety statement comes from approved process information.
• Check any automatically selected view against the step description before sharing.
• After replacing or changing a CAD source, create fresh views when previous saved views are marked outdated.
• Preview the shared instructions or export to confirm the views remain readable at the size your team will use.

Get unstuck