# Can't import files (STP, STEP, IGES)

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [March 13, 2017, 11:39pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842 "2017-03-13T23:39:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Gabor\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/gabor_shapr3d/32/235_2.png) [@Gabor\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Gabor_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/22 "2017-12-13T14:07:22Z")

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Thanks. Doing our best!

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**Author:** ![VincentE2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/3ec8ea/32.png) [@VincentE2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/VincentE2020)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2020, 5:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/23 "2020-03-26T17:24:30Z")

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What do you change the extension to??

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**Author:** ![Victor\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/victor_shapr3d/32/3502_2.png) [@Victor\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Victor_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2020, 7:25pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/24 "2020-03-26T19:25:19Z")

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Hi Vincent,

Please can you provide more info on the issue you are experiecing?

We would be glad to assist 🙂

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**Author:** ![VincentE2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/3ec8ea/32.png) [@VincentE2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/VincentE2020)\
**Post date:** [March 26, 2020, 7:42pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/25 "2020-03-26T19:42:24Z")

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I’ve been trying to import an stl file into shapr3d to edit the thickness of it. Not the size or width. I was told about a video that uses boolean and one of your other support personnel asked to see a picture of what I was trying to do and said he would get back with me but hasn’t as of yet. I then ran across others in the forum that have from what I can understand, converted the stl file to a step file, then exported it into shapr3d that way and was able to edit but I couldn’t do it thru the apple file system. they then recommended dropbox. I tried that and when trying to import I just get the attached picture.

 ![IMG_1284.PNG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/2X/2/26417bfb6053207e59ba79f92e2e383cb22122c6.jpeg)  
I just purchased shapr3d last night with the intent of modifying stl files. I can’t seem to get them in there to do so. Any advice?

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**Author:** ![Victor\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/victor_shapr3d/32/3502_2.png) [@Victor\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Victor_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [March 27, 2020, 8:39am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/26 "2020-03-27T08:39:08Z")

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Hi Vincent, I apologize for my late comeback and thanks for sharing the image as requested.

The thickness of the symbol can not be adjusted using Boolean tools - Boolean tools allow adjusting design shapes by intersecting or making cutouts with newly created solid bodies.

Let’s see if we can make the converted file work- can you try using Mesh Mixer  
[MeshMixer is a free mesh editing program which you can download from AutoDesk’s website](http://www.meshmixer.com/)

To import an STL file simply click on **Import** and browse for your object  
Click on **Edit \> Make solid**

Give this a try and let me know if you are able to import the out STEP file.

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**Author:** ![VincentE2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/3ec8ea/32.png) [@VincentE2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/VincentE2020)\
**Post date:** [March 27, 2020, 5:47pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/27 "2020-03-27T17:47:44Z")

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I tried the meshmixer. I believe I was able to make the stl file a solid but when trying to _ **export** _ it it does not give me the option of a .step file. Same if I try to _ **save** _ it.

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**Author:** ![VincentE2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/3ec8ea/32.png) [@VincentE2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/VincentE2020)\
**Post date:** [March 29, 2020, 8:04pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/28 "2020-03-29T20:04:18Z")

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What do I need to incorporate a . step file into shapr3D?

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**Author:** ![Victor\_Shapr3D](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/victor_shapr3d/32/3502_2.png) [@Victor\_Shapr3D](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Victor_Shapr3D)\
**Post date:** [March 30, 2020, 9:02am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cant-import-files-stp-step-iges/842/29 "2020-03-30T09:02:21Z")

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Hi, I see that Meshmixer does not allow STEP file export, my bad.

You can use Freecad for this and also in the future for your downloaded STL files - if you would need to futher edit the modeI I would rather reccomend that you please download in STEP or IGES format instead.

Here’s how to convert STL files to STEP format using FreeCAD:  
[https://grabcad.com/tutorials/how-to-convert-stl-to-step-using-freecad](https://grabcad.com/tutorials/how-to-convert-stl-to-step-using-freecad)

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