PCB Libraries Forum : STEP to PDF https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:54:33 +0000 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:15:40 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2231 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[STEP to PDF : Are you referring to a 3D PDF...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post10788.html#10788 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2231
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 9:15am

Are you referring to a 3D PDF file to render the component package? 

There is no "Free" software that can do this and there are copyrights on the process of exporting STEP files to a PDF file that can be rendered. SolidWorks is the best software for this process. 

One license of SolidWorks Standard is $3,995. The Annual Subscription service for a standard license, which covers technical support, upgrades, and more for one year, is $1,295.

PCB Libraries, Inc. does not have any plans on developing 3D STEP models to PDF rendering option. We would have to pay a royalty to someone who already developed this technology. 

Everybody wants to get paid and "Free" is very rare for good software. 

]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:15:40 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post10788.html#10788 <![CDATA[STEP to PDF : Hello Tom!I don&#039;t know if...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post10787.html#10787 Author: MartiniP
Subject: 2231
Posted: 20 Jun 2020 at 2:25am

Hello Tom!

I don't know if I should have created a new thread in the forum, but I have a question about converting STEP to PDF. Solidworks is no doubt a great and powerful tool for this, but unfortunately it is paid software. 

Is there any other way to do this, free if possible. At the moment I am using the trial version for this: exporting STEP from Artec Studio into demo version of SolidWorks -> PDF files. But the subscription to the trial version will end soon. 

Thank you in advance. 

]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2020 02:25:20 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post10787.html#10787 <![CDATA[STEP to PDF : Thanks Tom. This is good information....]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9231.html#9231 Author: rarnold
Subject: 2231
Posted: 27 Sep 2017 at 3:57pm

Thanks Tom.  This is good information.]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2017 15:57:24 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9231.html#9231 <![CDATA[STEP to PDF : A .STEP file is becoming the standard...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9230.html#9230 Author: Tom H
Subject: 2231
Posted: 27 Sep 2017 at 2:23pm

A .STEP file is becoming the standard format for 3D model technology, but you need a software program to import it and print PDF. 

SolidWorks has the best PDF print option in the industry. You can open a STEP file and select "File > Save As > PDF" and there are 2 options. 
  1. Plain PDF
  2. 3D Render PDF (click and drag left mouse button to rotate 3D model)

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:23:32 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9230.html#9230 <![CDATA[STEP to PDF : Is there aneasy (and free) way...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9229.html#9229 Author: rarnold
Subject: 2231
Posted: 27 Sep 2017 at 2:18pm

Is there an easy (and free) way to convert a PCBL generated STEP file to PDF without using a CAD Tool?]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:18:18 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-to-pdf_topic2231_post9229.html#9229