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Home > Supported File Formats > STEP to Maya


How to convert STEP (.step,.stp) to Maya (.ma,.mb)?


PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

     

STEP

STEP is the defacto 'go-to' MCAD translation file format when you do not have access to the original CAD part and assembly files. It is a long standing 'industry standard' that can be used to move MCAD/CAD file assets into many downstream 3D programs and file formats. Okino's PolyTrans|CAD provides for a defacto 3D STEP file conversion solution used by the world's primary & professional engineering, aerospace, military, corporate, animation/multi-media and VR/AR industries. STEP uses the .stp and .step file extensions.

STEP files are readable ASCII files which encode CAD parts and assembly information. Most respectable MCAD modellers will actively and correctly support the STEP AP203 and AP214 file formats. STEP was originally developed to supercede the IGES file format but has mostly supplemented but not replaced IGES. You would either want to export a "STEP AP214" file or an "IGES BREP solids" file depending on the MCAD modeller.

A much deeper overview plus explanation of STEP, and how it can be best used + understood, is outlined in this Okino WEB page.

Most people initially come to Okino asking for a STEP importer but it should only be used in specific situations as outlined in our "CAD Data Sourcing Suggestons and Rules".

     

Maya

Maya is a well known and respected DCC/Animation system which had originally been developed by Alias Research in Canada then purchased by Autodesk in 2006 after Alias went bankrupt.

As is very little understood, no program on this planet can read or write Maya ".ma" (ASCII) or ".mb" (binary) files because the full geometry modifier stack of the Maya software, and its various plugin modules, are needed in order to properly evaluate the file before it can be rendered. This is what forced Okino to write its well known PolyTrans-for-Maya system, which allows for all Okino 3D converters to run within Maya itself. For example, if you want to convert to/from CINEMA 4D (.c4d files) then you would do so entirely inside of Maya.

Due to multi-decades history, Maya users are notorious for using the OBJ file format to convert files to/from other software packages just as 3ds Max users wrongly use the 1985-era .3ds file format. OBJ is an "okay" file format but there are much better or more preferred methods to convert the data.