The following settings are recommended up to CATIA V4.2.5 (Dassault) and SolidWorks 2016.

CATIA V4 (Dassault) - System

• No elements should be placed in NOSHOW/NOPICK.
• Model should be cleaned of all unused information, because the translator exports the complete content of CATIA-parts. Delete:
• Unused DETAILS (in all workspaces)
• Unused elements from NOSHOW (in all workspaces)
• Drawings
• Update SOLID-M into SOLID-E with CATSOE utility.
• Perform SOLIDE/UPDATE, also if message UPDATE ALREADY DONE appears. (Regeneration removes inconsistencies.)
• Generate Volumes from SOLID-E and delete SOLID-E in all workspaces. (Geometry is still exported as a solid in STEP.)
• Scaled and mirrored dittos (EXPLODE function) should not be used.
• Before export elements of special CATIA modules (e.g. PIPING, BUILDING DESIGN) need to be converted to STEP conform elements.
• Use CATCLN.
• Assembly structures in SETs should be transferred to DETAILS.
• Link all SETs if possible (SETS -> LINK).
• Solids/Volumes consisting of separate Bodies should be avoided.
• Objects used for Boolean operations should show good penetration.

STEP Preprocessor

• Option "Use Short Names" should be deselected (unless appropriate libraries are available).
• Recommended settings in Declaration File:
• CATST1.STEP.USE_SHORT_ALIAS=FALSE
• CATST1.STEP.EXPORT_NO_SHOW=FALSE
• CATST1.STEP.EXPORT_UNUSED_DETAILS=FALSE

STEP File

• No adjustment is necessary.

STEP Postprocessor

• To import a STEP File please choose File -> Open... and select STEP file.
• It is recommended to import the STEP files first without any automatic healing (in options selectable).

Solid Works - System

• In case of an assembly a *.cfg file is created. This one contains the Display Configurations of the model.