The following settings are recommended up to SolidWorks 2016 and CATIA V5R24 (V5-6R2014) (Dassault).

SolidWorks – System

SolidWorks - STEP Preprocessor

• To export a STEP file choose File -> Save as..., as file type choose STEP-Format (step, stp) and go to Options. A new dialog box appears.
• Under Output as the following options can be selected:
• Solid/Surface geometry: the geometry will be exported as solid and surface bodies. This is the recommended option.
• 3D curves: solid and surface bodies will be exported as wireframe entities and all 3D curves are also saved.
• Export sketch entities: export all the items in 3D curves, plus all 2D and 3D sketches in the document.
• Output coordinate system: by selecting default, no transformation matrix will be applied.
• Export face/edge properties: Exports face and edge properties. Clear this option to improve export performance.
• Split periodic faces: Splits periodic faces, such as cylindrical faces, into two. Splitting a periodic face can improve the quality of the export but can affect performance.

STEP File

• An adjustment of the STEP file is not necessary.

CATIA V5 (Dassault) - STEP Postprocessor

• To import a STEP File please choose File -> Open... and select STEP file.
• Recommended settings in the STEP import options (Tools -> Options... -> Compatibility) :
• It is recommended to set the Continuity Optimization for Curves and Surfaces for the C2 continuity on Automatic Optimization.
• STEP Assemblies created with the MAPPED_ITEM approach are not supported yet by the CATIA V5 translator.
• The import logfiles "filename.rpt" and "filename.err" gives further information.
• Validation properties are supported.

CATIA V5 (Dassault) – System

• Shaded view is helpful and gives a first impression of the model quality.
• Open.bodies are an indication of faces failures after the import of solids.
• The filename of the imported model must not have special characters.