The following settings are recommended up to CATIA V5R24 (V5-6R2014) (Dassault) and Autodesk Inventor 2017.

CATIA V5 (Dassault) – System

• Model should be cleaned of all unlinked information
• Delete unused elements from the NOSHOW area.

CATIA V5 (Dassault) - STEP Preprocessor

• Recommended settings in the STEP export options (Tools -> Options...-> Compatibility…-> STEP) :
• Choose the respective Application Protocol (AP): AP203, AP242 or AP214 (recommended).
• When exporting assemblies choose One Step File, because CC6 (External references) is not supported from all STEP processors.
• Do not export the NO SHOW area (set Export all entities: off).
• Optionally define the Header of STEP file.
• Validation properties are supported.
• If export a CATProduct:
• The option "work with cache system" has to be switched off (Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Cache Management)
• The root node has to be selected, otherwise only the node of the CATPart will be exported

STEP File

• An adjustment of the STEP file extension is not necessary.

Inventor - 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).
• The import log file "filename.xli" gives further information.

Inventor – System

• Shaded view is helpful and gives a first impression of the model quality.
• A volume calculation of the imported model gives more information about a successful import of a solid.