The following settings are recommended up to SolidWorks 2016 and CATIA V4.2.5 with COM/STEP 4.3.1.0.

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 V4 (T-Systems) - STEP Postprocessor

• The COM/STEP STEP processor can be used in batch, interactive and java mode. The following descriptions refer to the Java GUI.
• Menu CATIA:
  Set dimension of CATIA model to required values.
  INDEX and DATA size should always be set to generous values (50000, 200000, or rather (100000, 200000).
• Menu Conversion:
  Represent face identifier: NO
  Supporting surface of face into: NOSHOW
• The import log file gives further information.

CATIA V4 (T-Systems) – System

• Each component of an imported assembly is located in a separate workspace.
• The master workspace shows the whole assembly.
• To remove the text added to the model use: TEXT -> ERASE -> *FAC+*SUR etc.
• Shaded view is helpful for a first impression of model quality.
• With IDENTIFY look for received SOL, VOL or SKI.
• Use CATCLN.