PRIME MOTIONExporting bodies
A body can be saved as a STEP file, for other CAD software, or an STL file, for 3D printing and mesh tools. This is different from sharing the whole design as a .pmd file (see Importing and exporting designs): an export carries geometry only, with no sketches, history, parameters or toolpaths.
Export
- Select the bodies to export, or none to export a single body.
- In the design tree, open the ⋮ menu of a body under Bodies and tap Export…. The Export bodies drawer opens. If that body is part of the selection, the whole selection is exported; otherwise just that body.
- Choose the Format: STEP or STL.
- For STL, choose the refinement under STL refinement · binary · mm: Low, Medium (the default) or High.
- Under Destination, tap Choose… and pick a folder.
- Check the File name. It starts as the body's name, or ‹design›-bodies for several bodies.
- Tap Export. It reads Exporting… while it writes.
The result reads Exported N body(s) → ‹folder›, or Export failed — with the reason, or Export cancelled.
Which format
| STEP | STL | |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | Exact solid faces and curves | Triangles approximating the faces |
| Bodies per file | One or more | Exactly one |
| Units | Millimetres, recorded in the file | Millimetres, not recorded in the file |
| Use it for | Other CAD software | 3D printing and mesh tools |
STL is offered only when exactly one body is exported; several bodies always export as STEP. High refinement follows curved faces more closely, with more triangles and a larger file.