How do you convert a .STEP file to use with LDraw?

[Aidan Blake]

I stumbled on this problem some time ago, and had a hard time finding a converter not costing an arm... Here is the process I use:
- Download and install FreeCAD https://www.freecadweb.org/
- Open your STEP file in FreeCAD
- Switch FreeCAD to mesh design mode
- Meshes -> Create mesh from shape (option: standard meshing)
- Select the meshed result, then meshes -> export mesh -> ASCII STL (*.stl)
- Convert the resulting stl to LDraw file using stl2dat (https://sourceforge.net/projects/stl2dat/)

stl2dat is also included in LETGUI distribution that has the benefit of providing a GUI around command line tools (http://ldraw.heidemann.org/index.php?page=letgui)

Feel free to ask if you need more details!

Thanks a lot! Your method works for me too because I use Artec Studio and it supports .stl file format. But what if I have .obj files also? Any tips you might have to give?

Aidan.