Cannot import STEP files in AutoCAD

Autodesk Support

Feb 20, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

When trying to import a STEP file into an AutoCAD drawing, the following balloon message appears:


Import Failed
The specified file is invalid or unsupported

Import Failed dialog box 

 

Causes:

  • STEP file is damaged
  • There is no model data in the STEP file
  • AutoCAD is running in an unsupported environment
  • Windows 8.1 is being used with AutoCAD 2015 or older
  • Corrupt DLL files

Solution:

Do one or more of the following:
  • Uninstall then reinstall the program. 
  • Install the latest updates for AutoCAD. See Autodesk Downloads.
    • For AutoCAD verticals, install all the update packages of the base AutoCAD in the correct order starting from the earliest to latest, when install the updates for the vertical in the same way. 
  • Verify the STEP file works in another program. A good troubleshooting step is to reopen the file in the application that created it.
  • Get a new copy of the STEP file from the authoring program.
  • In another program, re-save the STEP to SAT format and import that into AutoCAD.
  • Import the STEP file into AutoCAD on a Windows OS system.

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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