# Importing STP and using Path from Curve **URL:** \ **Category:** RobotStudio S4\ **Created:** [June 29, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403 "2005-06-29T22:58:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PaulMoore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@PaulMoore](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/PaulMoore)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403/1 "2005-06-29T22:58:57Z")
Hello Everyone - I have imported a STP model of a part and need to use the “Path from Curve” function. I am only able to select surfaces and the whole part - the button to change to “Selection Level Curve” ir grey (not black) but can be pressed. I have also tried snap mode edge also with no luck. In the “Create Path from Curve” dialog I can not get a curve selected - and the “OK” button is not made available to proceed. Any ideas? Thanks Paul ---
**Author:** ![Per\_Svensson](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/tech-community.robotics.abb.com/per_svensson/32/3412_2.png) [@Per\_Svensson](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/Per_Svensson)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2005, 9:10am UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403/2 "2005-06-30T09:10:11Z")
Hi Paul The reason is that the STL format is only graphics no geometry included which is needed if you for example want to use snap modes. The best way to get curves into RS is to import them as iges. ---
**Author:** ![Klaus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e99b99/32.png) [@Klaus](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/Klaus)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2005, 10:59am UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403/3 "2005-06-30T10:59:26Z")
Hey poul. I have had the sane problem with both stl and iges. I use SAT export from solidworks and it works. I can convert for you if you can make a iges or Parasolid file. Best regards Klaus :stuck\_out\_tongue\_winking\_eye: ---
**Author:** ![PaulMoore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@PaulMoore](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/PaulMoore)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2005, 2:27pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403/4 "2005-06-30T14:27:01Z")
Thanks to both of you Per & Klaus. I was not aware of the issue with STL, I do not STL in the list with STP However. Does this apply to all of the STEP models (.stp , .STEP , .P21) ?? I work for an integrator and we are activly sellling RS. If the customers 3D CAD only exports these fromats I would like to know ahead of time. Or if someone has a cheat sheet listing the the pros and cons of each of the different 3D model formats that would also be helpfull. Thanks again Paul ---
**Author:** ![Per\_Svensson](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/tech-community.robotics.abb.com/per_svensson/32/3412_2.png) [@Per\_Svensson](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/Per_Svensson)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2005, 2:41pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/importing-stp-and-using-path-from-curve/403/5 "2005-06-30T14:41:11Z")
Hi Paul There is a lot of different formats out there but the once you should be aware of is STL and VRML because the just have graphics (no geometry). So why use them? well if you just have them as graphical presentation they are good because they don’t consume the graphic card as other formats do because it’s usally the geometry that needs the most of the graphic performance. When working with RS acis (SAT) is the best format because then there is no conversion, all other formats will be converted when you import them to RS o thru the CAD converter. Hope this will help you