Why is X_T preferred over STEP for exchanging models between SolidWorks and Solid Edge?

Because both SolidWorks and Solid Edge are built on the Parasolid geometric kernel, transferring files via X_T is native and lossless. Converting to STEP introduces a translator layer that can occasionally fail or create minor face errors.

Can X_T files store parametric feature design history?

No. While X_T preserves mathematically perfect boundary surfaces, volumes, colors, and assembly hierarchies, it does not store the parametric feature history tree or assembly constraints.

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Software That Opens & Edits X_T Files (51 Tools, 2026)

X_T (ASCII) and X_B (Binary) are the native geometric kernel formats for Siemens Parasolid, the modeling engine that powers SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, Onshape, and over 300 other commercial CAD applications. Because it represents precise boundary representation (B-Rep) solid geometry, Parasolid files are the highest-fidelity neutral exchange format for transferring models between systems sharing the Parasolid kernel. Using X_T avoids the typical translation errors and topology issues that occur when converting to generic formats.

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Frequently asked

Why is X_T preferred over STEP for exchanging models between SolidWorks and Solid Edge?: Because both SolidWorks and Solid Edge are built on the Parasolid geometric kernel, transferring files via X_T is native and lossless. Converting to STEP introduces a translator layer that can occasionally fail or create minor face errors.
Can X_T files store parametric feature design history?: No. While X_T preserves mathematically perfect boundary surfaces, volumes, colors, and assembly hierarchies, it does not store the parametric feature history tree or assembly constraints.

Full read & write support (21)

M
MastercamRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The global leader in CAM software for manufacturing.
N
nTopRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
Engineering design software for additive manufacturing.
O
OnshapeRead & Write
Subscription · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9
The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.
R3
Rhino 3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9
The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.
S
SolidWorksRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.9
The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.
C
CimatronRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Integrated CAD/CAM for mold and die makers.
SN
Siemens NXRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.
VM
VISI ModellingRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
Specialized CAD/CAM for the mold and die industry.
S
Shapr3DRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / iOS · ★ 4.7
Professional CAD for mobile and desktop mobility.
SE
Solid EdgeRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional 3D CAD with industry-leading Synchronous Technology.
AW
ANSYS WorkbenchRead & Write
Subscription · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.6
Unified Ansys simulation platform for project management, geometry prep, and multi-physics coupling.
CM
COMSOL MultiphysicsRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.6
Coupled multi-physics finite element simulation across electromagnetics, structures, fluids, and chemistry.
AI
Altair InspireRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Generative design and rapid FEA platform from Altair, with topology optimization at its core.
AD
ANSYS DiscoveryRead & Write
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.5
Real-time simulation-driven design with live solver feedback during modeling.
Z
ZW3DRead & Write
Subscription / Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.5
All-in-one 3D CAD/CAM solution from ZWSOFT.
CE
CAD ExchangerRead & Write
Freemium · Windows / macOS / Linux / Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.3
Mobile 3D CAD viewer and converter for multiple file formats.
T
TebisRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.9
German CAD/CAM/CAQ/MES software for die, model, and machine manufacturing.
V
VisiRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.7
CAD/CAM software by Hexagon for mold, die, and progressive die design.
K
KISSsoftRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.6
Swiss gear calculation and design software for mechanical engineering.
K
KOMPAS-3DRead & Write
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 0.0
Professional 3D CAD software for mechanical engineering with parametric modeling, solid/surface/sheet metal design, and integrated analysis tools.
T
TopSolidRead & Write
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
TopSolid, a global leader in CAD/CAM/ERP software publishing, primarily targets the mechanical engineering, sheet metal

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AM
ANSYS MechanicalRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.9
The gold standard for structural FEA simulation.
M
MagicsRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.9
Data and build preparation for 3D printing.
MN
MSC NastranRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.9
NASA-born structural analysis solver, now by Hexagon.
AH
Altair HyperWorksRead Only
Subscription · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8
Comprehensive simulation-driven design platform.
F3
Fusion 360Read Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8
The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.
PC
PTC CreoRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.
S
SolidCAMRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.8
The leading integrated CAM for SolidWorks.
A
AbaqusRead Only
Subscription · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.7
High-fidelity non-linear finite element analysis from Dassault Systèmes Simulia.
AF
ANSYS FluentRead Only
Subscription · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.7
Industry-leading CFD solver for fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and reaction simulations.
AI
Autodesk InventorRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.7
Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.
C
CAMWorksRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.6
Knowledge-based CAM solution by HCL Technologies.
SS
Simcenter STAR-CCM+Read Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.6
Multi-physics CFD platform from Siemens Digital Industries, strong in marine, turbomachinery, and electronics cooling.
K
KeyShotRead Only
Subscription · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.5
Real-time ray-tracing rendering software for product visualization and industrial design.
MA
MSC AdamsRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.5
Multibody dynamics simulation for mechanisms, vehicles, and powertrains.
C
CADPropsRead Only
Free · Web · ★ 4.4
Free browser-based multi-format CAD viewer and engineering measurement platform.
F
FemapRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.4
Siemens Femap is a CAD-independent FEA pre/postprocessor primarily paired with NX Nastran.
AN
Autodesk NetfabbRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.3
Industrial additive manufacturing prep, lattice, and build-plate optimization.
MP
MSC PatranRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.2
Long-standing FEA preprocessor and post-processor from Hexagon/MSC, tightly paired with MSC Nastran.
A
AutoFormRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 4.1
Swiss software platform for sheet metal forming and BiW assembly process engineering.
H
hyperMILLRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 4.0
German CAD/CAM software for optimized NC milling and turning programs for machine tools.
M
MoldflowRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 4.0
Autodesk injection molding simulation software for plastic part and mold design.
G
GibbsCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.9
Cutting-edge CAM software for programming CNC machine tools with power and flexibility.
M
Moldex3DRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 3.9
Taiwanese plastic injection molding simulation software for advanced analysis.
E
EdgecamRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
CAM software by Hexagon for CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis machining.
F
FeatureCAMRead Only
Subscription · Windows · ★ 3.8
Automated CAM software for CNC milling, turning, and Swiss machining — offered as Autodesk Fusion with FeatureCAM.
W
WorkNCRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.8
French CAM software for 2-5 axis milling with automatic feature recognition.
A
AlphaCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.6
UK-based CAM software for woodworking, stone, and metal cutting.
B
BobCAD-CAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based affordable CAD/CAM software for CNC machining with 2-5 axis capabilities.
S
SURFCAMRead Only
Perpetual · Windows · ★ 3.5
US-based CAM software for 2-5 axis milling, turning, and wire EDM.
E
ESPRITRead Only
Custom Quote · Windows · ★ 0.0
High-performance CAM software for CNC programming, covering 2-5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, and Swiss-type machining.

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Full read & write support (21)

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