Needing some help - new to CAD

[Anonymous]

Hi,   I am really new to cad - so I am hoping that someone can help me.  I am trying to import an STL file (which I can do), open it (which I can do), and EXPORT it as an STP file (which I can kinda do).  The problem is that the STP files are only 3KB, and they can't be opened.  After the file is opened, I go to "EXPORT", change the file type to "STEP" and click save. Am I missing a step? 

Any help would be welcome

[TrippyLighting]

Yes, you are missing one step and mostly proper information.

STL files were really only a one way data format to besent to a stereolithography printer. They don't per se contain CAD data as that usually means some form of solid or surface model.

STL files really only contain somtimes very dense triangle meshes.

If you are able to import it into Fusion 360 you can try to convert it into a Brep. There ate menu option in hte odify menu I believe.

If the mesh has less than 10k polygoons tha conversion might go OK, but it depends. If the mesh is open or in other words does not fully enclose a vlume and has holes and gaps in ot it will not convert into  a solid BRep.

That BRep you might be able to export into a STEP file. Might one ask what you want to do with that STEP file ?