DS Mechanical is Goofy :P

[sgraber]

This is so weird:  I can import a STEP file into DesignSpark Mechanical, but only as Read-Only (so I can't do any modifications to it).

However: I can SAVE the Read-Only STEP file as a SketchUp .skp file, close the STEP file, then OPEN the .skp file and EDIT IT!

What's up with that?!  

[jimustanguitar]

They want to charge you $900 for that.

[BeeAmaker]

After you modify the .skp file can you then export out as STEP?

[sgraber]

Jun 23, 2015 13:06:16 GMT -5 BeeAmaker said:

After you modify the .skp file can you then export out as STEP?

Nope, unfortunately not.  I wish.

[bvandiepenbos]

yes you CAN edit the .step file in DS
.step files import as 'locked' you need you unlock it to edit. It is a bit convoluted, but not bad once you understand the trick.
I will try to explain it, but it would be easier to show you.

1. create a new component with a object in it (any object it does not matter as long as you create it native in DS)
2. import the .step
3. move the .step object in with the object you put in the new component 
4. right click on the new component select lock, then select unlock
5. this unlocks all the objects in the component, including the imported .step

clear as mud?

note: you can not unlock the .step object directly by simply right clicking it, the unlock is grayed out.

[bvandiepenbos]

export as step function costs $400