Skip to main content
K
Karthik_18-Gravel
8-Gravel
June 17, 2025
Solved

MBD : Issues with STP 242 Export from Creo MBD – Notes, Symbols, and Semantic Reference

  • June 17, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 981 views

Hello Community,

While working with Creo MBD and exporting the models in STEP AP 242 format for downstream use, I'm facing the following issues:

  1. Notes and Symbols Misalignment

    • Annotations placed using the "Flat to Screen" display option are not exporting correctly.
    • After import, their orientation and scaling appear distorted or inconsistent with the original combined state view.

  2. Semantic PMI Reference Issues

    • Some semantic references, especially surfaces selected for dimensions like shaft lengths, appear to be mapped incorrectly or changed post-export/import.

I would like to know:

  • Are there recommended export settings or best practices in Creo for ensuring accurate STEP 242 output (especially for semantic PMI and screen annotations)?
  • Similarly, are there any import settings or tool-specific considerations for maintaining annotation fidelity in the target system?
  • Is it advisable to avoid using “flat to screen” annotations when targeting STEP 242 format?

 

Creo 8.0 user..

    Best answer by Chris3

    People doing MBD are not using them because they are not supported. Or they are working with a 3D PDF vendor that searches for the word "NOTES:" and then pulls that text into a notes dialog within the 3D PDF.

     

    People that want to have notes exported via the model are putting them on an annotation plane that can be set to be "flat" to screen in a combo state which achieves a similar effect.

    2 replies

    Van_AG
    Van_AG15-Moonstone
    15-Moonstone
    June 17, 2025

    Please see the CS300729 regarding 'flat to screen' annotations

    • Flat-to-screen notes are not supported in STEP AP242 schema
    • Creo Parametric turn this type of notes into regular note on plane



     

     

      Catalina
      CatalinaCommunity Manager
      Community Moderator
      June 23, 2025

      Hi @Karthik_1,

       

      I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

       

      If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution or please feel free to detail in a reply what has helped you and mark it as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.

       

      Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation.

       

      Thanks,

      Catalina | PTC Community Moderator
        K
        Karthik_18-GravelAuthor
        8-Gravel
        June 24, 2025

        Thanks my question is partially answered that step242 doesn't support flat to screen notes.

         

        But it would be helpful if someone answers on how the current market is dealing with exporting the flat tonscreen notes. 

         

        1.Which neutral file format supports flat to screen notes. ?

        2.If flat to screen notes is not transferable to downstream non-creo users, how does it serves its full purpose ?

         

        Thanks.

          Chris3
          Chris321-Topaz IAnswer
          21-Topaz I
          June 24, 2025

          People doing MBD are not using them because they are not supported. Or they are working with a 3D PDF vendor that searches for the word "NOTES:" and then pulls that text into a notes dialog within the 3D PDF.

           

          People that want to have notes exported via the model are putting them on an annotation plane that can be set to be "flat" to screen in a combo state which achieves a similar effect.

            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement