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

[Karthik_1]

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..

[Van_AG]

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]

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,

[Karthik_1]

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 · Accepted solution]

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.

[JohnIngalls]

We've also had issues with flat-to-screen annotations/notes in Creo View.  They are sometimes too small to read, sometimes misaligned and off-screen, and sometimes too long and go off-screen.  They won't zoom or move, so they're not fully readable.

If flat-to-screen annotations/notes are not fully readable or controllable in Creo View, and not supported in AP242 or JT, or standard conversions to 3DPDF or 3DHTML, then why is this option available in Creo Parametric?  Designers with Creo are not the only target viewing audience.  Either delete the capability or else work with the other products/orgs to ensure compatibility downstream.  This is a hindrance to a fully Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) at many points across the life cycle.