SLDPRT to TXT Converter

SLDPRT to TXT Conversion Explained

Converting a .SLDPRT file to a .TXT file is a data extraction process, not a 3D model translation. When you convert .SLDPRT to .TXT, you extract readable alphanumeric data from a proprietary 3D CAD model and save it as plain text.

This conversion permanently destroys all 3D geometry, feature trees, sketches, and visual rendering. The output is strictly text. People perform this conversion to extract Bill of Materials (BOM) data, custom properties, mass properties, or specific XYZ coordinate points. You gain universal readability and a tiny file size, but you lose the actual 3D model. If you need to retain 3D geometry for another CAD program, this conversion is a bad idea. You should use .STEP or .IGES instead.

Typical Tasks and Users

This conversion serves specific data-processing workflows rather than design tasks.

• Data Analysts and ERP Managers: Extracting custom properties (like material, vendor, or part numbers) from .SLDPRT files to import into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) databases.
• CNC Programmers: Exporting specific point coordinates or equation-driven curve data into a text format to feed into custom machining scripts.
• Software Developers: Parsing SolidWorks metadata for automated reporting without requiring a local CAD installation.

Software & Tool Support

Because .SLDPRT is a proprietary binary format, standard text editors cannot read it directly. Specialized tools are required to extract the text.

• SolidWorks: The native software by Dassault Systèmes. Users can use "Save As" to export equations or BOMs as text, or write VBA/C# macros via the SolidWorks API to export custom properties to .TXT.
• eDrawings: A free viewer that allows users to view .SLDPRT files and manually copy certain property data, though automated export is limited.
• Python: Developers often use Python with the pywin32 library to interact with the SolidWorks API and automate the extraction of part data into .TXT files.
• Notepad++ or VS Code: Standard text editors used to view, edit, and format the resulting .TXT files.

Pros and Cons of the Conversion

Pros:

• Universal Compatibility: .TXT files open on any operating system without specialized software.
• File Size: Text files are extremely small (usually a few kilobytes), making them easy to store and share.
• Automation: Plain text is easy to parse using scripts, databases, and command-line tools.

Cons:

• Total Geometry Loss: All 3D shapes, parametric relationships, and visual data are discarded.
• No Reverse Conversion: You cannot convert a .TXT file back into a functional .SLDPRT 3D model.
• Complex Extraction: You cannot simply rename the file extension. Opening a raw .SLDPRT in a text editor displays unreadable binary gibberish.

Conversion Difficulties & Why Convert.Guru

The main technical difficulty in converting .SLDPRT to .TXT is the proprietary OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) storage structure of SolidWorks files. Standard file converters fail because they attempt to read the binary geometry data as text characters, resulting in corrupted output. True conversion requires parsing the file structure to locate and extract specific text streams, such as metadata, custom properties, or embedded tables.

Convert.Guru handles this exact problem. Instead of forcing a binary-to-text misinterpretation, Convert.Guru safely scans the .SLDPRT file, extracts the available human-readable metadata and properties, and formats them into a clean .TXT file. This provides a simple way to access part data without writing custom API scripts or buying a SolidWorks license.

SLDPRT vs. TXT: What is the better choice?

Which format should you choose?

Choose .SLDPRT when you are designing, editing, or sharing 3D parts with other engineers who use SolidWorks. It is the only format that retains the full parametric feature history of the part.

Choose .TXT only when you need to extract text-based data—such as part numbers, material properties, or coordinate lists—to feed into a database, spreadsheet, or custom script.

If your goal is to open the 3D model in a different CAD program (like AutoCAD, Inventor, or Blender), avoid .TXT entirely. Convert your file to a neutral 3D format like .STEP, .IGES, or .STL.

Conclusion

Converting .SLDPRT to .TXT makes sense only for specialized data extraction workflows, such as pulling metadata or coordinates for ERP systems and scripts. The biggest limitation to watch for is the complete and irreversible loss of all 3D geometry. For users who need to extract readable text from a SolidWorks part without installing expensive CAD software, Convert.Guru offers a reliable, automated solution to convert .SLDPRT to .TXT accurately.