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SPECIFICTION
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Step

apps.kde.org

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 8.2 #22 of 89 in Physics Simulation Software

What it is

Step is a free Linux desktop application for exploring physical systems through interactive simulations. Users can change body and force properties while a simulation runs. Supported models include two-dimensional classical mechanics, molecular dynamics, sound waves, and deformable bodies, with particles, damped springs, gravitational and Coulomb forces, rigid bodies, and collision handling. Step calculates unit conversions, expressions, error propagation, and solver error estimates. Explicit and implicit solvers reach 8th order, with optional adaptive timesteps; most require GSL. Graph, meter, and tracer tools visualize results, while a controller changes properties using keyboard shortcuts. Tutorials, example experiments, object information, and an integrated Wikipedia browser provide learning material. More examples can be downloaded through KNewStuff. Expression calculations such as unit conversion require libqalculate. Step is GPL-2.0+ software, and its StepCore library can be used separately. The listed release is Step 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Step is an interactive physical simulator for exploring the physical world through simulations.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Support
Help is available through the Step Handbook, KDE forum, the kde-edu mailing list, and the #kde-edu Libera.chat channel.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
License
Step is listed under the GPL-2.0+ license.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
3D visuals
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Additional experiments
More example experiments can be downloaded with KNewStuff.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Authoring tools
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Calculations
Step can calculate unit conversions, expressions, error propagation, and solver error estimates.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Delivery mode
desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Dependency
Expression calculations such as unit conversion require libqalculate.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Experiment editing
Users can change body and force properties, including while a simulation is running.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Forces and objects
Supported elements include particles, damped springs, gravitational and Coulomb forces, rigid bodies, and collision handling.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Latest listed release
The page lists Step 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Learning resources
The application includes tutorials, example experiments, object context information, and an integrated Wikipedia browser.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Lesson library
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Library
StepCore is the underlying physical simulation library and can be used without Step in code or other software requiring simulation functionality.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Simulation types
It supports two-dimensional classical mechanics, molecular dynamics, sound waves, and deformable bodies.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Solver options
It offers explicit and implicit solvers up to 8th order, with or without adaptive timesteps; most solvers require GSL.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Visualization and controls
Graph, meter, and tracer tools visualize results, and a controller tool can adjust properties during simulation using custom keyboard shortcuts.Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Plans and prices

Step Free GPL-2.0+ · Linux Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Every Step plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GPL-2.0+ Linux desktop software
  • Supports several simulation types
  • Solvers reach 8th order
  • Includes tutorials and example experiments
  • StepCore library can be used separately

Limits

  • Linux platform only
  • Most solvers require GSL
  • Expression calculations require libqalculate
  • No 3D visuals

Who it suits

Step suits Linux users learning or experimenting with simulated physical systems, including people who want editable experiments and built-in tutorials.

Verdict

Step combines editable physical simulations with calculation tools, visualization controls, and learning resources. Linux users can explore several models for free, while dependencies apply to many solvers and expression calculations.

Where Specifiction places it

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