STL File Format Tips
STL is an acronym that stands for stereolithography, a method to approximate the surface geometry of a 3D model exclusively with triangles.
This file format is commonly used in 3D Printing, and it is commonly generated by Computer Aided Design (CAD) software or a 3D scanner.
The STL format does not include color, textures, or metadata (author, date of creation, etc.) of objects.
STL is a very common file format, but alternative formats include OBJ and STEP.
Alternatives to STL are 3MF and USDZ, both of which can include colors, textures, etc.
Tips
Software at PPM that previews STL
- Visual Studio Code (with extension)
- MediaWiki (with 3D Extension)
- (not Adobe Bridge)
- Preview (macOS) — on Wikipedia
- (Procreate supports only OBJ and USD.)
Software at PPM that Imports STL
- Autodesk Fusion — Open designs
- Autodesk Meshmixer — Import formats
- Blender 4.0 — Import_Export STL
- Mathematica — "Import and Export fully support the STL file format."
Software at PPM that Exports STL
- Autodesk Fusion — Export designs
- Autodesk Meshmixer — Export formats
- Blender 4.0 — Import_Export STL
- Mathematica — "Import and Export fully support the STL file format."
Classes
PPM announces its Upcoming events, including classes, on Meetup
Training — PPM Trainer(s) needed
Links to external sites:
- STL files — on Adobe.com
- STL (file format) — on Wikipedia
Member Showcase
- For even more member projects, visit our #showcase channel on Slack, or follow our social media links.
Related Pages
Links to related PPM Wiki pages:
- PrusaSlicer Tips
- Lychee Slicer Tips
- Autodesk Fusion Tips
- Adobe Photoshop Tips
- Blender Tips
- Visual Studio Code Tips
- USDZ File Format Tips
- GitHub Tips
Curated Links
Links to member-recommended external sites:
- STLFinder — search engine for free 3d models
- Autodesk Online Gallery, Cults 3D, GrabCAD, or Thingiverse files and models
- Cura slicer — alternative to PrusaSlicer
- Orca Slicer — alternative to PrusaSlicer
For Additional Help
- Use the PPM Slack channel #computing
- List of all PPM Slack channels
- Note that we have a Slack channel (#job-board) for members to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community.
Search the PPM Wiki — include Content pages as well as Multimedia.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.
Pikes Peak Makerspace (PPM) is dedicated to supporting our maker community in their creative processes by providing shared space, shared tools, materials, software, and a knowledge base to turn their ideas into reality.