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, and other "data about data").
STL is a very common file format. Alternative formats include OBJ and STEP.
Alternatives to STL are 3MF and USDZ, both of which can include colors and textures.
Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.
Tips
Export STL files with software at PPM
- Autodesk Fusion — Export designs
- Autodesk Meshmixer — Export formats
- Blender — Import_Export STL
- Adobe Photoshop — create and edit an STL file
- Mathematica — Export the STL file format
Import STL files with software at PPM
- Autodesk Fusion — Open designs
- Autodesk Meshmixer — Import formats
- Blender — Import_Export STL
- Mathematica — Import the STL file format
Preview STL files with software at PPM
- Preview (macOS) — on Wikipedia
- Visual Studio Code (with extension)
- (Procreate supports only OBJ and USD.)
External Training
Links to external sites:
- STL files — on Adobe.com
- STL (file format) — on Wikipedia
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
Hand-Curated Links
Links to member-recommended external sites:
- STLFinder — search engine for free 3d models
- Cura slicer — alternative to PrusaSlicer
- Orca Slicer — alternative to PrusaSlicer
Links to files and models:
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Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.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.