STL File Format Tips

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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.

 


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 mesh files
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 — Import mesh files
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
  3D Printing — Filament (FDM)  
  3D Printing — Resin (SLA)  
  Computers  

Curated Links

Links to member-recommended external sites:

Download files and models from Autodesk Online Gallery, Cults 3D, GrabCAD, or Thingiverse
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Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.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.