STL File Format Tips

From Pikes Peak Makerspace Wiki
Revision as of 16:52, 2 September 2024 by Warren (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.

 


Welcome banner

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
MathematicaExport the STL file format

Import STL files with software at PPM

Autodesk Fusion — Open designs
Autodesk Meshmixer — Import formats
Blender — Import_Export STL
MathematicaImport 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.)

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
  3D Printing — Filament (FDM)  
  3D Printing — Resin (SLA)  
  Computers — Windows  

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:

Autodesk Online Gallery
Cults 3D
GrabCAD
Thingiverse

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Contact Us if you cannot find your answer here on our Wiki or if you notice any information that is outdated.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.