CAD formats

What is the STL format?

STL — Stereolithography 3D Model

STL is the standard file format for 3D printing: a model described as a surface of triangles, without colours or textures.

RW converts both ways STL Converter

Convert STL to

Convert to STL

About the STL format

STL was created by 3D Systems in 1987 for stereolithography printers. It stores only geometry, a mesh of triangles, with no units, colours, materials or textures, which makes it simple and supported by every slicer and CAD program.

Convert.Online writes binary STL, which is a fraction of the size of the text version. Converting from OBJ, GLB, FBX or 3MF gives a file ready for a slicer; converting STL to OBJ, GLB or 3MF lets it be edited, shown on the web or kept with units.

Programs that open STL

  • UltiMaker Cura
  • PrusaSlicer
  • Bambu Studio
  • Blender
  • Autodesk Fusion
  • MeshLab

What STL is used for

  • 3D printing
  • Models from Thingiverse and Printables
  • CAD exports
  • Rapid prototyping

Other CAD formats

All 12 CAD formats · all supported formats