
Naturally, a file that holds a higher resolution model will be larger. This technique is known as tessellation and is considered one of the oldest methods of simplifying a smooth surface in 3D space.īy increasing the number and decreasing the size of the triangles that form the tessellated pattern, the resolution of a 3D file in the STL format can be enhanced. Thus, instead of a truly smooth surface, an STL object is composed of a high number of very small, non-overlapping triangles. It’s also one of the oldest, developed in the 1980s and was originally meant to simplify the transfer of data from 3D CAD models to a 3D printer.Ī characteristic of the STL file format, which makes it one of the simpler options, is that it approximates a 3D surface as a triangular mesh. STL stands for “Stereolithography” and is considered one of the simplest 3D file formats. Should you find yourself with an STL file format that you’d like to tweak and play around with, what software should you use? What exactly is the STL file format, and why is it so important? What is the STL file format? Despite its ubiquity, STL files are notoriously difficult to edit. The community of 3D printing and modeling may have become much larger in the past few years, but most 3D models shared online nowadays are limited to a few file formats. The STL converter is always available online and is completely free.3D Insider is ad supported and earns money from clicks, commissions from sales, and other ways. You can convert your STL documents from anywhere, from any machine or even from a mobile device. All documents are removed from the cloud after 24 hours. Expand the ConvertOptions and fill the fields for watermarking.Ĭonverted DXF files are stored in the cloud. Or you can add a watermark to the converted DXF file.

Just expand LoadOptions and enter the password of your file. For example you can convert password protected documents. You even can perform more advanced conversions. Once conversion completed you can download your DXF file. Just drag and drop your STL file on upload form, choose the desired output format and click convert button. You can convert your STL documents from any platform (Windows, Linux, macOS).
