File Format Guide

Learn about supported file formats, export settings, and requirements for optimal 3D printing results.

Supported File Formats

STL

Most common format for 3D printing

Standard format used by most 3D printers. Triangle mesh format.

Compatibility:Universal
Quality:
Good
File Size:Medium

Advantages

  • Universal compatibility
  • Simple format
  • Widely supported
  • Good for most applications

Limitations

  • Loss of color information
  • No material properties
  • Can have large file sizes

Recommendation

Best for most 3D printing applications

OBJ

Wavefront OBJ format with material support

Supports materials and textures. ASCII or binary format.

Compatibility:Good
Quality:
Good
File Size:Medium

Advantages

  • Supports materials
  • Can include textures
  • Human readable (ASCII)
  • Good for complex models

Limitations

  • Not all slicers support materials
  • Can be complex to set up
  • Larger file sizes

Recommendation

Good for models with materials or textures

3MF

Modern format with full 3D printing support

Microsoft format with full 3D printing metadata support.

Compatibility:Growing
Quality:
Excellent
File Size:Small

Advantages

  • Includes print settings
  • Supports materials
  • Smaller file sizes
  • Future-proof format

Limitations

  • Newer format
  • Limited software support
  • Learning curve

Recommendation

Best for professional workflows

PLY

Stanford PLY format

Supports colors and materials. Good for scanned objects.

Compatibility:Good
Quality:
Good
File Size:Medium

Advantages

  • Supports colors
  • Good for scanned data
  • ASCII and binary formats
  • Flexible structure

Limitations

  • Less common in 3D printing
  • Can be complex
  • Limited software support

Recommendation

Good for colored models or scanned objects

Unsupported Formats

STEP/STP

CAD format, not suitable for 3D printing

Alternative:

Export as STL or OBJ from your CAD software

IGES/IGS

CAD format, not suitable for 3D printing

Alternative:

Export as STL or OBJ from your CAD software

FBX

Animation format, not optimized for 3D printing

Alternative:

Export as STL or OBJ from your 3D software

DAE (Collada)

Complex format with limited 3D printing support

Alternative:

Convert to STL using mesh processing software

Export Settings by Software

Fusion 360

  1. 1Right-click on body → Save As STL
  2. 2Set refinement to High
  3. 3Set deviation to 0.01mm
  4. 4Set angle to 1 degree

SolidWorks

  1. 1File → Save As → STL
  2. 2Set resolution to Fine
  3. 3Set deviation to 0.01mm
  4. 4Set angle to 1 degree

Blender

  1. 1File → Export → STL
  2. 2Set scale to 1.0
  3. 3Check "Selection Only" if needed
  4. 4Set precision to 6

Maya/3ds Max

  1. 1Export → STL or OBJ
  2. 2Set units to millimeters
  3. 3Check "Triangulate" for STL
  4. 4Set precision to 6 decimal places

File Requirements

File Size

Maximum 100MB

Larger files may take longer to process

Units

Millimeters (mm)

Ensure your model is scaled correctly

Watertight

No holes or gaps

Model must be a closed mesh

Manifold

No intersecting geometry

All edges must be shared by exactly two faces

File Preparation Tips

Before Export

  • Check model for holes and gaps
  • Ensure proper scaling (mm)
  • Remove unnecessary geometry
  • Check for intersecting parts

After Export

  • Verify file size is reasonable
  • Test open in 3D viewer
  • Check dimensions are correct
  • Ensure model is watertight

Need Help with File Preparation?

Our technical team can help you prepare your files for optimal 3D printing results.

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