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FILE FORMAT REFERENCE

Choose a format for the information you need.

Geometry, physical scale and scene structure are different concerns. Start with what your file carries, then decide what a conversion can safely leave behind.

STL

.stl
Mesh

Understand what STL stores, why its physical units must be confirmed, and what changes when you convert a triangle mesh to other formats.

OBJ

.obj
Mesh

Learn how OBJ polygons, groups, MTL files and unspecified units affect viewing and conversion to STL, GLB or 3MF.

3MF

.3mf
Print

Understand core 3MF meshes, build placements and manufacturing metadata, plus the supported subset for local viewing and STL/OBJ conversion.

STEP / STP

.step / .stp
CAD

Understand STEP and STP files, the difference between CAD surfaces and STL triangles, and how local tessellation settings affect mesh exports.

GLB / glTF

.glb / .gltf
Scene

Compare GLB and glTF packaging, understand node transforms and metre units, and prepare a self-contained static scene for local mesh conversion.

PLY

.ply
Mesh

Distinguish PLY meshes from point clouds and review encoding, vertex colors, normals and the limits of converting scan data to STL.

FBX

.fbx
Scene

Understand binary FBX static geometry, object placement and units, and what local OBJ/STL conversion omits from a scene or animated asset.

Three decisions before converting

  1. CAD surface or mesh? STEP carries supported CAD surfaces; STL carries triangles. Understand tessellation and what it loses.
  2. Do you know the units? STL and the supported OBJ subset do not establish physical scale. See how 3MF declares units and build placement.
  3. Shape or appearance? Scene materials and textures do not survive geometry-only STL/OBJ conversion. Check GLB/glTF resources and scene behavior.