What File Types Do 3D Printers Use?

If you are new to 3D printing, the file formats can be confusing. Here is what the common ones are and which to send.

STL — the standard

STL is the most common 3D printing format. It describes the surface of your model as a mesh of triangles. Almost every CAD and modelling program can export it, and it is what we recommend sending if you have the choice. It carries shape but not colour or units metadata, so tell us the intended size.

OBJ — mesh with more

OBJ is another mesh format, able to carry colour and texture. It is common from sculpting and graphics software. We accept it happily.

3MF — the modern option

3MF is a newer format that packs the model plus useful data (units, colours, sometimes print settings) into one file. It avoids some of STL's ambiguities. If your software exports 3MF, it is a good choice.

STEP / STP — engineering CAD

STEP files come from engineering CAD such as Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. They describe precise solid geometry rather than a triangle mesh, which is excellent for accuracy and for any redesign work. Send STEP if you have it and want changes made.

Which should I send?

• Just want it printed as-is → STL or 3MF
• Might need changes or precise engineering → STEP/STP
• Not sure → send whatever you have; we will work with it.

We accept STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP/STP and ZIP archives. Upload a file.