STL File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .stl
MIME Type model/stl
File Type 3D Model File
Developed by 3D Systems
Format Type Binary and ASCII
Main Usage 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping
Structure Lists of geometric vertices, normals and facets
Unit of Measurement Thousandths of an inch (mil) or millimeters
Compression None (typically)
Geometric Accuracy Dependent on the number of facets
Color Data No (Standard STL does not support color)
Texture Information No (Standard STL does not contain textures)
Standard Version Not formally standardized
Primary Use Case 3D Printing
Advantages Wide Software Support, Simple Structure
Disadvantages No Support for Color or Textures, Can Be Large in File Size
Conversion Can be converted to formats like OBJ, VRML, PLY, etc.
Limitations on Creation Models must represent a watertight, manifolds solid
Common Tools for Creation 3D CAD Software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
Common Tools for Viewing/Editing MeshLab, Microsoft 3D Builder, Blender