If you're a designer or engineer, you'll need a 3D printer sooner rather than later. In which case you'll want to start using STL files for 3D printing. But not just any software can create and edit these files: you need a program designed specifically for STL editing. We've compiled a list of the six best STL editors you can use in your next project.
1. Blender
Blender is one of the best free 3D modeling applications available today. With a robust suite of user-friendly tools and a highly customizable interface, Blender enables users to create 3D printables with ease. In addition to being able to create models from scratch, you can use Blender to edit existing STL files. To open one select File > Import and choose Stl (.stl) as the format.
Browse to where you have stored the file on your computer and import it into the software. Once you import the STL file, you can select it and start editing. When you are done editing and would like to export it, you can go to File > Export and choose your preferred file format.
Download: Blender for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)
2. SelfCAD
SelfCAD has advanced tools and features with which to create, edit, and repair STL files for 3D printing or other purposes. It runs both online and on Windows and macOS. Freehand drawing and sketching tools are available to help create sketches and drawings of your designs in 2D format, which you can then quickly turn into 3D models.
There are other vital features such as "Magic fix", which you can use to repair your meshes and ensure that they are printed without errors. There is also a built-in slicer that you can use to generate the G-code files to send to your 3D printer. The slicer of SelfCAD is also compatible with most FDM 3D printers.
With this program, you can prepare simple and complex designs, and even render and prepare them for 3D printing without requiring additional software or extension. To edit your STL files, you can import them to the program first by going to File >Import.
Once you import your design, you can change color, scale, add text, or even add a hole using the Stitch & Scoop tool. When you finish editing, you can either choose to slice or export it in various file formats supported, as shown below. SelfCAD supports most of the commonly available 3D file formats.
Download: SelfCAD for Windows | macOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. 3D Slash
Unlike traditional modeling software, which can be complex and daunting for novice users, 3D Slash is intuitive and easy to use, and it runs both online and offline (you will need to sign up for a free account to download it). The program allows users to drag and drop individual elements into place, giving them complete control over every aspect of their creation.
3D Slash is an excellent application for those looking for faster and easy-to-use programs. To edit your STL files in 3D Slash, go to Create, then select your model and import it to the software.
You can then start editing your design as per your requirements. When you've finished, click on the dots in the top right-hand section, and you will be to 3D print or save your design as an STL file, as shown below.
Download: 3D Slash for Windows | macOS | Linux | Raspberry Pi (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a free and open-source design tool that can create everything from simple 3D models to complex engineering designs. It provides the perfect platform for tinkering and experimentation at any skill level with intuitive controls, friendly interfaces, and customizable settings.
To edit your STL files in this program, go to File > Import. Once you import your design, you can then start editing it.
To export your file, select it first and then go to File > Export and you will be able to see a long list of different file formats in which to export your model. Choose the one you want and save your file.
Download: FreeCAD for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)
5. MeshMixer
MeshMixer is a powerful tool for creating, modifying, and repairing 3D models. Its tools for adding, removing, scaling, and combining mesh elements allow users to quickly manipulate and transform even the most complex 3D meshes. And thanks to its advanced snapping features, it provides unparalleled control over even the most minor details of any model.
Other essential tools like Branching Support Structures are useful for 3D printing supports, and 3D Measurements help ensure that your designs have accurate measurements. Extrusions, Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Boolean tools are also useful for quickly modifying your STL files.
To start editing your files, you can click Import when you open the software and then select your model and import it.
Once you have finished editing it, click on the Export option on the right-hand side of the software. You can specify your project's name and choose the appropriate file format, as shown below.
If you would like to optimize your 3D models for 3D printing or repair a broken object in your scene, MeshMixer has all the tools you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Download: Meshmixer for Windows (Free)
6. MeshLab
MeshLab makes it easier for anyone to create, adjust, and manipulate complex 3D mesh files. Whether you need to refine a complex mesh or add simple details to a new object, this software has everything you need to get the job done right.Its key features include advanced UV unwrapping, edge collapsing and triangle splitting, and extensive texture mapping capabilities.
Additionally, it offers a variety of export options so that you can export your STL files in different formats. To start editing your files, import them to the software by going to File > Import Mesh.
Once you have imported an STL file, you can start editing it. When done, go to File again, and you will see two options for exporting your file. When you select Export Mesh, it will export your file in the default format that you had imported; when you select Export Mesh As, you will have several options for saving your designs, as shown below.
Download: MeshLab for Windows | macOS | Linux (Free)
Prepare Your Designs for 3D Printing Easily
STL files are an essential part of 3D printing, as this file format is supported by most 3D printers. However, these files can be tricky to work with, especially if you are a beginner. Luckily, the STL editors described in this article will make it easy to create and prepare your files for printing. For example, some will allow you to change your model's scale or orientation and fix any design issues. Additionally, some editors come equipped with their 3D slicers that you can use to slice your STL files and generate the G-code for the 3D printer.
