Glossary → STL file
STL file
Definition
An STL file is the most common file format for 3D printing. It describes only the outer shape of an object as a net of triangles (a mesh), without colours or units.
Most models are supplied as STL for printing. The downside: you can't easily edit an STL or adjust it dimensionally — for that you need a STEP file.
Related terms
- STEP file — A STEP file stores the exact, mathematical shape of a 3D model instead of a triangle approximation.
- Reverse engineering — Reverse engineering is turning an existing object back into an editable digital model.