Format Atlas

Guides

Choose a 3D printing format

Choose whether to transfer only geometry or also units, materials, and colors. Always check dimensions and mesh condition before printing.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Widely exchange geometry → STL
  • Transfer materials and color where supported → 3MF
  • Move a mesh with materials between creation tools → OBJ
  • Before printing → inspect dimensions and mesh

Check units and mesh in STL

STL focuses on a triangular surface mesh and may not state units. In the slicer, inspect dimensions, holes, face orientation, and whether the mesh is closed.

Verify manufacturing data in 3MF

3MF can carry units, materials, and color. Confirm the slicer, service, and printer support the features you need.

Formats to consider

STL

Good for: Widely supported transfer of print geometry

Less suitable for: Reliably carrying materials and color

3MF

Good for: Transferring manufacturing information between supported tools

Less suitable for: Sending to a recipient without checking 3MF support

OBJ

Good for: Moving a textured or material-linked mesh through creation tools

Less suitable for: Guaranteed single-file print handoff

Before you export

  • Confirm units and dimensions before printing.
  • Inspect holes, normals, and non-manifold mesh problems.
  • Check supported formats and settings in the printer and slicer.

Related comparisons

3MF vs STL3MF can carry 3D printing information such as units, materials, and color; STL focuses on triangle-mesh geometry. Choose based on slicer and printer support and which manufacturing details need to travel with the model.STL vs OBJSTL is common for sending triangle meshes to 3D printing; OBJ can carry mesh attributes and may reference materials separately.STL vs FBXSTL is a triangle-mesh format commonly used to pass a finished shape to 3D printing. FBX can exchange richer production scene data such as materials, rigs, and animation, depending on the tools. Choose by the required downstream use.

Guides

Choose a 3D file formatSeparate web display, production scene exchange, geometry transfer, and printing; check whether materials, animation, and units must survive.

References and specifications