The 6 Best 3D Printing STL Editors

An STL editor is required when creating and preparing 3D models for 3D printing. Here are the top six.

You’ll need a 3D printer sooner or later if you’re a designer or engineer. In that scenario, you should start using STL files for 3D printing. However, not just any software can be used to produce and modify these files; you must use a tool created expressly for STL editing. We’ve produced a list of the top six STL editors for your next project.

1. Blender

Blender is now one of the top free 3D modeling software accessible. Blender allows users to easily build 3D prints thanks to a comprehensive range of user-friendly tools and a highly flexible interface. Blender may be used to edit existing STL files as well as generate new models from scratch. To open one, go to File > Import and pick Stl (.stl) as the file format.

Navigate to the location where you saved the file on your computer and import it into the app. After importing the STL file, you may choose it and begin editing. When you’re finished editing and want to export it, go to File > Export and select your chosen file format.

2. SelfCAD

SelfCAD includes comprehensive tools and functionality for creating, editing, and repairing STL files for 3D printing or other uses. It is available online as well as on Windows and macOS. There are freehand drawing and sketching tools available to assist you in creating sketches and drawings of your designs in 2D format, which you can then rapidly convert to 3D models.

Other important features include “Magic fix,” which allows you to restore your meshes and ensure that they are printed correctly. You can also use the built-in slicer to generate G-code files to send to your 3D printer. SelfCAD’s slicer is also compatible with the majority of FDM 3D printers.

This tool allows you to create simple and complicated designs, as well as render and prepare them for 3D printing, without the need for extra software or extensions. To modify your STL files, first import them into the application by selecting File > Import.

After importing your design, you may use the Stitch & Scoop tool to change the color, resize it, add text, or even add a hole. When you’re through editing, you can either slice or export it in one of the file formats listed below. SelfCAD supports the majority of the regularly used 3D file types.

3. 3D Slash

After importing your design, you may use the Stitch & Scoop tool to change the color, resize it, add text, or even add a hole. When you’re through editing, you can either slice or export it in one of the file formats listed below. SelfCAD supports the majority of the regularly used 3D file types.

After importing your design, you may use the Stitch & Scoop tool to change the color, resize it, add text, or even add a hole. When you’re through editing, you can either slice or export it in one of the file formats listed below. SelfCAD supports the majority of the regularly used 3D file types.

You can then begin tweaking your design to meet your specifications. When you’re done, click the dots in the top right-hand corner to 3D print or save your design as an STL file, as seen below.

4. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free and open-source design application capable of producing everything from simple 3D models to complicated engineering designs. Its straightforward controls, welcoming interfaces, and customizable settings make it the ideal platform for experimenting and experimentation at any skill level.

Go to File > Import to modify your STL files in this software. After you’ve imported your design, you may begin altering it.

To export your file, first select it and then go to File > Export to see a long list of different file formats in which to export your model. Select the one you want and save the file.

5. MeshMixer

MeshMixer is a powerful 3D model creation, editing, and repair tool. Users can quickly manipulate and transform even the most complex 3D meshes using its tools for adding, removing, scaling, and combining mesh elements. And, thanks to its advanced snapping capabilities, it gives you unrivaled control over even the smallest details of any model.

Other useful tools for 3D printing supports include Branching Support Structures and 3D Measurements, which help ensure that your designs have accurate measurements. Extrusions, Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Boolean tools can also be used to quickly modify STL files.