Best STL Editors for 3D Printing will be described in this article. An STL editor is required when you wish to design and prepare 3D models for 3D printing. Readers like you help fund MUO by editing an STL file of a man in SelfCAD. We might receive an affiliate commission if you buy something after clicking on one of our website’s links.
You’ll need a 3D printer sooner rather than later if you’re a designer or engineer. If this is the case, you should begin 3D printing with STL files. You need a programme made expressly for STL editing to produce and modify these files, not just any software. In order to help you with your upcoming project, we’ve produced a list of the top six STL editors.
Top 6 Best STL Editors for 3D Printing In 2023
In this article, you can know about STL Editors here are the details below;
1. Blender
One of the top free 3D modelling programmes on the market today is Blender.
Blender enables users to easily build 3D printouts thanks to a comprehensive set of user-friendly tools and a highly flexible interface.
Blender allows you to edit existing STL files in addition to being able to build models from scratch.
Choose File > Import and Stl (.stl) as the file type to open one.
Blender programme has an ability to import STL files.
Navigate to the location of the file on your computer and import it there.
The STL file can be selected and edited once it has been imported.
When you are finished editing and want to export it, select your favourite file format by going to File > Export.
2. SelfCAD
For 3D printing or other uses, SelfCAD includes sophisticated tools and functionality for creating, editing, and repairing STL files.
It functions on Windows, macOS, and the internet.
To make sketches and drawings of your designs in 2D format that you can rapidly convert into 3D models, freehand drawing and sketching tools are available.
Other crucial features, like “Magic Fix,” can be used to fix your models and guarantee that they print accurately. This is another STL Editors. Also check logistics companies worldwideÂ
You can also create G-code files to send to your 3D printer using the integrated slicer.
SelfCAD’s slicer works with the majority of FDM 3D printers.
Without the need for extra software or extensions, this tool may be used to create both simple and sophisticated designs, as well as render and prepare them for 3D printing.
By selecting File > Import in the software, you can import your STL files before editing them.
An example of importing a model into SelfCAD
Once your design has been imported, you may use the Stitch & Scoop tool to adjust its colour, scale, add text, or even add a hole.
After finishing your edits, you have the option to slice or export it in one of the supported file formats, as seen below.
Most of the popular 3D file formats are supported by SelfCAD.
SelfCAD software provides the possibility to export your files. Download:
SelfCAD for Mac OS and Windows (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. 3D Slash
3D Slash is simple and easy to use, and it works both online and offline, in contrast to conventional modelling software, which can be challenging and difficult for new users (you will require to inscribe up for a free account to download it).
Users have total control over every feature of their project because to the program’s drag-and-drop functionality.
If you’re looking for a programme that runs quickly and is simple to use, 3D Slash is a great choice. Also check Alternative Contacts and Dialer Apps
Go to Create, choose your model, then import it into 3D Slash to modify your STL files.
3D Slash now offers the possibility to import 3D files.
After that, you can begin modifying your design to suit your needs.
Once you’re done, click the dots in the top right corner to save your design as an STL file or to 3D print it, as seen below. This is another STL Editors.
Exporting your design from 3D Slash is an option. Download:
Raspberry Pi, Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows All Versions of 3D Slash (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. FreeCAD
Simple 3D models to intricate engineering designs can all be produced with FreeCAD, a free and open-source design application.
With simple controllers, user-friendly interfaces, and configurable settings, it offers the ideal platform for tinkering and experimentation at any skill level.
In this software, go to File > Import to edit your STL files.
You can begin altering your design after you import it.
Using FreeCAD to import an STL file
When you go to File > Export, you can find a big selection of different file formats in which to export your model after selecting the file first.
Select the one you want, then save your document.
In FreeCAD Download, you have the choice to export your model:
FreeCAD for Linux, Mac, and Windows (Free)
5. MeshMixer
This is another STL Editors. For building, editing, and fixing 3D models, MeshMixer is an effective tool.
Users may easily manipulate and change even the most complicated 3D meshes with its features for adding, removing, scaling, and combining mesh pieces.
Additionally, it gives you unequalled control over even the smallest elements of any model thanks to its sophisticated snapping features.
For 3D printing supports, additional crucial tools like Branching Support Structures are helpful, and 3D Measurements make sure that your designs have precise measurements.
Additionally helpful for fast changing your STL files are extrusions, plane cuts, mirroring, and boolean tools.
When the software is opened, click Import, choose your model, and import it to begin altering your files. Also check best tools to convert PDF to Word
your creations can be imported into Meshmixer via a choice
After you’re done altering it, select Export from the menu on the software’s right side.
As seen below, you can choose the appropriate file type and give your project a name.
Meshmixer has an ability to export your designs.
MeshMixer includes all the tools you require to complete the task fast and effectively, whether you want to optimise your 3D models for 3D printing or repair a broken object in your scene.
6. MeshLab
Anyone may generate, modify, and manipulate intricate 3D mesh files with the help of MeshLab. This is another STL Editors.
This software offers everything you need to finish the job properly, whether you need to clean up a complicated mesh or add straightforward details to a new object.
Its primary characteristics include comprehensive texture mapping capabilities, advanced UV unwrapping, edge collapsing, and triangle splitting.
You can export your STL files in a variety of formats using the export options it provides.
By selecting File > Import Mesh, you may import your files into the programme and begin modifying them.
File import functionality for MeshLab
An STL file can be edited once it has been imported.
When finished, select Work once more. Two options will appear for exporting your file.
When you choose Export Mesh, your file will be exported in the default format that you had imported; but, if you choose Export Mesh As, you will be presented with a number of options for saving your drawings, as is seen in the example below.
There is a file export option in MeshLab Download.
Windows, macOS, and Linux MeshLab (Free)
Design Your 3D Printing Projects Easily
The majority of 3D printers handle STL files, making them a crucial component of 3D printing.
However, working with these files can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner.
Fortunately, using the STL editors discussed in this post will make creating and getting your files ready for printing simple.
Some, for instance, let you alter the scale or orientation of your model and correct any design flaws.
In addition, some editors have built-in 3D slicers that may be used to cut STL files and produce G-code for 3D printers.
