STL File

What are STL files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a STL file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your STL files.

What is a STL file?

STL files have multiple uses, and Stereolithography CAD is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Stereolithography CAD File

This file format was developed by Albert-Battaglin Consulting Group for the company 3D Systems back in 1987. It is a file format used in stereolithography Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems. Stereolithography (SLA) is an industrial 3D printing process used to rapidly create concept models, prototypes, and complex parts.

The STL file format is supported by many CAD software packages and is used for prototyping, computer-aided manufacturing, and 3D printing projects. It describes the 3D object in its most basic form and does not include color information, textures, or other attributes used in other 3D file formats.

Several non-standard STL derivations exist.

How to open STL files

We have identified ten STL openers that are compatible with this specific type of STL file.

Programs that open Stereolithography CAD files

Last updated: February 20, 2024

All known file formats using extension .STL

While Stereolithography CAD File is a popular type of STL-file, we know of 8 different uses of the .STL file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Certificate Trust List

We know that one STL format is Certificate Trust List. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different STL openers which you will find listed below.

EBU Subtitling Data Exchange Format

We know that one STL format is EBU Subtitling Data Exchange Format. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

KISSSlicer STereoLithography

We know that one STL format is KISSSlicer STereoLithography. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

OpenSCAD STereoLithography

We know that one STL format is OpenSCAD STereoLithography. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

SkyOS Style

We know that one STL format is SkyOS Style. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Spruce Subtitles

We know that one STL format is Spruce Subtitles. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

SuperTux Level

We know that one STL format is SuperTux Level. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

STL opener for Windows

We have identified one STL opener that is compatible with this specific type of STL file.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of STL files. Remember, different programs may use STL files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about STL file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.