What it stores
- Mesh geometry with a declared unit
- Colours, materials and multi-object plates
- Print settings in some extensions
- A ZIP package with metadata
3D FILE FORMAT
3MF: units and materials in one package
3MF is a ZIP package with an XML model that carries millimetres, colours, materials and several objects. Modern slicers read it natively.
At a glance
What it does not store
- CAD parametrics
- Animation
- Support in older or minimal tools
When to use it
- Sending a plate to Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer or Cura
- Multi-material and multi-object prints
- Keeping colours and units
Limits to know
- ZIP plus XML: more complex than STL
- Support varies by slicer
- Large plates need splitting
Convert to and from
Questions about the format
Is 3MF better than STL?+
For modern slicers yes: it declares units, keeps colours and can hold several objects in one file.
Can every slicer open 3MF?+
Recent versions of Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer and Cura can. Older tools may not.
Does 3MF keep colours?+
Yes, when the file contains materials. The STL→3MF converter writes geometry only.