3D FORMAT COMPARISONS
Which 3D format do you need?
Two formats can look identical in a viewer and behave very differently in a slicer. These comparisons show what each file carries, what it loses and which conversion gets you across.
STL · OBJSTL vs OBJSTL stores triangles only; OBJ adds UVs, normals and a separate MTL material. Compare printing, editing, colours and file size, and convert between them.STL · 3MFSTL vs 3MFSTL is universal but unitless; 3MF declares millimetres and keeps colours, materials and several objects. Compare both print formats and convert between them.STEP · STLSTEP vs STLSTEP stores exact CAD surfaces and units; STL stores a triangle mesh with no unit. Compare precision, printing, editing and file size, and convert STEP to STL.GLB · OBJGLB vs OBJGLB packs geometry, PBR materials and textures into one binary file; OBJ is a text mesh with a separate MTL. Compare size, materials, animation and use cases.GLB · GLTFGLB vs glTFGLB packs a glTF scene into one binary; glTF keeps JSON and separate .bin and texture files. Compare portability, size, editing and delivery.STEP · 3MFSTEP vs 3MFSTEP stores exact CAD surfaces; 3MF stores a mesh with millimetres, colours and objects. Compare precision, printing, units and editing.