How to export a .STL file for 3D Printing

STL file format is the 3D printing industry standard. Upload a .STL file to our system to generate an automatic quote for your parts.

There are 3 common problems when converting your CAD model to STL.

  1. Make sure your CAD file is made in mm units, millimetres are the standard for 3D printing.

  2. Export at the right quality, too low and the files will be faceted, too high and the file size will be too large. Check your files with an STL file viewer.

  3. Your parts are at the right scale. if you’re making a 1:200 building, you will need to scale your model before exporting. A 1:1 prototype wont need any scaling if built in mm.


  1. Click Application menu > Export > Other Formats. Find

  2. In the Export Data dialog box, enter a filename.


  4. Select one or more solid objects. All objects must be entirely within the positive XYZ octant of the world coordinate system (WCS). That is, their X, Y, and Z coordinates must be greater than zero.  The file extension .stl is automatically appended to the file name.

Fusion 360

  1. File > 3D print

  2. Disable the Send to 3D Print Utility option.

  3. Click OK and Save the STL

fusion save stl.png
save stl fusion.png


  1. File > Save As > .STL

  2. Mesh > Detailed Settings

  3. Set the settings at:

    1. Density: 1

    2. Maximum Angle: 20

    3. Maximum Aspect Ratio: 1 or 2

    4. Minimum Edge Length: 0.01

    5. Maximum Edge Length: 0.0

    6. Minimum Initial Grid: 50-200

    7. Maximum Distance, edge to surface: .01


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  1. File > Save As to access STL export options and save the data in .stl format

  2. Choose filename and click save.

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  1. Select File > Export > 3D Model. The Export Model dialog box appears.

  2. Navigate to the location where you want to save your exported file.

  3. (Optional) In the appropriate text box, type a name for the exported STl file.

  4. From the Save As Type drop-down list, select Stereolithography File (.stl).

  5. (Optional) Click the Options button, and in the STL Export options dialog box, select your desired options for the exported STL file. (see the following list for details about each option.) Click OK when you’re done.

  6. Back in the Export Model dialog box, click Export. SketchUp Exports your model to the STL format and save the file in the location you specified.

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  1. Select your part and choose Export from the context menu

  2. Select the following options:

    1. Format: STL

    2. STL Format: Binary

    3. Units: Millimeter

    4. Resolution: Fine

    5. Options: Download


  1. Select add-in tab > STL export panel > STL exporter for Revit

  2. On the general tab, specify your STL file options

  3. On the categories tab, specify which element categories will export to STL file

  4. Click save to create the STL file or cancel to close the STL file converter