What File Types Are Best for 3D Printing?

• Best for: Standard 3D prints
   
• Lightweight file format
   
• Universally supported
   
• No color or texture information
   

Great for hobbyists, engineers, and general parts.

• Best for: Detailed models
   
• Supports colors and textures
   
• Larger file sizes
   

Useful for character models or artistic prints.

• Best for: Modern printers and advanced settings
   
• Smaller file size than STL
   
• Stores metadata (materials, colors, supports)
   

3MF is becoming the new standard.

• Best for: Engineering & CAD workflows
   
• Includes exact geometric data
   
• Not used directly for printing
   
• Must be converted to STL or OBJ
   

Great for mechanical parts requiring precision.

• Not a design file
   
• Instructions for the printer (movement, temp, speed)
   
• Generated by your slicer
   

You NEVER edit this manually unless you're advanced.

For most users:

✔ STL = best all-around
✔ OBJ = for colored/textured models
✔ 3MF = most advanced and feature-rich

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