3DS to STL Conversion
The list below provides valuable resources, packed with detailed instructions and expert tips for converting 3DS files to STL format using our converters. Review them now to simplify your 3DS files conversion later.
- STEP File Converter to Mesh File Formats
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
- Convert 3D Mesh Files from the Command Line
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Transform 2D Images into 3D Models with Autoconverter
- Convert Grayscale PNG Image into STL 3D Model
3DS vs. STL Comparison
| Property | 3DS | STL |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .3ds | .stl |
| Name | 3D-Studio File Format | STereoLithography |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
3D Studio File
A widely recognized format used for storing polygonal mesh models. It has gained popularity due to its extensive feature set and compatibility with various software, such as:
- Extensive Support: The 3DS format supports a variety of features including model names, reusable geometry component instances, materials with transparent colors, and texture images.
- Compatibility: You can import and export 3DS models to and from many software applications, such as DIALux, which is used for lighting design.
- Legacy Constraints: Due to its legacy constraints, 3DS model names are limited to 8 characters. Additionally, a single 3DS mesh object can only contain up to 32,767 triangles.
- 3DS Converters: To overcome legacy limitations and convert any mesh into 3DS format, you can use our Autoconverter and Automesher Application. They will automatically split your models into smaller shells to accommodate the triangles limit, and convert them to the 3DS format.
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
- Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
- STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.
- Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
- Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.