Convert DXF Drawings to STL

Convert DXF to STL

DXF to STL Conversion

We’ve compiled a list of valuable resources, brimming with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting DXF drawings to STL format using our converters. Go through them now to simplify your DXF drawings conversion later.


DXF vs STL Comparison

Property DXF STL
Extensions .dxf .stl
Name Drawing Exchange Format STereoLithography
Versions
  • Min: AutoCAD 2010
  • Max: AutoCAD 2025
Textures
Colors
Geometry components

DXF Drawing Exchange File

A universal file format for exchanging DWG drawing data between AutoCAD and other programs. It has the following features:

  • ASCII Format: The DXF format is text-based and uses a standard syntax to store DWG drawing data. It can be easily edited and viewed with any text editor or viewer.
  • Exchange of DWG Drawing: DXF serves as a conduit for exchanging DWG drawing data between AutoCAD and other programs. This is particularly beneficial as the native DWG file format is proprietary and requires a license to use.

DXF File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application allow you to import and export DXF files, and convert them into various other file formats. You can use our products to convert 3D meshes into a set of DXF faces organized in colored layers. This allows you to further process and modify your drawing data using your default DWG editor.


STL 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.
  • 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.

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.