STL to AutoCAD Conversion
The list below provides valuable resources, packed with detailed instructions and expert tips for converting STL files to AutoCAD format using our converters. Review them now to simplify your STL files conversion later.
- Working with STL Files in AutoCAD
- Import STEP, STL, OBJ, 3DM, SKP, and Other 3D Files in AutoCAD
- 3D Modeling Capabilities in Georeferenced KML and KMZ Files
- Convert Polyface Mesh to Solid in AutoCAD
- Import and Export STL, OBJ, 3DS, PLY, 3DM, SKP, IGES, and STEP Files
- Import and Export of Map Files in AutoCAD
STL vs. AutoCAD Comparison
| Property | STL | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .dwg |
| Name | STereoLithography | AutoCAD Drawing |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
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.
AutoCAD Drawing
Autodesk's AutoCAD is a leading software program in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD). It is renowned for its support of the native DWG drawing format. It has the following features:
- DWG Format: The native file format of AutoCAD, which can store both 2D and 3D geometry data, as well as project metadata, such as layers, blocks, dimensions, etc. DWG files are compatible with many other CAD applications and can be easily shared and edited.
- AutoCAD Add-ons: Our Automesher Application and Automapki Application are add-ons for AutoCAD that allow you to import and export 3D and GIS data from various external file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, SHP, KML, etc. These add-ons enable you to integrate geospatial data with your CAD designs and create complex 3D models from different sources.
- ObjectARX Technology: The customization technology for AutoCAD provided by Autodesk, which we use to develop our AutoCAD add-ons. ObjectARX allows us to access and manipulate the AutoCAD objects and data, as well as the user interface and commands. ObjectARX ensures that our add-ons are fully compatible and integrated with the AutoCAD environment.