STL to IFC Conversion
With our tools, changing STL to IFC is a breeze - follow these simple 3 steps:
Install Autoconverter
Download and install Autoconverter or Autoshaper on your system. Launch the software to convert STL mesh files to IFC format.
Import STL Mesh File
Click Open... to load your STL (.stl) mesh file, or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to IFC Format
Use Save As... to export your mesh file to the IFC file format (.ifc).
Still frustrated with STL to IFC conversion? These step-by-step guides simplify STL mesh files conversion:
- Batch Convert 3D Mesh Files with Autoconverter (STEP, STL, OBJ & More)
- Convert IFC File to Different Schema Version (IFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4x3, etc.)
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
What is an STL File? (STereoLithography Format Explained)
The STL file format (short for STereoLithography) was developed by 3D Systems, a pioneer in the 3D printing industry, to simplify rapid prototyping and manufacturing processes. Today, STL files are one of the most common file types used in computer-aided design (CAD), digital fabrication, and additive manufacturing workflows. STL models exclusively represent 3D geometry as a triangular mesh, offering high compatibility and fast processing across various 3D printers and modeling software.
Key Features of the STL Format
- Lightweight and Simple: An STL file contains only the coordinates of vertices and normal vectors of triangles, making it extremely easy for 3D software and printers to interpret.
- No Textures or Materials: STL models do not store color, texture, transparency, or material information, resulting in pure geometric representations without extra attributes.
- Two Storage Methods: STL files are available in two distinct formats:
- Binary STL: The most popular choice due to its small file size, ideal for faster saving, sharing, and printing.
- ASCII STL: A human-readable text format that explicitly describes each triangle but produces significantly larger files.
- No Fixed Units: The STL format does not define units (millimeters, inches, etc.). Most programs assume millimeters by default. Our STL files converter can automatically handle unit adjustments during file conversion if needed.
STL File Conversion Made Easy
Looking to convert STL files into other popular 3D formats? Autoconverter and Automesher Application offer powerful, high-precision STL file conversion to formats like STEP, OBJ, and SKP. These tools allow you to:
- Preserve mesh accuracy and surface details during conversion.
- Batch convert multiple STL files automatically.
- Optimize, clean, and repair STL models for 3D printing or CAD workflows.
Whether you are a 3D designer, engineer, or enthusiast, our STL converters streamline your work. Convert STL to STEP, OBJ, SKP and more - start your free trial today!
Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC) File Format
The IFC file format is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC facilitates seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative building projects.
Key Capabilities of the IFC Format
The IFC format can store a comprehensive range of project data for AEC workflows, including:
- Detailed Geometry: The IFC format captures 3D representations through various entity types, such as solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds, to accurately depict structures.
- Measurement Units: IFC supports diverse measurement systems (meters, inches, degrees, etc.), ensuring precise and consistent data interpretation across different software.
- Materials and Visual Properties: Control visual properties such as color and transparency using RGBA values for accurate representation of materials in the model.
- Optimized Storage: IFC's mapping system allows identical geometries to be referenced multiple times, improving storage efficiency and performance.
- Hierarchical Structure: Organize complex projects with named components and unique identifiers, making it easier to manage large-scale construction designs.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): As a BIM-native format, IFC integrates building information such as properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry for comprehensive project data.
IFC File Conversion: BIM Interoperability Made Simple
Convert between IFC formats (including IFC2x3, IFC4 and IFC4.3) while preserving BIM properties and geometry data using Autoconverter or Automesher Application. Our tools maintain maximum compatibility when exporting to DWG, SKP, STL and OBJ formats, though some IFC-specific metadata may require manual mapping for optimal results in non-IFC conversions.
Easily import, export, and convert IFC files to various 3D formats with full support for custom properties. Try it now and optimize your AEC workflows!
STL vs IFC Comparison
| Property | STL | IFC |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .ifc |
| Name | STereoLithography | Industry Foundation Classes |
| Versions |
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| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
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