If you’re a designer or engineer, you’ll need a 3D printer sooner rather than later.

In which case you’ll want to start using STL files for 3D printing.

We’ve compiled a list of the six best STL editors you could use in your next project.

An STL file of a man being edited in SelfCAD

Blender

Blender is one of the best free 3D modeling applications available today.

To open one selectFile>Importand chooseStl (.stl)as the format.

Browse to where you have stored the file on your system and import it into the software.

An option to import STL files to Blender software

Once you import the STL file, you’re able to select it and start editing.

Download:Blender forWindows|macOS|Linux(Free)

2.

It runs both online and on Windows and macOS.

Exporting the file from Blender

The slicer of SelfCAD is also compatible with most FDM 3D printers.

To edit your STL files, you might import them to the program first by going toFile >Import.

SelfCAD supports most of the commonly available 3D file formats.

A demonstration of how to import a model to SelfCAD

Download:SelfCAD forWindows|macOS(Free, in-app purchases available)

3.

3D Slash is an excellent program for those looking for faster and easy-to-use programs.

you’re free to then start editing your design as per your requirements.

An option to export your files from SelfCAD software

Download:3D Slash forWindows|macOS|Linux|Raspberry Pi(Free, in-app purchases available)

4.

Choose the one you want and stash your file.

Download:FreeCAD forWindows|macOS|Linux(Free)

5.

An option to import a 3D file to 3D Slash

MeshMixer

MeshMixer is a powerful tool for creating, modifying, and repairing 3D models.

Extrusions, Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Boolean tools are also useful for quickly modifying your STL files.

after you grab finished editing it, select theExportoption on the right-hand side of the software.

An option to export your design from 3D Slash

you could specify your project’s name and choose the appropriate file format, as shown below.

Download:Meshmixer forWindows(Free)

6.

MeshLab

MeshLab makes it easier for anyone to create, adjust, and manipulate complex 3D mesh files.

Importing an STL file to FreeCAD

To start editing your files, import them to the software by going toFile >Import Mesh.

once you nail imported an STL file, it’s possible for you to start editing it.

When done, go toFileagain, and you will see two options for exporting your file.

An option to export your model from FreeCAD

However, these files can be tricky to work with, especially if you are a beginner.

An option to import your designs to Meshmixer

An option to export your designs from Meshmixer

An option to import files to MeshLab

An option to export your files from MeshLab