STL to GLTF Conversion
The list below provides valuable resources, packed with detailed instructions and expert tips for converting STL files to GLTF format using our converters. Review them now to simplify your STL files conversion later.
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STL vs GLTF Comparison
| Property | STL | GLTF |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .gltf, .glb |
| Name | STereoLithography | GL Transmission File |
| 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.
- 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.
Graphics Language Transmission File
A file format developed and maintained by the Khronos Group organization, a consortium of industry leaders that creates open standards for graphics, media, and parallel computing. It is designed to facilitate the efficient storage and exchange of 3D models. It has the following features:
- GLTF Versions: There are two versions of the GLTF file format that are available:
- GLTF 1.0: Supports basic geometry, simple materials with textures, basic skeletal animations with joint hierarchies, scenes with a single root node and a hierarchy of child nodes, etc.
- GLTF 2.0: Supports more features, such as PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials, Draco compression, advanced skeletal animations, skinning, morph targets, etc.
- ASCII and Binary Modes: By default, a GLTF file is saved in ASCII text mode, which is human-readable and easy to edit. To save a GLTF file with all referenced texture images in binary mode, the GLB file extension should be used. This reduces the file size and the number of files.
- Embedded Textures: GLTF/GLB files allow for a more streamlined and efficient way to manage 3D assets. By storing textures directly within the file, these formats eliminate the need for separate image files, making the 3D model self-contained and easier to distribute.
GLTF File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application allow you to import and export GLTF and GLB files, and convert them into various other 3D file formats. Our products also support the use of Draco compression, which can significantly reduce the size of GLTF and GLB files without compromising visual fidelity.