| Full Name | Standard Triangle Language |
| Extension | STL |
| Type | 3D Model |
| Mime Type | application/vnd.ms-pki.stl |
| Format | Text |
The STL file format is used for storing 3D models and is a common format for distributing 3D printable models. STL files emerged in the 1980s as a format for storing a 3D mesh as a simple list of triangles. Due to its age and simplistic format, it has gained widespread support within 3D modeling and CAD applications.
As a result of the simple file format and its widespread support amongst 3D editors, the STL format has found itself as the format of choice for the distribution of 3D printable objects. There are many websites that offer 3D printing downloads in the STL format.
Mesh Geometry
As mentioned, STL files make use of a simple structure for containing the 3D mesh data. The 3D model is stored as a continuous list of triangles, with each triangle containing three vertices specifying the location in 3D space of the triangle, which, along with a single vector normal, is all that is required to render the model contained within the STL file. There are two formats of STL files: plain text and binary. When used with large and complex 3D models, the text format leads to very large file sizes and should be avoided, with the binary format offering more efficient storage of the mesh data.
STL Converter Capabilities
As materials containing color information is supported by the STL format, our tool will do its best to include this in the converted file.
| Full Name | Blender |
| Extension | BLEND |
| Type | 3D Model |
| Mime Type | application/octet-stream |
| Format | Binary |
The BLEND format is the native 3D model file format used by the ever-popular 3D modeling application Blender. Blender has been around since the 1990s, and it has grown steadily over the years, adding new features with each passing version.
The current version of Blender has many powerful features, is very popular with many budding 3D designers, and is the go-to application for videogame, animation, and film artists.
Mesh Geometry
The BLEND file format is a mesh-based format, meaning the 3D models created within Blender are stored in the form of 3D meshes composed of vertices and faces. Along with 3D object geometry, Blender supports the creation of animations, and this too is included in the BLEND file.
BLEND Converter Capabilities
As materials containing color information is supported by the STL and BLEND formats, our tool will do its best to include this in the converted BLEND file.
