As there are a lot of 3d printing file types available, like STL, OBJ, or 3MF, it becomes difficult to choose the right file type. If by any chance, you chose the wrong format, it can become a headache for you. Yes, it can trigger errors and spoil the quality of the print, as well as waste hours of your time.
So, you will be wondering which file format is optimum for 3D printing? Have a seat! In this blog, we will discuss different 3d printer file types thoroughly, covering their pros and cons. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you’ll be able to make a wise decision. Just keep reading and stay anxiety-free!
1) What Are 3D Printing Files?
3D printing files serve as the blueprints that tell the printer what to do. They carry the information on crafting the object according to the required dimensions and structure. It serves as a digital model for a user’s design, and without these predefined files, precise shapes cannot be computed by the printer.
Whenever you create or download a design, it typically comes in a 3D print file type. There are a lot of file types, and each 3D printer has its own different types of software to aid in printing. For some printers, files are basic and minimal, while for others, they are complex and have some extra details.
Well, in 3D printing technology, you should choose the file carefully as it impacts the overall performance of a printer.
Wondering what file type for a 3D printer is best suited for your particular type of project? If you’re in the business of quick prototypes, an STL would suffice; however, working with more deeply colored models demands finer details, hence OBJ or 3MF would work better.
2) Top 10 3D Printing File Types You Need to Know
What file type for 3d printing? The type of file you select to print the 3D model is a very important step, as it can make or break the project. All formats serve different purposes. So, it is important for you to know the basics of each. Let’s cover the most common among them.
i) STL (Stereolithography)
The most popular 3d print file type is STL. It uses triangular meshes to describe three-dimensional surfaces, making it compatible with virtually every slicer software and 3D printer available today. Well, it’s excellent for basic prototypes that do not require any detail in colour or materials.
- Advantages
+ Easy to handle and lightweight.
+ Compatible with almost all slicers and 3D printers.
+ Great for basic models made from one material.
+ Perfect for inexperienced users.
+ Quick slicing and printing times
+ Offers compatibility with various editing, repair, or preparation programs.
- Disadvantage
– No support for colour, texture, or materials.
– Limited to surface geometry—cannot handle complex project data.
– Can lose detail in intricate models due to low-resolution triangles.
In reply to the question: “What files are needed for 3D printing?” Yasmeen R-Balee ( a former prop designer) shared in a Quora post that for 3D printing, you may need an STL file, or sometimes you may use an OBJ file. This shows that these files are really helpful in 3D printing in real life.
ii) OBJ (Object File)
An OBJ file contains geometry data and 3D models like coordinates, texture maps, and colours. And, it is a file format that supports geometry in 3D modelling applications as well as in printing, especially for colored and textured models.
- Advantages
+ Contains geometric model features.
+ Works seamlessly with several CAD software as well as design and slicing utilities.
+ Best choice to model visually appealing details.
- Disadvantages
– Requires supplementary files such as MTL
– STL frequently uses smaller files than OBJ files, making the latter less desirable while carrying large data sets
– Certain slicers do not support OBJ files fully or at all.
iii) 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format)
It is an advanced type of file that is developed by Microsoft and other companies, like Autodesk and Ultimaker. Well, it carries more areas like materials and print settings using one file while remaining within a single compressed folder.
- Advantages
+ Eliminates missing file link issues, which greatly benefits team workplaces
+ Helps consolidate colour information within a document, reducing snippet clutter
+ Minimal instantly available
- Disadvantages
– More advanced printers are required
– Certain slicers offer only partial feature support
– Requires new software to use all features.
– Could have more troubleshooting difficulties.
– Less documentation is available when compared to STL.
– Not all services might accept it for printing.
iv) AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format)
AMF is XML based file format that is designed to replace STL. It gives a 3D model description with multiple colours, materials, textures, and even lattice structures. It makes it more complete than STL.
- Advantages
+ Gives detailed description of the model: colour, texture, and material included.
+ More advanced than STL in efficiency and detail without the need for external files.
- Disadvantages
– Rarer use and lack of support mean it’s not widely known. It can be daunting to newcomers due to a lack of resources.
– Printing often requires conversion. Limited guides or tutorials; less commonly used than other formats
– Lack of universality with slicers. Specialized tools required for proper previews make them harder without aid.
v) PLY (Polygon File Format)
It is the best file type for 3d printing that is used mostly in 3D scanning workflows involving surface detail analysis. PLY stores geometry along with surface colours and textures. And, it was originally developed for 3D scanners.
- Advantages
+ Uses ASCII and binary methods, which makes it versatile
+ Works with specialised 3D scan computers, yielding high-resolution detail preservation.
+ Used in medicine or digital history, making it ideal for data
- Disadvantages
– Limited assistance in 3D printing software slicers.
– Increased file sizes.
– Requires a change before printing.
– Repair and editing may present challenges.
vi) FBX (Filmbox)
Alright! FBX is used extensively in animation and game design. FBX is an owned format created by Autodesk that captures important 3D objects with their corresponding animations, textures, and settings for cameras.
- Advantages
+ Captures detailed information—rigs, animations, textures.
+ Works well with professional 3D software.
+ Useful for animated assets conversions.
+ Cinematic or visual project asset transformations.
+ Fulfils AR/VR project requirements seamlessly.
+ Complex lighting effects are permitted along with advanced cameras.
- Disadvantages
– Not oriented towards 3D printing.
– Conversion required to accessible formats for print use.
– Intricate file structure that is cumbersome and bulky.
vii) GLB/GLTF (GL Transmission Format)
Developed for quick uploading and downloading of content over the web. GLTF has a binary version called GLB that becomes useful when geometries, textures, animation, etc., need to be included.
- Advantages
+ Efficient but not limited to being compact while in a queue for web usage.
+ Geometry as well as animation can be integrated, making it full colored 3d scene preview support.
+ Suitable for dissemination purposes concerning the 3D previews.
+ Widely accepted alongside having open-source availability.
- Disadvantages
– Non-printable formats require alteration before the slicing stage.
– Some information might not be compatible with printing.
– Different slicers produce different results.
– Limited contributions from the community for practical applications.
viii) STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data)
STEP is focused on CAD data and is commonly used in mechanical engineering and industrial design. Moreover, it is used to store precise geometry, structure, and assembly-level data of components and products.
- Advantages
+ Preserves precision as well as detailed geometry
+ Most suitable for mechanical and industrial parts
+ Interoperates with numerous CAD programs
+ Can contain complete assemblies
+ Standardised with guaranteed long-term reliability
+ Supports intricate models from complex engineering disciplines
- Disadvantages
– Cannot be directly printed
– Must be converted to mesh formats
– Can result in oversized file sizes
– Difficult to preview without CAD software
– Steep learning curve
ix) IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)
One of the oldest CAD file types is primarily adopted by the aerospace and automotive industries. It contains 2D/3D vector data about a product design.
- Advantages
+ Effective when retrieving legacy CAD information. Handles both 2D & 3D geometrical representations of a product.
+ Excellent maintenance of curves as well as surface continuity.
+ Widely adopted in most industrial design applications.
+ Compatible with numerous legacy CAD equipment files.
+ Preserves detailed vectorial information.
- Disadvantages
– Does not fit into current 3D printing workflows.
– Oversized, bulky files require conversion into STL or 3MF format.
– Inadequate documentation
– Software for slicing is still error-prone.
– Fewer tools actively work on this area.
x) VRML/X3D
VRML and X3D are used as 3D graphics formats for the Internet and interactive applications. They allow colour, texture, animation, and other features.
- Advantages
+ Makes full-color 3D prints possible.
+ Useful for sandstone and composite printing.
+ Accepted by most online print services.
+ Can show interactive models over the internet.
+ Strong use in architectural visualisation.
+ Works with X3D viewers, so it has good compatibility.
- Disadvantages
– Not widely supported by consumer printers.
– Can be quite large in size
– Requires special viewer or editor software
– Requires conversion prior to slicing
– Struggles with a steep learning curve
– Too few flexible open-source editing resources.
3) Classification of Common 3D Printing File Formats
It is essential to realise how different types of 3D printing files are organised for you to select the best one for your process. Here is a helpful classification;
| Category | File Types | Description | Typical Use |
| Mesh formats | STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF | Use meshes of triangles (and sometimes XML wrappers) to describe model surfaces | Ideal for 3D printing preparation and slicing |
| CAD/solid formats | STEP, IGES, SLDPRT, SAT | Store precise geometry and assembly info, not mesh-based | Used in design and engineering; must be converted before slicing |
| Textured/colour formats | OBJ, 3MF, AMF, PLY, VRML/X3D | Include colour, texture, and sometimes material data | Best for full-colour prints or detailed appearance |
| Animation/web formats | FBX, GLTF/GLB, VRML/X3D | Designed for animations or web/AR viewing; includes texture and behaviour info | Common in AR/VR workflows; requires conversion before printing |
4) How to Create 3D Printing Files for Your Project
To make a file for a 3D printer, one has to start with a digital model. It is possible to create one using CAD programs like Fusion 360, SolidWorks or TinkerCAD. Another method includes scanning physical objects in order to turn them into scan files, which can be printed.
After making the model, save it as an STL file to match your printer’s compatibility with OBJ or 3MF files.
Remember, the model needs to be watertight, meaning there cannot be any gaps or holes in the mesh. And, when slitting, the file may encounter problems because of non-manifold edges and overlapping surfaces. The good thing is that most of the software has features to fix these issues before uploading.
After export, slicing software will be used such as Cura, PrusaSlicer or Simplify3D. These software tools will convert your 3D model into a printable G-code file that is compatible with your printer. Additionally, parameters like layer height, infill density, print speed, and supports can also be set during this phase.
How to Resize 3D Printing Files
- Launch the slicer or design software with your model.
- Select the item and look for the scale tool, then click it.
- Put the desired scale per cent or dimensions on the provided blank space.
- Ensure option Uniform Scaling check box is selected if original proportions are desired.
- Check the preview to ensure the design needs will still be met.
- An exported or saved file can now be issued ready for use.
More advanced slicers may let you resize by certain increments, like mm, cm, inches, or along a single axis. Keep in mind that for mechanical parts, precision is critical. Always check the fit and function before printing
5) Upload Your 3D Files and Get A Quote
Do you have a 3D model in your mind? With Koonze Model, get an instant quote after file submission. Be it prototyping a new product or printing custom parts, our platform is compatible with STL, OBJ, and STEP files, among others.
After file submission, our system analyses your file and generates a comprehensive quote based on the user’s chosen parameters, including material selection, surface finishing details, and production time frame.
Alright! Rapid manufacturing directly supports engineering design, so Koonze Model deals with 3D printing and allows simple realisation of concepts, offering support from file handling to precision consulting for special aids needed.
Make use of today to upload your files and experience unmatched turnaround times coupled with expert guidance and precision results.
6) Recent Advances in 3D Printing File Formats for 2025
- Rise of 3MF For All In One Printing
The 3MF format is becoming the new standard in 2025. Yes, it supports full-colour, texture, material, and print settings—all within one file. So, this solves many limitations of older formats like STL and improves reliability during printing.
- Integration With AR, VR And The Web
The popularity of GLB and GLTF formats is becoming popular in augmented reality, virtual reality applications, and online previews of models. These file types for 3d printing are quick to load and offer interaction in real-time. Well, it makes them suitable for review sessions as well as remote collaboration.
- Increased Compatibility with CAD Formats
Older CAD formats like STEP are now more compatible with modern slicers. Many hubs are streamlining workflows by eliminating the need to manually convert models before printing. Yes, it saves time and helps avoid mistakes.
- More Flexible And Smarter Files
Files meant for printers in the year 2025 will be effortlessly adaptable across diverse industry requirements. Thus, enabling advanced processes from digital designs all the way to production.
7) FAQs
1. What file type is optimum for full-colour 3D printing?
For full colour printing, the most suitable option can be 3MF. Yes, it consolidates various colours along with textures and materials into a single printer-ready document.
2. Are STEP and other CAD files suitable for 3D printing?
Not directly, as most 3D printers can’t slice and print using STEP files. These need to be converted into mesh formats such as STL or 3MF first.
3. What are some reasons that not all parts can be printed successfully?
It is quite common due to non-manifold geometry, gaps in the geometry of the model, absent texture files, or unsupported attributes in the selected format of the 3D printer file.
