If you want to create a 3D model in STL format or edit an existing STL file in Windows 11/10, use these free STL editors.

Learn how to design and 3D print with Tinkercad in this beginner-friendly guide. Step-by-step tips to turn your ideas into tangible creations.

What is an STL file? In layman’s terms, an STL file contains 3D meshes, geometry, and other related information and is used for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and computer-aided manufacturing.

When you're done, click Design > Download for 3D Printing and you'll immediately get an STL file you can load into your printer.

3D printing can be a fun and productive hobby and skill, but there can be a lot of confusion around the files involved. Here are some you should know about.

The most common reason an STL file may be not quite right is a mechanical connection where some piece isn’t quite as the designer expected, so the 3D model that interfaces with it no longer fits.

STL format is, by comparison, almost trivial to implement. This has in part contributed to the inertia keeping STL as the format making the 3D printing world go round. Want to try it out?