We accept STL, 3MF, OBJ and STEP. They are not interchangeable, and the right one can save a round of back-and-forth.
| Format | What it stores | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| STL | A triangle mesh only. No units, no colour. | The universal option for most downloaded models. |
| 3MF | Mesh plus units, colours, multiple parts and print settings. | Best for multi-colour models and MakerWorld projects. |
| OBJ | Mesh with optional colour and texture data. | Scans and models from sculpting apps. |
| STEP | An exact CAD solid with real dimensions. | Engineering parts that may need edits or tight fits. |
Export tips
- Units: STL has none, so export in millimetres and tell us the size you expect.
- Watertight: the mesh should be closed. Most CAD tools do this automatically.
- Resolution: for curved surfaces, choose a fine export setting so circles don't come out faceted.
- One file per part for assemblies, or a single 3MF with named parts.
No file at all?
That's common. Send photos with a ruler in shot, a sketch with measurements, or the broken part itself. See from photo to 3D print.
Common questions
Can you print a file from Thingiverse, Printables or MakerWorld?
Yes, as long as its licence allows it. Personal-use models are fine for you to own; to resell prints the licence must allow commercial use. See our licence guide.
Can you edit my file?
Small changes such as resizing, adding a name or a mounting hole are usually quick. Bigger redesigns are quoted as design time.