Home3D Model ConverterSTL ConverterConvert STL to PNG

Free Online STL to PNG Converter

Or drag and drop your files here to upload.
A maximum of 20 files can be uploaded at once.

Please note: Your STL file, once uploaded to our server will be deleted 15 minutes after upload so please download your converted STL file before this time.

How to Convert your STL to PNG Online?

Here are 2 simple steps to convert your STL to PNG using our fast and free STL converter tool.

Upload your STL file

Click the "Upload a STL File" button, then select a STL to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your PNG

Click the download link to receive your PNG file.

File format information for STL and PNG

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText
Opens WithBlender, MeshLab, CAD Assistant, DAZ Studio

An STL file, short for Stereolithography, is a widely used file format in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) applications. It serves as a standard method to represent the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object. The format was first developed by 3D Systems in 1987 and has since become a fundamental file type in the additive manufacturing industry. STL files are essential in the process of converting digital 3D models into physical objects through 3D printing technology.

STL files consist of a collection of triangular facets that approximate the shape of the 3D model. The surface of the object is divided into numerous small triangles, forming a mesh representation. Each triangle is defined by three vertices in 3D space and possesses information about its orientation and size. Since STL files store only the outer surface of the model, they are often referred to as "mesh" files or "surface" files, as they lack information about the object's internal structure or color.

When using STL files for 3D printing, slicing software processes the 3D model by dividing it into layers and creating the instructions for the 3D printer to build the object layer by layer. Despite its simplicity and widespread usage, STL files have some limitations. They do not support color or texture information, and the triangle-based representation can lead to larger file sizes and reduced accuracy compared to other file formats. Nonetheless, STL remains a vital format in the 3D printing ecosystem due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers and software.

STL Converter Capabilities

When converting 3D Model/Mesh files using our STL converter we will attempt to convert color materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.

ExtensionPNG
Full NamePortable Network Graphics
TypeImage
Mime Typeimage/png
FormatBinary
Opens WithPaint.Net, Photoshop

A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file is a widely used image format that was developed as a replacement for the GIF format, which had limited color support and was subject to patent issues. PNG files use lossless compression, meaning they retain all the original image data without losing quality. This makes PNG ideal for storing graphics, logos, and images with sharp lines or text, as it avoids the artifacts associated with lossy compression formats like JPEG. PNG supports various color depths, including 24-bit true color and 8-bit grayscale, allowing it to represent a wide range of colors and shades.

One of the key features of PNG files is their support for transparency. PNG supports an alpha channel, which allows parts of the image to be transparent, making it perfect for creating images with irregular or non-rectangular shapes that can blend seamlessly into different backgrounds. This transparency feature is particularly valuable for web design and graphic editing tasks, as it facilitates more flexible and visually appealing compositions.

While PNG files provide excellent image quality and transparency support, they tend to have larger file sizes compared to some other image formats like JPEG. This can be a drawback, especially for web use, where smaller file sizes are preferred for faster loading times. However, the advantages of PNG in terms of lossless compression, high-quality images, and transparent backgrounds make it a popular choice in various contexts, including web design, digital art, and image editing.

Information for converting from STL to PNG

Our tool will internally render your STL file and capture an image of the 3D render which will be saved to a PNG file using a high quality setting ready for you to download.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my STL file to PNG?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your STL file to upload. Your STL file will be uploaded to our servers. When the STL to PNG conversion has completed, you can download your PNG file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my STL to PNG?

We aim to process all STL to PNG conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds however this can be longer for certain files, so please be patient.

How accurate is the STL to PNG conversion?

We aim to provide the best conversion experience. Our tools are under constant review and development with new features being added every week.