Home3D Model ConverterSTL ConverterConvert STL to ZIP

Free Online STL to ZIP 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 ZIP Online?

Here are 2 simple steps to convert your STL to ZIP 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 ZIP

Click the download link to receive your ZIP file.

File format information for STL and ZIP

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.

ExtensionZIP
Full NameZIP Archive
TypeArchive
Mime Typeapplication/zip
FormatBinary

A ZIP file is a widely used data compression and archiving format that allows multiple files and folders to be compressed into a single, more compact package. The term "ZIP" refers to the file extension (.zip) commonly associated with this format. ZIP files are used to reduce the overall file size, making it easier and faster to transfer or share a group of files. They are particularly useful when sending files over the internet or storing large sets of data efficiently.

Inside a ZIP file, individual files and directories are compressed using a lossless compression algorithm, which means no data is lost during the compression process. This compression significantly reduces the file size, allowing users to save storage space and reduce bandwidth usage when transmitting the files. ZIP files can be created and extracted using various software applications, and most modern operating systems have built-in support for handling ZIP files natively, making it easy to work with them without the need for additional software.

ZIP files also offer the benefit of organizing related files together in one archive, making it convenient to group files that belong to a particular project or share files that are related to a specific topic. Additionally, ZIP files can be encrypted with a password to provide an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the contents of the archive. Due to their versatility, widespread compatibility, and ability to efficiently package and compress files, ZIP files remain a popular choice for organizing, sharing, and archiving data across various platforms and systems.

Information for converting from STL to ZIP

Our STL file converter will compress your uploaded file to a ZIP archive ready for download. This tool is great for compressing those large STL files and save yourself some harddrive space. ZIP archives can be opened later on in most operating systems usually with no additional software.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my STL file to ZIP?

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

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

We aim to process all STL to ZIP 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 ZIP conversion?

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