Free Online STL to STP Converter

You can use our STL to STP conversion tool to quickly and easily convert your 3D model files for free. You may upload up to 20 files at one time, and our batch STL to STP converter will process each 3D model and present you with a download link for each file once completed.

Select File(s)

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.

Our 3D model STL to STP tool will load your STL file and, where supported, attempt to extract all the relevant 3D features, such as geometry, textures, and animations. To access the 3D conversion configuration options, click the button when you have selected your files. The current options support the ability to voxelize your 3D model and more.

How to Convert your STL to STP Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your STL to STP 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 STP

Click the download link to receive your STP file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my STL file to STP?

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

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

We aim to process all STL to STP 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 STP conversion?

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

Comparing STL and STP Files

When converting between the STL and STP file formats, it is useful to understand the differences between the two and which one is more appropriate for a particular task.

Features

Starting with the STP format, this is a standard format that is popular amongst CAD applications. CAD applications primarily use it to store 3D model data in a vector format for easy interpretation. On the other hand, the STL format is an older format and is used to store a single 3D model mesh, making the formats quite different in their approach to storing 3D object data.

Uses

STP files are ideal for exchanging 3D objects between CAD applications and, due to their standardized format, have become a standard format for the distribution of commercial and industrial object designs. In comparison, an STL file is usually the preferred format for storing 3D models that are to be 3D printed. STL files cannot usually be imported into a CAD application as a vector format, but exporting from a CAD application into the STL format is usually an option in many CAD applications.

A side panel clip in its original STP format

The side panel clip design converted to STL

A close up view of the STL side panel clip

Summary

If you intend to 3D print a 3D object, the STL format is the format to use. Most 3D slicer applications are unable to read STP files directly without first being converted to STL. If you are looking to store your 3D design in a vector format that will not lose any detail when distributing the file or moving it between CAD applications, then the STP format is the one to use.

File format information for STL and STP

Extension	STL
Full Name	Standard Triangle Language
Type	3D Model
Mime Type	application/vnd.ms-pki.stl
Format	Text
Opens With	Blender, MeshLab, CAD Assistant, DAZ Studio

The STL, or Standard Triangle Language, file format has been around since the '80s and is supported by most modern 3D modelling applications. In particular, the STL format has become something of a standard format within the area of 3D printing, despite the rise of more modern formats such as 3MF.

STL files come in two flavours: binary or text format. The text format is human-readable, making it easy to perform manual edits, but can lead to very large file sizes. As you can imagine, the binary format is much more compact and represents the majority of the STL files you are likely to encounter.

The format itself is very simple; the 3D model is represented by a sequential list of triangles, with each triangle defined with 3 points consisting of their X, Y, and Z positions, along with an additional vector that contains the face normal (the direction the face is pointing). There is an additional attribute block for each triangle; however, this is largely unused and thus unsupported.

STL Converter Capabilities

When converting 3D model or mesh files using our STL converter, we will attempt to convert colour materials into a suitable format for use in the converted file.

Extension	STP
Full Name	STEP-File
Type	3D Model
Mime Type	application/octet-stream
Format	Text
Opens With	CAD Assistant

STP files are a 3D file format used to store complex 3D object definitions in a standard format to facilitate data transfer between compatible 3D modelling and CAD (Computer Aided Design) applications. In addition to storing 3D object data, the STP format can store additional information such as materials, tolerances, and other relevant data.

The STP format was first released in the early 1990's, has become a standard for 3D object storage, and is used in automotive, electronics, and other industries. STP files can be opened in most modern CAD applications and can be imported into many 3D modelling applications too.

The file content is ASCII text-based and conforms to the ISO-10303-21 standard. The 3D object contained within the STP file is described using a combination of points, lines, and edges. Due to the format being ASCII text, complex objects can lead to large file sizes. In addition to large file sizes, some complex STP files can take a long time to open within editing applications, even on a high-spec, modern computer.

STP Converter Capabilities

When converting your STL to STP, our tool will attempt to accurately convert any colour or material information.

Information for converting from STL to STP

Your STL file will be converted to a STP file using our unified 3D model and mesh conversion tool. Our STL 3D tool performs accurate conversions of 3D elements such as vertices, faces, normals, and relevant material information. As both STL and STP support colour material information, our tool will also attempt to convert the colour information.