![\"STL](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/STL-editor-Gambody-blog.jpg\" "\\"STL")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRead also:<\/strong> Best Free 3D Modeling Software<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two types of STL file editor software: solid modeling and mesh modeling. The first is not designed for 3D printing<\/a>, while the second is. Still, both have something a user can take advantage of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, CAD tools such as Blender, Fusion 360, Tinkercad, and FreeCAD can create solid objects. Thus, when you make a cube or circle, you get what it is. Such computer-aided design tools can help you construct objects using exact measurements, and still, 3D printing enthusiasts can rely on CAD to edit STL files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, you will look into specific STL editor tools that are created for 3D modelers. Using such mesh software, you can open, modify, edit STL files, combine (merge) them, etc. Such models only show you their shells but have no filling, and thus, you might need to make their walls thicker to 3D print a good project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The list of 10 free STL editor tools you can quickly jump to in 2023:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most famous software, Blender<\/a> STL editor, is a popular tool among hobbyists who wish to add changes to their 3D models before printing them. The program has many useful features and tools that are perfect for modifying STL files and editing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike some very simple STL editor software that lacks features, Blender has more than enough options, but it could take a while to learn how to use it and enjoy all the available commands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you see a cube when you launch the software, you can remove it before opening STL files. Just hover the mouse over the cube and click Del<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you should press File<\/strong> and select Import<\/strong> – STL<\/strong>. This allows you to browse through all your 3D printing and other files and select the one you wish to work on. The editor also works with OBJ, FBX, PLY, ABC, USD, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are in Object Mode<\/strong>, you can use the Set Origin<\/strong> option to move your 3D model to the origin and make the object’s origin the center of the object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To use your STL editor to edit files, you should use the Edit<\/strong> feature instead of Object<\/strong>. This option reveals the model’s edges and allows you to select the whole project (press Alt+L) or individual edge, point, and plane (right-click whatever you wish to work with).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Users who wish to transform their 3D model triangles into rectangles shapes should press the combination Alt+J.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want your project to have more or fewer tiles, change that number using the Subdivide<\/strong>\/Un-Subdivide<\/strong> feature (which you can also access by right-clicking the Subdivide menu).<\/p>\n\n\n\n To eliminate some model elements, extrude them, or move them, use the tools called Extrude<\/strong>, Face<\/strong>, Vertex<\/strong>, and Edge<\/strong>. To add a new shape to your 3D model, you should rely on tools like Cube<\/strong>, Sphere<\/strong>, and Plane<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To merge STL files, rely on the Boolean<\/strong> feature, which helps to create new forms by cutting or merging two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read also:<\/strong> Incredible Stuff You Can Make with a 3D Printer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This popular STL editor has special features that allow you to easily repair your STL files in 2023. You will have to activate this feature by going to Edit<\/strong> and selecting Preferences<\/strong> – Add-ons<\/strong> and then activating Mesh: 3D-Print Toolbox<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sidebar on the left offers many great tools you can use. If you can’t see it, you should turn it on (it will appear beneath View<\/strong>) by clicking the N<\/strong> letter. You will see various issues you can fix<\/a>, including overhangs, wall thickness, and manifolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose one or all three at once to check if these issues exist in your project, and click Check All<\/strong>. Then you can repair your model using the STL editor tools and ensure the walls a thick enough to print well, supports are added for all the overhangs, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are happy with modifying STL files, you can export your 3D model through the File<\/strong> menu. Choose Export<\/strong> – STL<\/strong> to save your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n * * *<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you learn how to edit STL files with Blender, you will love this fantastic software. With its help, you can work on high-poly 3D models, sculpt your favorite characters, and model complex objects. Still, it might take a long while to master this tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hobbyists can rely on the free Fusion 360<\/a> STL editor to add changes to their 3D model, modify it and improve it. There is a paid version for professionals<\/a> who use the tool for work (with a free 30-day trial period), but the free release works perfectly well for enthusiasts who 3D print figurines for their collections and need the tool for personal use only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opening STL files is simple if you use Fusion 360. However, it is a must to convert your 3D model into a CAD-friendly format to take full advantage of all CAD software’s instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you look at Modify<\/strong> dropdown menu below the Mesh<\/strong> menu, you will see the Convert Mesh<\/strong> option, which might work for a simple project. However, if you are working on a complex STL file, it is best to listen to the warning given by Fusion 30 and abort the conversion. In this case, you can use a limited number of tools for STL 3D models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the Insert<\/strong> – Insert Mesh<\/strong> option, you can place your project in the workspace and select your preferred units (inches or millimeters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every 3D model should be checked for various problems you can repair with the Fusion 360 STL editor. Once you import your STL files, the software will automatically check them and tell you if any minor issues exist. Then you can choose Repair<\/strong> and whatever you wish to repair (Close Holes, Stitch and Remove, etc).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you need to split your 3D model into smaller elements, use the Plane Cut<\/strong> option. Also, you can leave your project with a shell or fill it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to merge STL files, you should select Modify<\/strong> on your Mesh<\/strong> tab and choose the Combine<\/strong> feature. After this, point to the Target Body<\/strong> for other bodies (Tool Bodies<\/strong> you will select next) to be combined with and choose Merge<\/strong> (other options you can use are Cut<\/strong>, Join<\/strong>, and Intersect<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can rely on Reduce<\/strong> option to get a lower number of facets in your project. This tool shows you a preview of what you get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to scale your 3D model, use the Solid<\/strong> tab in your Design<\/strong> space and choose Modify<\/strong> – Scale<\/strong> feature. It lets you use either Uniform<\/strong> or Non Uniform<\/strong> scale type. The first selects the project on all axes, and the second allows selecting along one of three axes (x, y, or z).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When done, you should select File<\/strong> – Export<\/strong> and choose STL or another file format (OBJ, 3MF) to save your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n * * *<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusion 360 may not be a perfect STL file editor 2023 because it can convert your STL model to CAD-solid-type-of-project with errors or even crash while you make that step. Thus, it could be better to work with your STL file without conversions and use basic options such as Combine, Line Scale, mesh-repair, quick technical screenshot, simple render in the cloud, and thus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read also:<\/strong> Best Online 3D Printing Service for Hobbyists<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s learn how to edit an STL file with Meshmixer<\/a>, another free STL editor for Windows you might love using every day. This software is user-friendly and offers a slicer feature. Please note that Autodesk stopped developing Meshmixer in 2021 and suggests users would rely on Fusion 360 instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you can edit STL files in Meshmixer in 2023 and then send the 3D printing model<\/a> right to the 3D printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With MeshMixer, it is easy to modify STL, edit it, repair your project, etc. This STL file editor allows you to quickly Import an STL file using the Import<\/strong> menu and then choose Edit<\/strong> – Make Solid<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your left-column menu will have the following options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Object Browser<\/strong> lists all 3D models in your scene. But it is hidden by default until you add multiple objects. You can also make it visible via View<\/strong> – Show Objects Browser<\/strong>. You can select the model(s) and click the Duplicate<\/strong> or Delete<\/strong> icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meshmix STL editor lets you work with shapes, and basic and complex forms, rotate and move your project, scale it, extrude, and smoothen it while sculpting and modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Edit<\/strong> menu in this free STL editor offers many tools to fix issues and work on your 3D model<\/a>. If your project is partially flipped, you can Generate Face Groups<\/strong> using the biggest Angle Threshold. Your flipped areas will each get a group, and the rest of the object will be a “positive” area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Select<\/strong> menu, you can double-press the “positive” area and then press I<\/strong> to invert that part to flipped faces. Then you can use Flip Normals<\/strong> under Edit<\/strong> to fix the model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Edit<\/strong> menu also allows you to use Boolean operation, Deform\/Transform your 3D model, Separate Shells, Align, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hobbyists who use a free STL editor to prepare their 3D model for 3D printing<\/a> will love the set of tools offered by Meshmixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you choose the Analysis<\/strong> and Print<\/strong> menu on the software’s sidebar, you will see various features that can help you improve your project and ensure it has no errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through Analysis<\/strong> – Generate Support<\/strong> feature, it is simple to create supports<\/a> to ensure all the overhangs 3D print well. But you can also Add Supports<\/strong> via the Print<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to repair your 3D model, choose the Print<\/strong> – Repair Selected<\/strong> option. It just looks at your project and automatically resolves all issues, such as holes in the model, and non-manifold vertices, and lets you adjust the wall thickness and hollow some or all parts if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides, you can adjust your 3D printer’s settings and go to Print<\/strong> – Send to Printer<\/strong> when your project is ready to be 3D printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Users who learned how to edit STL files with MeshMixer and are happy with the results can export the project as STL via the File<\/strong> – Export<\/strong> menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n * * *<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among different mesh software, MeshMixer is one of the best STL editors you can find in 2023. It helps you modify your 3D printing object from head to toe and develop an ideal model that would turn into a fantastic physical print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read also:<\/strong> How to 3D Print Without Supports<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you want to learn how to edit STL files with SketchUp<\/a>, you will need some good tips. If you choose SketchUp online STL editor as your free tool (you can use this software at no cost for personal projects), you will need to get one extra plugin to edit STL files.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSTL Editor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Edit STL in Blender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Opening STL Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blender-Open-STL-file-Gambody-blog.jpg\" "\\"How")
Edit STL Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"STL](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blender-Set-origin-Gambody-blog.jpg\" "\\"Blender\\"")
![\"Edit](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blender-org-screenshot.jpg\" "\\"Edit")
Repair STL Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blender-3D-print-toolbox.jpg\" "\\"Mesh")
![\"Repair](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blender-check-3D-model-for-errors.jpg\" "\\"Repair")
2. STL File Editor: Fusion 360<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Edit 3D Models<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Free](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Fusion-360-Insert-mesh.jpg\" "\\"Insert")
How to Repair STL<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Merge](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Fusion-360-Combine-mesh-Gambody-blog.jpg\" "\\"Combine")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Fusion-360-Scale-body-Gambody-blog.jpg\" "\\"Scale")
3. Meshmixer Repair STL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Meshmixer](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Autodesk-notice-about-Meshmixer.jpg\" "\\"Notice")
How to Edit STL Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mesh](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-menus.jpg\" "\\"Meshmixer")
![\"Generate](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-Face-Groups.jpg\" "\\"Generate")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-Flip-Normals.jpg\" "\\"How")
Modify STL & Repair Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-Generate-Support.jpg\" "\\"How")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-Repair-files.jpg\" "\\"How")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Edit](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Meshmixer-3D-Print-model.jpg\" "\\"Print")
4. STL Editing Software: SketchUp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Edit STL<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"SketchUp](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cleanup-Sketchup-Plugin.jpg\" "\\"SketchUp")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/SketchUp-Solid-Inspector.jpg\" "\\"Solid")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/SketchUp-Export-STL.jpg\" "\\"Export")
![\"Online](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/SketchUp-Download-as-STL.jpg\" "\\"Download")
![\"FreeCAD](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/FreeCAD-File-Import.jpg\" "\\"Import")
![\"Modify](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/FreeCAD-switch-to-Part.jpg\" "\\"Going")
![\"Modifying](\"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/FreeCAD-create-shape-from-mesh.jpg\" "\\"Create")