5 Best STL Editors in 2024

Working with STL files and other 3D drawings is no easy task, so you definitely need the best STL editor to ensure your efforts won’t go in vain. Such programs allow you to import files and then edit them using a multitude of tools. You can start with basic adjustments, and then proceed with more elaborate modifications.

Top 5 STL Editors

  1. FreeCAD - Specialized modules cate
  2. Blender - With UV unwrapping
  3. MeshLab - Point cloud processing function
  4. SketchUp - With 3D Warehouse
  5. 3DSlash - For Minecraft-inspired models

While googling “the best STL editor”, you will see many results, but most programs can barely satisfy the needs of modern users. To relieve you from the stress of long searching, we described the most efficient programs in this article. Read till the end and choose the most fitting option.

1. FreeCAD - Our Choice

Specialized modules cate
  • 3rd party modules increase features
  • Designing is simple
  • Full 3D preview functionality
  • Functionality is flexible
  • Complex UI

Verdict: FreeCAD is an open source software which can be used by both the novice and experienced users to design their next model. The features of this free CAD software include a drag and drop interface, support for all types of materials such as plastic, fibreglass and metal, easy to use "model checker" to ensure that the models look as expected before printing.

One of the most unique features of FreeCAD is its built-in mesh import facility which makes it very easy to import complex mesh designs.

freecad interface

2. Blender

With UV unwrapping
  • Raster graphics editing
  • Video editing and composition
  • Skin modifier
  • High-end production path tracer
  • Seemingly-cluttered menus

Verdict: Blender comes out as the most wanted software for those who are in love with 3D visualization and graphics. To make it all possible, Blender is a drag and drop software, which not only allow you to easily convert your photos and videos to a 3D image, but it also gives you the best possible editing capabilities for your images. It is an open source software which means that anyone can get hold of the source code to the software.

Once you are done with the editing of your 3d model, you can save the file to your desktop and simply wait for some hours while the converted 3D image gets emailed to your email address.

blender interface

3. MeshLab

Point cloud processing function
  • Complete free and open source
  • Stability and flexibility
  • Supports many formats
  • Sometimes crashes randomly

Verdict: MeshLabs is a software product that is ideal for designing and printing meshlabs and the great alternative to AutoCAD. It offers several features that make designing models with the help of this software easy and fun. Most importantly, it can help you save time and money because of support both standard and premium formats; thereby giving you the best value for your money.

Even if you are a beginner when it comes to designing models with meshlabs, this software will surely help you. The built-in video tutorials explain the procedures to follow and you can simply follow the step-by-step procedure until you complete a model.

meshlab stl editors interface

4. SketchUp

With 3D Warehouse
  • Layer manager
  • Library of free 3D components
  • Easy to change details
  • Layout is not easy to create

Verdict: SketchUp is able to create and edit all kinds of different models from any source. It was created to import all kinds of different models into your computer. Although this software is primarily aimed at professionals, it is also well suited to amateurs who wish to create their own designs.

The reason why SketchUp is able to remain cost-effective is because the product is offered with a huge amount of features which are aimed at making the process of designing 3D objects much easier and efficient. In addition to these features the software also has a great number of add-ons which make it even more convenient for users.

sketchup stl editors interface

5. 3DSlash

For Minecraft-inspired models
  • With a building-block concept
  • Exports to the required .stl format
  • Simple models that print well
  • Teacher dashboard is limited

Verdict: 3DSlash is the best way to get started designing your models because you can have a look at the available designs to know what type of model you want to create. You can also print them out and use them for a physical demo before you finalize your model.

However, the only problem with 3DSlash is that many people do not have the patience to wait for them to be completed. To solve this problem, the software has an automatic off button and you can easily shutdown or save the file if you do not need it anymore.

videosolo blu ray copy software interface
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