File Extension | STL |
Full Name | Stereolithography Format |
The .STL extension refers to files of the type, Stereolithography files. It is a native file format for CAD software that are based on stereolithography. There are many community developed and supported packages that work with the STL file and language for CAD.The STL file is mostly used for rapid prototyping and contains usually 3D modeling data.
File Extension | U3D |
Full Name | Universal 3D Format |
U3D is na universal format supported by various CAD software. U3D file stores compressed data of 3D model. U3D format is typically used for exchanging 3D data between different applications.
File format conversion is the process of transforming a file from one format (referred to as "STL") to another (referred to as "U3D"). This may be necessary for various reasons. For example, STL file may be incompatible with the software or device we want to use to open or edit it. In such cases, converting the file from format STL to format U3D becomes essential.
So, how can we perform STL to U3D file conversion? Fortunately, there are many tools and computer programs available that enable file format conversion. These tools work by reading the data from the file in format STL and transforming it into format U3D. This allows the preservation of the original information contained in the file, even after changing its format. Below you will find a list of STL to U3D converters.
If you have already downloaded one of the converters and installed it on your computer, you can proceed to the appropriate conversion process of STL to U3D. Handling all the programs is usually very intuitive and is based on the same pattern of conduct. We will briefly discuss a few steps that you always need to go through while changing the format of the STL file:
File extensions are not normally displayed to users. To change this, go to Control Panel, select Appearance and Personalization and Folder Options. Next, select the View and find the option "Hide extensions for known file types". The option should be deselected (cleared) and confirmed with OK.