Top 10 STL Editors to Repair, Slice, Sculpt and Modify 3D Models

When working with 3D printing, you’ll inevitably need to make tweaks and edits to STL files. Choosing the right STL editor makes this process easy, fast and error-free. In this guide, we’ll compare the top 10 free and paid programs to fix, slice, sculpt and optimize 3D models.

STL (STereoLithography) is the standard file format used in 3D printing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a 3D object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes.

Before printing an STL file, you’ll often need to run repairs to fix issues like gaps, inverted normals, self-intersections and disjointed shells. The model may also need modifications like scaling, hollowing, cutting or adding supports.

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting an STL editor:

• Repair Tools – Capability to diagnose and automatically fix common STL errors.
• Slicing – Adds thin horizontal layers to optimize for 3D printing.
• Editing – Mesh editing tools like move, scale, cut, extrude.
• Sculpting – Tools to sculpt, smooth, deform the 3D model shape.
• Supported Formats – Ability to export back to STL along with other CAD formats.
• Ease of Use – Fast learning curve for beginners. Intuitive interface.
• Advanced Features – Specialized tools for pros like customizable supports.
• Cost – Balance of features and price point.

With these criteria in mind, here are the top 10 STL editors:

1. Meshmixer

Meshmixer from Autodesk is one of the most fully-featured free STL editors available. The easy-to-use tools make repairs and modifications simple.

Key Features:

• Automatic repair of common STL defects
• Slicing and orientation optimization
• Combine models with Boolean operations
• Sculpt and smooth with brush tools
• Add supports manually or automatically
• Export STL along with OBJ, PLY, 3MF

Meshmixer hits the sweet spot for hobbyists needing essential STL editing and printing prep tools. The free price and simplicity makes it a top choice.

2. 3D Builder

Microsoft’s 3D Builder provides basic STL editing tools integrated right into Windows 10. The simple interface is great for new users.

Key Features:

• Repair holes, gaps and mesh errors
• Rotate, scale and move models
• Cut/copy/delete sections
• Basic vertex editing
• Easy print preparation
• Limited export formats (STL, OBJ, 3MF)

As a native Windows app, 3D Builder makes it easy to do quick edits and repairs to STL files without installing any additional software.

3. Blender

The open source 3D creation suite Blender is hugely capable for advanced STL modifications. The learning curve is steep but it’s free.

Key Features:

• Full polygonal modeling toolset
• Extensive mesh editing and sculpting
• Advanced texture/material support
• Animation and rendering
• Python scripting API
• Broad import/export format support

Blender gives pros and dedicated hobbyists access to high-end mesh editing tools. The many features do come with added complexity for casual users.

4. 3D Slash

This browser-based tool requires no software installation for STL editing and repair. The minimal interface is very beginner friendly.

Key Features:

• STL repair and error checking
• Manual supports and cutting
• Resize, rotate and mirror
• Hollow and internal lattice patterns
• Export STL or OBJ
• Simple tools aimed at new users

For basic edits and slicing, 3D Slash is a handy web-based option accessible from any device. The limited toolset suits beginners.

5. Sculpteo Studio

This online STL editor by 3D printing service Sculpteo has handy auto-repair plus tools to optimize printability.

Key Features:

• Diagnose and fix common STL defects
• Automatically generate print supports
• Cut/copy/delete model parts
• Smooth and sculpt geometry
• Insert text or images
• Export STL or OBJ

With integrated STL repair and click-to-print workflow, Sculpteo Studio streamlines getting models ready for online 3D printing services.

6. Simplify3D

While created mainly as slicing software for FDM printing, Simplify3D also includes excellent STL file editing capabilities.

Key Features:

• Repair errors and issues
• Modify model structure
• Scale, rotate, mirror
• Cut, join, subtract toolpaths
• Broad import/export support
• Advanced supports and slicing

Simplify3D excels at printer-optimized Gcode generation but also shines as an STL editor for repairs and editing. The $150 price tag targets professional users.

7. MeshLab

Developed by an Italian research institute, MeshLab delivers advanced analysis and cleaning tools to fix flawed STLs.

Key Features:

• Powerful repair functions
• Robust error diagnostics
• Extensive editing toolset
• Automatic remeshing
• Photorealistic rendering
• STEM-focused tools

MeshLab focuses on in-depth mesh processing for research applications. The interface complexity makes it less friendly for casual users.

8. netFabb

This veteran STL editor developed by German firm Authentise concentrates on repairing flawed STLs for 3D printing.

Key Features:

• Automatic repair of common defects
• Identify and selectively fix issues
• Insert and align parts
• Scale and duplicate objects
• High-end paid versions available

netFabb isn’t as broad as some editors but excels at robust STL diagnostics and corrections. The Premium version adds advanced capabilities.

9. CloudCompare

This open source editor focuses on processing point clouds but also supports STL and other mesh formats.

Key Features:

• Powerful point cloud editing
• Mesh repair tools
• Remeshing and transformation
• Volumetric path cutting
• Dimensional measurements
• Scripting and batch processing

CloudCompare caters more towards point cloud processing. The mesh editing tools are still quite capable for cleaning up and modifying STLs.

10. SHAPER

Shaper is a relatively new entrant aimed at facile 3D model cutting and splitting. The tablet-focused UI sets it apart.

Key Features:

• Touch/gesture-based cutting plane
• Mesh analysis and repairs
• Boolean split operations
• Flip, rotate, copy sections
• Customizable supports
• STL/OBJ/3MF export

Shaper makes complex model cutting feel intuitive through its innovative AR-like interface. The $399 price suits prosumers seeking advanced tools.

Key Takeaways

The range of STL editors provide options for all needs and skill levels:

• Newcomers – Meshmixer, 3D Builder, 3D Slash
• Intermediate – Meshmixer, Blender, Simplify3D
• Advanced – Blender, MeshLab, CloudCompare

With robust tools to repair, modify, sculpt and optimize models, these Top 10 STL editors will have you ready for printing in no time!

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