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Convert Your 3D Mesh/Model STL Files to USD

Our free and fast tool will convert most 3D mesh or STL (Standard Triangle Language) model files to a standard USD (Universal Scene Description) file that can then be edited further in most popular 3D editing packages such as Blender or 3D printed without any further processing. Our conversion tool can also batch convert multiple STL files; up to 25 files at a time can be converted.

To convert your STL file, click the Upload button above and select the file to convert. Once selected, the file will be converted to a USD file and will be ready for download shortly afterwards. For more information about the STL to USD conversion process, see the conversion information section below.

How to Convert your STL to USD Online?

Here are two simple steps to convert your STL to USD.

Upload a STL

Click the "Upload a STL File" button and select a STL to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your USD

Click the download link once completed to receive your USD file.

File Format Information for STL to USD

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText & Binary
ToolsSTL Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create STL Animation, Compress STL, Text to STL, STL Viewer
Open WithBlender, Daz Studio, MeshLab, CAD Assistant

Description

The STL file format has its roots in the 1980's and is the native file format for 3D Systems stereolithography CAD software. The format defines a triangulated mesh with vertices and faces and is a popular format for sharing 3D printable model files.

There were several formats that attempted to extend the STL format, namely SolidView and VisCAM, whose formats included limited 15-bit color information for each mesh face, which is often ignored by most modern 3D software. The STL format can be either text or binary; our tools will support both formats.

STL Notes

Standard STL files do not contain material or color information, so this cannot be imported. There are, however, two formats (VisCAM and SolidView) that attempt to add color information to the STL file format. If our tool detects this additional color information, it will attempt to import this information.

Supported Features

  • Mesh geometry
  • Face colors via the VisCAM and SolidView formats
  • Binary and text versions are supported
ExtensionUSD
Full NameUniversal Scene Description
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/octet-stream
FormatBinary
ToolsUSD Converters, 3D Model Voxelizer, Create USD Animation, Text to USD, USD Viewer

Description

The USD format is a relatively new 3D file format developed by Pixar in 2016. The format is open source and has the support of major players in the space, such as Apple, Adobe, and more.

USD files encapsulate a full 3D scene along with any associated 3D models, animations, and visual effects into a single compact binary file. USD files can be opened with most popular 3D editing software, such as Blender.

Comparing STL and USD Features

 

STL Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

USD Features

  • Mesh Geometry (Vertices and Faces)
  • Vertex Normals
  • Face Normals
  • Vertex Colors
  • Face Materials (Excluding textures)
  • Textures
  • Point Cloud
  • Multiple Objects Per File
  • Object Transforms (Translation, Rotation, and Scale)
  • Bones/Joints
  • Animations
  • Suitable for 3D Printing

How does it work?

Converting from the STL file format to USD can be a complex process, and any tool used for this conversion process needs to be able to handle a variety of data conversion tasks as well as identify any defects within the 3D model and fix them. Here we will explain the conversion process used by our tool to accurately convert your STL file to a valid USD 3D model. Let's start with the conversion process, which involves the following steps:

Step 1: Read the Source STL File

In its simplest form, an STL file can be either a plain text or binary file containing 3D data such as vertices, faces, normals, and more. When combined, these make up the 3D model you see on your screen.

For more information regarding the STL file format, please see this great article that goes into a lot of detail explaining the STL format.

Step 2: Process File Data

With the STL file data read, our tool generates an internal representation of the full 3D model and will attempt to fix any geometry issues encountered. Along with repairing any issues with the 3D model, the tool will remove any duplicated vertices and prepare the model for exporting to the USD format.

Step 3: Saving to the USD Format

With the conversion process entering its final stages, our tool now needs to take the in-memory 3D model we have created in step 2 and convert it to the USD format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What STL formats can I convert from?

You can convert from both text and binary STL files. If your STL file contains color information we will bring this over.

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

We aim to process all STL to USD conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.

How accurate is the STL to USD conversion?

We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features and improvements being added every week.

Is it safe to convert my STL to USD on ImageToStl.com?

Yes, of course! We do not store the STL file you submit to us. The resulting USD file, once created is deleted 15 minutes after upload and the download link will expire after this time.

Do I need a high-spec. computer to use the STL to USD converter?

No. All our conversion tools process your STL file on our dedicated conversion servers, meaning you can use our tools on low-spec computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices and receive your converted USD file quickly.

Can I convert my STL to USD on Windows, Linux, Android, iOS or Mac OS?

Yes! Our STL to USD tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.

What if I am using an Ad Blocker, will that affect things?

Yes. Although you can use an Ad Blocker, if you like our STL conversion tool please consider white-listing our site. When an Ad Blocker is enabled there are some conversion limits on some of our tools and processing/conversion times will be longer.

Can I get support with converting my STL to USD?

Yes. When you have converted your STL to USD, there is a "Feedback" option that you can use to let us know of any issues you encountered when converting your file.

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