Create compressed ZIP files with our easy to use and free tool. Our tool lets you upload a STL (Standard Triangle Language) file and compress and convert this file to a ZIP (ZIP Archive) file that you can then download and edit/use within your applications.
Here are 2 simple steps to convert your STL to ZIP.
You can convert from both text and binary STL files. If your STL file contains color information we will bring this over.
First click the "Upload..." button, select your STL file to upload. Select any configuration options. When the STL to ZIP conversion has completed, you can download your ZIP file straight away.
We aim to process all STL to ZIP conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds but can be more for larger more complex files so please be patient.
We aim to create the most accurate conversions with our tools. Our tools are under constant development with new features being added every week.
Yes, of course! We do not store the STL file you submit to us. The resulting ZIP file, once created is deleted 1 hour after upload and the download link will expire after this time.
Yes! Our STL to ZIP tool will run on any system with a modern web browser. No specialist software is needed to run any of our conversion tools.
Extension: STL
Full Name: Standard Triangle Language
Type: 3D Model
Mime Type: application/vnd.ms-pki.stl
Format: Text & Binary
Extension: ZIP
Full Name: ZIP Archive
Type: Archive
Mime Type: application/zip
Format: Binary
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.
The ZIP file is one of the most common types of compressed file types available and is widely used to compress any file type and give great compression results leading to smaller file sizes. ZIP files were originally released in 1989 and over time the format has received many revisions.
ZIP archives can contain any number of folders and files and can use many different compression algorithms to perform the file compression, though DEFLATE is the most common one in use. The format has built in support in many operating systems including Mac OS and Microsoft Windows.
Standard STL files do not contain material or color information so this cannot be imported. There are however two formats (VisCAM and SolidView) that attempted to add color information to the STL file format. If our tool detects this additional color information it will attempt to import this information.
