Its main benefit is that it offers compatibility with a wide range of 3D file formats. ShareCAD is another free online platform for viewing 3D models. If you’re thinking of sprucing up your WordPress website with a custom 3D model, then you can also use ViewSTL’s plug-in called “WP ViewSTL.” The plug-in bonus is certainly nice, but the streamlined workflow that ViewSTL provides is probably its best quality. ViewSTL also offers options to view your 3D objects in different colors and different shading styles. From the moment you open the website, you can go straight ahead to importing your files into the platform. According to the site, all 3D models are stored and processed on your computer, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else gaining access to it.ĭespite the name, ViewSTL also supports 3D files in OBJ or 3MF file formats. It does not require a user to sign up to an account, nor does it upload 3D files to any server. ViewSTL is a no-fuss web-based STL viewer. As an STL viewer, TinkerCAD is one of the best and most convenient options. At best, you can make add or subtract shapes from an STL file or split a single file into different objects. Take note that the editing options of TinkerCAD aren’t as sophisticated as professional CAD software platforms. You can use the web interface to explore your 3D models or make a few edits using the basic tools that TInkerCAD offers. This beginner-friendly web-based platform by Autodesk is so easy to use that the developers claim that someone with no experience can come up with a 3D model within the first five minutes.ģD files in either OBJ or STL formats can be imported into TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD has been an all-time favorite not just in the field of 3D printing, but for general 3D modeling. These platforms can be accessed online using your browser and provide all the essential tools to viewing (or even editing) your STL files. If you have a stable Internet connection, you don’t even need to download software to view STL files. All of these are free to either use or download. In this article, we will be going through all the best options for opening or viewing your STL files.

This makes it easy to check STL files before you load them onto a 3D printer.

STL files have a small file size, are easy to share, and generally maintain the integrity of the original 3D model.Īnother huge advantage of STL files is how easily they can be viewed or opened, even if you don’t have a fancy CAD software platform. The STL file format is one of the fundamental foundations of the modern 3D printing community. 3D Insider is ad supported and earns money from clicks, commissions from sales, and other ways.

Free stls