STL to OBJ: Unlocking More 3D Features
STL and OBJ are the two most common 3D formats outside of professional CAD software. While STL is the standard for 3D printing, OBJ is the preferred format for 3D modelling, rendering, and game asset pipelines. Converting STL to OBJ expands what you can do with a model.
Key Differences: STL vs OBJ
- Colour support: STL files are colourless by default. OBJ supports vertex colours and material definitions through the companion .MTL file.
- UV mapping: OBJ supports UV texture coordinates; STL does not. After conversion, you can apply textures in 3D software.
- Software support: OBJ is supported by Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, Sketchfab, Unity, and most 3D tools. STL is primarily a 3D printing format.
- File structure: OBJ is a plain-text format; STL can be binary or ASCII.
When to Convert STL to OBJ
- You want to add textures or colours to a 3D-printed model design
- You need to import the model into Blender, Maya, or Cinema 4D for rendering
- You are uploading a model to Sketchfab or a similar 3D sharing platform
- You need to use the model as a game asset in Unity or Unreal Engine
- A colleague's software supports OBJ but not STL
What Carries Over
All mesh geometry (vertices, faces, surface normals) transfers faithfully. If the original STL had colour data (some newer colour STL formats), this may convert to vertex colours in the OBJ. Material definitions and textures are not present in standard STL and therefore cannot appear in the output OBJ.
How to Convert STL to OBJ Free
- Open the Konvertibly STL to OBJ converter
- Upload your STL file
- Download the OBJ (and accompanying MTL file if present)
- Open in Blender, Maya, or your preferred 3D application
Convert now: Free STL to OBJ converter