Convert STL to DWG (via DXF 2D Projection)

Convert STL 3D models to a 2D DXF projection for AutoCAD drafting — free and instant.

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DWG export is a Pro feature, coming soon. STL to DXF works today, free and instant, and opens directly in AutoCAD.

Convert to DXF instead Join the waitlist

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Drop your STL file here

or click to browse — max 5MB

Converting your file…

Conversion complete

Download DXF file

Open this DXF in AutoCAD → File → Save As → DWG to get your native DWG file.

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DWG export is coming as a Pro feature

We're building native DWG export — join the waitlist to be notified at launch.

What would you expect to pay for DWG export?

Wouldn't pay extra $5–10/mo $10–25/mo $25+/mo

available today

Convert to DXF instead — works now, free

✔ What it does

Projects STL 3D mesh geometry onto a 2D plane and outputs DXF line entities — free and instant. Extracts outlines, silhouettes, and footprints from 3D models.

✘ What it does not do

Does NOT preserve 3D structure — this is a 2D projection only. Does NOT currently generate DWG output — DWG export is a Pro feature in development (join the waitlist on this page). Does NOT retain mesh detail — curved surfaces appear as polygon approximations.

How to get your DWG file — 4 steps

Upload your STL file → click Convert → download the DXF file
Open the DXF file in AutoCAD (File → Open)
Go to File → Save As → select DWG format
You now have a native DWG file

Why DXF, not DWG directly? DWG is a proprietary Autodesk binary format. DXF is the open interchange standard that AutoCAD reads natively and converts to DWG in seconds using Save As.

Did this tool work for you?

How STL → DWG conversion works

STL stores 3D geometry as triangulated facets. This tool projects the mesh onto the XY plane (top view by default), extracting visible edges and silhouettes as 2D line entities written to DXF format — free and available now. All depth and 3D model data is permanently discarded in the projection. Native binary DWG export is being built as a Pro feature; use STL to DXF for a free, working conversion today, or join the waitlist below to be notified when DWG ships. For full 3D format conversion, use STL → OBJ instead.

Limitations

DWG export is not currently available — this page produces DXF only; see STL to DXF for the free, working tool.
2D projection only — all 3D depth and model data is permanently lost.
Complex STL meshes project as dense line work that requires manual cleanup.
Curved surfaces appear as polygon approximations due to STL triangulation.

When to use this conversion

Creating a 2D CAD drawing reference from a 3D printed part model.
Extracting a floor plan footprint from a 3D architectural model.
Preparing a 2D template for CNC or laser cutting from a 3D source file.
Generating silhouette outlines from 3D models for technical documentation.

Alternatives to consider

Fusion 360 for integrated 3D→2D drawing workflow with automatic hidden-line removal.
FreeCAD's TechDraw workbench for engineering-accurate 2D drawings from 3D models.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I get DWG directly?

Native DWG export is a Pro feature currently in development — join the waitlist on this page to be notified at launch. STL to DXF produces the same 2D projection, free and instant.

Does this preserve the 3D model?

No. This is a 2D projection. All 3D depth is permanently lost. For 3D format conversion, use STL → OBJ instead.

How do I get the DWG file?

DWG export isn't available yet — it's a Pro feature in development. Join the waitlist on this page to be notified at launch, or use STL to DXF for a free, working conversion today.