101convert.com
Convert stl to dxf

Free online STL to DXF converter

Dratting STL models to DXF format. Viable STL to DXF conversion solutions.

Convert STL to DXF online - free

Uploading…
Selected files exceed the 300 MB total limit. Please select fewer or smaller files.

Your file is processed instantly and never stored on our servers.

How to convert stl to dxf file

STL format is typically used for 3D printing, and it is not surprising that sometimes users require these simple models to be recovered back to 2D CAD format via a process often labeled as 'drafting'. Drafting essentially translates specific views or aspects of a 3D model and saves these as 2D drawings, often to DXF, DWG, or any of the proprietary 2D CAD formats used in various professional CAD tools.

Such stl to dxf conversion can be done with pretty much every modern 3D CAD modeling tool (many are listed here), but it is not limited to just professional and expensive tools and can be made using open source solutions, such as FreeCAD.

How to draft STL models to DXF format using FreeCAD

Converting STL file to a DXF file using FreeCAD involves several steps. The process includes importing the STL file, creating a 2D projection or section of the 3D model, and then exporting that 2D representation to a DXF file. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Import the STL File

  • Open FreeCAD
  • Go to File ► Import and select your STL file to import it into FreeCAD.
  • The STL will appear as a mesh in FreeCAD.

Step 2: Convert the Mesh to a Solid (optional)

  • To work with the mesh more effectively in FreeCAD, you might need to convert it to a solid.
  • Switch to the Part workbench. Select the mesh object in the model tree and go to Part ► Create shape from mesh...., select the mesh and click Create.
  • This will create a new shape, which you can then convert to a solid by selecting it and using Part ► Convert to solid option.

Step 3: Create a 2D Projection or Section

  • Switch to the Draft or TechDraw workbench, depending on whether you want a more schematic or a more precise technical drawing.
  • For a simple projection (Draft workbench), select the solid and use Draft ► Shape2DView to create a 2D projection of the shape.
  • For a technical drawing (TechDraw workbench), use the various tools in TechDraw to create views and sections of the solid.

Step 4: Export to DXF

  • Once you have the 2D representation, select it and go to File ► Export option and choose DXF as the file format to export the selected 2D view.
  • After exporting, it's a good idea to open the DXF file in another program to ensure the result

STL vs DXF: format comparison

How the STL and DXF formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.

Comparison of the STL and DXF file formats
Property .STL Stereolithography .DXF Drawing Exchange Format
Open standard Partly open Partly open
Compression Uncompressed Uncompressed
Typical file size Small Large
Opens in a web browser No No
Further editing Not directly editable Limited
Metadata support None Basic
Plain-text readable Yes Yes
Best used for Embedding in applications Data exchange
Introduced 1987 1982
Developer 3D Systems Autodesk
MIME type model/stl application/dxf
Open STL file Open DXF file

Suggested software and links: stl to dxf converters

No icon available

3Data Expert

A professional manufacturing data preparation software
Alibre Design Professional icon

Alibre Design Professional

A set of 3D modeling tools
Autoconverter icon

Autoconverter

A converter for 3D formats
Autodesk Inventor icon

Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor is a modeling software used to create 3D digital prototypes
AutoQ3D for Mac icon

AutoQ3D for Mac

2D and 3D CAD modeling tool for Mac
CATIA icon

CATIA

A PLM/CAD/CAM/CAE software suite
Creo Parametric icon

Creo Parametric

A complete 3D CAD software solution by PTC
FreeCAD icon

FreeCAD

An open source multiplatform 3D CAD/MCAD/CAx/CAE/PLM modeler
No icon available

IVCon

A command line converter for 3D format
No icon available

meshconv

A 3D mesh converter
Meshlab icon

Meshlab

An open source system for 3D triangular meshes
OpenSCAD icon

OpenSCAD

A software for making solid 3D CAD objects
PolyTrans|CAD+DCC icon

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC

A 3D and CAD file formats conversion software
Pro/Engineer (Creo Elements/Pro) icon

Pro/Engineer (Creo Elements/Pro)

Set of 3D CAD/CAM/CAE design tools from PTC
SolidWorks icon

SolidWorks

A 2D and 3D CAD construction software
No icon available

Vector CAD

A CAD drawing and CNC programming system
ViaCAD Pro icon

ViaCAD Pro

A 2D, 3D modeling tool

Frequently asked questions

Is the STL to DXF converter free?

Yes, converting STL to DXF on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required.

How large can my STL file be?

You can upload STL files up to 500 MB and convert up to 5 files at once in a single batch.

What happens to my uploaded files?

Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.

Do I need to install any software to convert STL to DXF?

No. The STL to DXF conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.

Did the conversion fail?

In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid STL file for this STL to DXF conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.

stl to dwg stl to e3d

Additional formats for
stl file conversion

Reverse conversion

Convert to dxf from
other formats

Share on social media: