Scale an STL
Change the size of your imported model. Check holes and wall thicknesses after scaling: resizing the whole part changes those dimensions too.
Online STL editor · 3D printing
Edit STL files online in your browser.
Modify an STL file, resize a 3D-printing model or adjust its orientation: import your triangle mesh into ShapeAnywhere, change its size and position, then export it as STL again. For changes to individual technical surfaces, explore the paid Mesh to CAD beta.
Import and export require a signed-in account with file access. Guests can try CAD tools but cannot load or save their own STL files. Mesh to CAD additionally requires an enabled paid plan.
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What can you modify in an STL file?
STL stores a surface as triangles. A hole is initially made of facets and has no CAD parameter for its diameter. The right workflow depends on whether you want to change the entire model or individual design details. ShapeAnywhere separates regular mesh import from the reconstruction of technical CAD geometry.
Rotate and move an STL
Orient the mesh in your project and position it alongside other bodies. Set print orientation, supports and printing parameters in your slicer afterwards.
Export an STL again
Export visible bodies together as one STL or as separate STL files in a ZIP. Also keep your ShapeAnywhere project for future changes.
How the workflow works
How to edit an STL file in three steps
1. Open and inspect the STL
Sign in, launch the CAD app and select your file through the STL mesh import. Check size, orientation and completeness. STL has no defined unit of measurement, so compare its dimensions with a known measurement.
2. Modify your model
Select the entire mesh and use Scale, Rotate or Move. To change an individual wall or hole, you need suitable CAD geometry: changing a design detail is different from scaling the whole mesh.
3. Download the edited STL
In the export menu, choose STL for the entire visible model or only the selected bodies. Open the new file in your slicer and check dimensions, wall thicknesses and printability before printing.
Which editing workflow fits your 3D model?
Just changing the size?
Scaling works when all dimensions may change together, for example on a decorative figure. If only a hole needs to grow while hole spacing stays the same, scaling the entire model is unsuitable.
Changing a specific hole or surface?
The paid Mesh to CAD beta attempts to reconstruct supported technical shapes from STL and 3MF meshes as editable CAD geometry. These include suitable planes, cylinders, holes and measured profiles. Compare the reconstructed result with the source before changing dimensions, faces or features. Not every mesh can be reconstructed meaningfully.
Sculpting organic shapes or repairing defects?
Sculpting, freely editing individual triangles and manually repairing arbitrary open meshes require a specialized mesh workflow. ShapeAnywhere focuses on direct CAD design, whole mesh objects and reconstruction of suitable technical shapes.
Where it fits
STL, STEP or an editable project?
STL works with many slicers. STEP can describe precise CAD surfaces and solids, but does not automatically provide the original design history. If you can obtain a STEP file or the original project, use it for targeted CAD changes. Renaming .stl to .step does not create CAD geometry. Keep your ShapeAnywhere project alongside the print file.
FAQ
Common questions
Quick answers before you try ShapeAnywhere.
Can I edit an STL file online?
Yes. ShapeAnywhere lets you import an STL in your browser, scale, rotate and move the entire mesh, then export it as STL again. Editing individual CAD faces and features requires suitable CAD geometry.
Is the STL editor free?
Guest mode lets you try CAD tools but does not allow file import or export. Your own STL files require a signed-in account with file access. Regular mesh import is separate from Mesh to CAD; that beta requires an enabled paid plan.
How do I change only a hole in an STL?
Scaling the entire mesh also changes its other dimensions. Use the original CAD file if possible, or check whether Mesh to CAD can reconstruct the technical model and its hole. Importing an arbitrary STL alone does not give it editable hole parameters.
Can I cut an STL or add holes?
Regular CAD tools operate on CAD bodies. To make those changes to an imported triangle mesh, you first need a suitable CAD body, for example after successful reconstruction. Import alone does not let you cut arbitrary meshes like native CAD solids.
Why is my STL the wrong size?
STL does not store a defined unit of measurement. Different assumptions in the source program and during import can produce different sizes. Compare a known dimension and correct the scale before continuing.
Do I still need a slicer after editing?
Yes. ShapeAnywhere edits 3D geometry and exports the STL. A slicer turns that file into toolpaths for your printer, taking material, layer height and supports into account.
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