The 9 Most Popular File Types for 3D Printing Explained

Let me start with a little confession: until a few weeks ago, I knew next to nothing about 3D file formats. Seriously, it was like some kind of dark magic to me. All I really knew was that some of our customers work with 3D files for printing, and that Pics.io DAM supports a wide range of them. That was it. But when it came time to answer questions from our DAM customers, I realized I needed to dig in—big time.

So, I rolled up my sleeves, did a deep dive, and spent hours (okay, maybe days) researching everything I could about 3D file formats. Spoiler alert: I might not be a 3D printing pro, but I’ve gotten pretty great at fact-checking and hunting down the best info.

What blew my mind was how much the file format matters. It’s not just a random choice—it can seriously impact the quality of your print, whether your printer can handle it, and even how easy the whole process is. Each format has its own little personality, with quirks, perks, and yes, some drawbacks too.

That’s why I put together this guide on the nine most popular 3D printing file types. Whether you’re totally new to this or looking to level up your printing game, I’ve got you covered. Let’s jump in and make sense of this 3D magic together!

STL Files: The Backbone of 3D Printing

If you’ve ever tried your hand at 3D printing or CAD design, you’ve probably come across STL files. They’re the go-to format for 3D geometry—simple, reliable, and used practically everywhere. Often considered the best file format for 3D printing, STL was likely the first format I learned about when I started exploring 3D file types.

STL files act as blueprints for your 3D printer. They focus on geometry, describing an object’s shape without adding extras like color or texture. This makes them perfect for 3D printing, prototyping, and manufacturing. If you’re designing or building something, STL is often where you start.

How Do STL Files Work?

STL files break a 3D object into tiny triangles that fit together like a puzzle. More triangles mean smoother surfaces but larger file sizes. Each triangle has a “normal vector” to indicate which way the surface faces, helping your printer understand the object.

There are two types of STL files:

• ASCII STL: Human-readable and bulky, great for learning but not practical.
• Binary STL: Compact, efficient, and the standard choice for 3D printing.

STL files dominate 3D printing. Nearly every slicing software supports them, and they’re great for turning digital designs into physical prototypes. They’re simple and work across most 3D printers and CAD software.

Any Downsides?

STL files aren’t perfect. They don’t include color, texture, or material info, and they skip units, leaving you to guess if your object’s in inches or millimeters. Plus, resolution can be tricky: too high, and your computer might lag; too low, and you lose detail.

If your project needs color, texture, or complex materials, STL files might not cut it. Formats like OBJ, 3MF, or AMF offer more features for advanced designs.

STL files are the unsung heroes of 3D printing—straightforward and effective. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, mastering STL files is key to bringing your ideas to life.

OBJ Files: A Versatile Choice

If you’re looking for a format that packs a little more punch than STL, OBJ files might be your new best friend. They’re not just about geometry—they also support color, texture, and material properties. Whether you’re creating detailed models or preparing designs for visualizations, OBJ files are a go-to choice for many.

Unlike STL, OBJ files don’t stop at the shape. They let you include rich details like surface textures and material definitions. This makes them perfect for projects that need more than just a 3D outline, such as rendering or complex assemblies.

How Do OBJ Files Work?

OBJ files describe 3D objects using vertices, edges, and faces. They often come with a companion MTL (material) file that stores color and texture information. While the text-based format is easy to understand, it can get bulky with detailed models.

OBJ files are widely supported and ideal for projects requiring more visual detail. They’re great for 3D printing, visual effects, and game design.

Any Drawbacks?

While versatile, OBJ files can be larger and slower to process compared to STL. As a 3D printer file format, they’re best suited for applications that value detail over simplicity.

AMF Files: The Modern Multi-Tasker

As I’ve come to understand through my research, AMF files are like the tech-savvy cousin of STL. They’re designed for modern 3D printing and can handle complex details like materials, colors, and even lattices. Think of AMF as the format that steps up when you need more than just basic shapes.

AMF files bring advanced features to the table that STL simply doesn’t. You can assign different materials to parts of a model, incorporate gradient colors, and even include intricate lattice structures for lightweight but strong designs. If your project needs precision and complexity, AMF might just be the best file type for 3D printing.

How Do AMF Files Work?

AMF files use XML to describe objects, making them both human- and machine-readable. This format is incredibly versatile, capable of storing multiple objects, materials, and colors all in one file. Plus, the structured nature of XML means you can easily edit or expand an AMF file if needed.

If you’re working on cutting-edge designs or multi-material projects, AMF files are a strong contender. They’re compact, efficient, and built for modern manufacturing processes. From aerospace to medical applications, AMF fits right in where precision and detail are non-negotiable.

What’s the Catch?

The downside? Not all software and printers fully support AMF yet, so compatibility can still be a hurdle. But as the industry evolves, more tools are starting to recognize its potential. It’s a format worth keeping an eye on if you’re pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can do.

3MF Files: The Industry Favorite

If you’ve ever wished for a 3D format that just works without endless tweaking, let me introduce you to 3MF. It’s designed to meet today’s 3D printing needs, packing a ton of useful features while avoiding the headaches that come with older formats.

3MF files don’t just stop at geometry. They store everything you need for a successful print: materials, colors, and even the specific instructions your printer requires. What’s great is how compact they are—all that data fits into a neat little package. This makes 3MF super convenient and less prone to the quirks or errors you might find with older file types, solidifying their place among the best 3D print files available today.

How Do 3MF Files Work?

3MF uses XML to keep your data organized. Think of it like a tidy suitcase where everything is in its place. The format is lightweight, which helps reduce errors during printing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, handling even complex projects without breaking a sweat.

If you’re after a format that does it all, 3MF is a solid choice. It’s especially useful for professional and industrial settings, where precision and efficiency are key. Whether you’re working on a high-tech prototype or a multi-material model, this format has your back.

What’s the Catch?

While 3MF is gaining ground fast, it’s not universally supported just yet. Older printers or software might not recognize it, so double-check your setup before diving in. That said, as 3MF becomes more common, this is less of a hurdle than it used to be.

All in all, 3MF feels like the future of 3D printing formats. It’s practical, modern, and cuts down on unnecessary complications, which is exactly what I look for when tackling a project.

PLY Files: For the Details

So, PLY files—short for Polygon File Format—are all about capturing those intricate details. They were originally developed in the mid-'90s at Stanford University to store 3D data from scanners.

PLY files can store both geometry and properties like color and transparency. They’re great for projects that need high accuracy, like medical imaging or cultural preservation.

How Do PLY Files Work?

PLY files can be either in a straightforward text format or a more compact binary form. They store data as a collection of vertices and faces, along with any additional attributes like color, transparency, surface normals, and texture coordinates. This makes them super handy for projects where precision is key, such as medical imaging or preserving cultural artifacts.

Limitations?

While PLY files are fantastic for analysis and visualization, they're not as widely supported as a file type for printing in the 3D printing world. This means you might need to convert them to a more printer-friendly format before bringing your creations to life.

VRML Files: Stepping Into Virtual Worlds

Imagine stepping into a 3D world where your creations come alive—that’s where VRML files shine. Short for Virtual Reality Modeling Language, VRML is perfect for building interactive spaces in virtual reality, augmented reality, and even web-based platforms.

What makes VRML unique? It doesn’t just store the geometry of a model. It also handles textures, animations, and lighting, turning a static object into an immersive experience.

How Does VRML Work?

VRML uses a text-based format to define 3D scenes, almost like scripting a virtual playground. It lets you design environments with intricate details, such as animated objects or lighting effects. Whether it’s for virtual tours, educational simulations, or AR demos, VRML can bring those interactive ideas to life.

Drawbacks?

VRML has been overshadowed by newer formats like X3D, which can feel like the sleeker, more modern sibling. Still, it’s a reliable 3D print file type if you’re working with older tools or specific applications that call for it.

G-Code Files: The Printer’s Language

When it’s time to move from the digital world to the physical one, G-Code steps into the spotlight. It’s the language your 3D printer speaks to transform your designs into reality.

G-Code is all about the instructions. It tells your printer everything it needs to know—where to move, how fast to go, what temperature to maintain, and how much material to use. Without it, your printer would just sit there, clueless.

How Does G-Code Work?

It’s a text-based file format for 3D printing, generated by slicing software. When you prepare a 3D model for printing, the slicer translates it into a series of step-by-step commands, creating the G-Code file. These commands guide your printer through every movement and adjustment it needs to make.

Every single print job requires G-Code, so it’s not optional—it’s the backbone of 3D printing. Whether you’re crafting a prototype, a tool, or an artistic creation, G-Code ensures the printer does its job perfectly.

Any Issues?

The process relies heavily on the slicing software you use. While you can tweak G-Code manually, most of the magic happens during the slicing step. If the software isn’t doing its job well, your print might not turn out as expected.

STEP/IGES Files: Precision for Professionals

When it comes to engineering and industrial design, STEP and IGES files are the heavyweights. These formats are all about precision, making them the go-to choice for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and mechanical engineering projects. If you’re working on complex designs with exact measurements, chances are you’ll encounter one or both of these formats.

STEP and IGES files focus on the technical side of 3D design. They prioritize geometry and structural relationships over flashy details like textures or colors. They’re ideal for scenarios where accuracy is non-negotiable, such as manufacturing, product development, or aerospace engineering.

How Do STEP and IGES Files Work?

Both formats serve a similar purpose, but they have their differences:

• STEP Files: These are the modern choice, offering better support for advanced geometry and assemblies. They handle complex structures with multiple components seamlessly.
• IGES Files: An older format that paved the way for file exchange in CAD. While less advanced, IGES is still widely used for simpler models or when compatibility with older software is a must.

These files translate your designs into data that other CAD programs can read, making them essential for collaboration and manufacturing workflows.

Any Downsides?

Neither format is ideal for 3D printing directly, as they’re not considered common 3D printing file types.They lack support for textures, colors, or materials and focus solely on geometry. If you’re moving from CAD to 3D printing, you’ll likely need to convert these files into something like STL or OBJ first.

STEP and IGES files might not be flashy, but they’re the backbone of precision engineering. If accuracy and compatibility matter in your project, these formats are worth mastering.

FBX Files: Bringing Motion to Models

If you’re diving into animation, gaming, or virtual reality, FBX files are your ticket to a world of movement and interactivity. Developed by Autodesk, FBX is a versatile format built to handle not just 3D geometry but also animations, textures, and materials.

FBX files shine when your models need to do more than just sit still. Whether it’s a character rigged for animation or a 3D scene with lighting and effects, FBX has you covered.

How Do FBX Files Work?

FBX files are designed to store a wealth of data in one place. They include:

• Geometry and hierarchy for complex models.
• Animations, including rigging, keyframes, and skeletal movements.
• Materials and textures for detailed visual fidelity.

They’re supported by major 3D software like Blender, Maya, and Unity, making them a staple in industries like film, gaming, and VR development.

Any Downsides?

FBX files are packed with features, but they come at the cost of larger file sizes and potential complexity. For 3D printing, they’re not the best choice—they carry more information than most printers need, and you’ll likely need to convert them to a simpler 3D printer file extension like STL or OBJ.

FBX files are the bridge between static 3D models and dynamic virtual experiences. If your project involves animation, gaming, or VR, this format is a must-have in your toolkit.

Wrapping It Up: How to Choose?

Every format has its strengths—OBJ is great for visual detail, while G-Code is the go-to for making those designs print-ready. Figuring out what each format does best helps you choose the best file for 3D printing for your project. Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; every project has its own needs.

From what I’ve learned, STL, OBJ, and PLY seem to be the most common and popular formats for 3D printing. So, I was pretty happy to discover that our DAM system supports these formats. While Pics.io isn’t specifically designed for 3D printing, it’s a lifesaver when it comes to organizing, sharing, and managing the files your team works with.

Did you enjoy this article? Give Pics.io a try — or book a demo with us, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.