What software should I install for opening .stl files?

I use Ubuntu 12.10. What software can I install that can open Physible .stl files? And what are the differences between these softwares?

8 Answers

Meshlab reads all kind of 3D meshes, also STL

sudo apt-get install meshlab
meshlab file.stl

Example with this file:

Blender is the best, just import the file.

From OpenSCAD's online User Manual

import_stl("filename.stl", convexity = <val>)

As of version 2019.01, if you do from the command line:

openscad file.stdl

it automatically opens the GUI with the right command to view the file e.g.:

import("/home/ciro/git/OSP/Hardware/CAD Files/P1 - X-Axis Motor Holder/P1 - X-Axis Motor Holder.STL");

Then you can click Design > Render, and it gives for this sample file:

You could try OpenSCAD. It is free and is available for Ubuntu.

You can use F3D for this task.

f3d yourFile.stl

Since OpenSCAD version 2015.03-1, it should work also to import .stl files. Please use a command like this:

import("/home/documents/Screw.stl", convexity=3);

and push the preview button, as suggested by Hall above.

This should work!

To edit the .stl as an object in OpenSCAD, create a module like:

module Screw(){ import("/home/documents/Screw.stl", convexity=3);
}

Now you are able to recall it with Screw() for further actions.

FreeCAD also can import *.stl files

I use ChiTuBox on Ubuntu 18.04 (I know you were asking about 12.04 but that was 6 years ago!).