File Management

Learn how to import, export, and organize files in STL.Show. Understand supported formats and best practices for file handling.

Supported File Formats

STL Files

STL (Stereolithography) files are the standard format for 3D printing and CAD applications.

Binary STL

  • • Smaller file size
  • • Faster loading
  • • Industry standard
  • • Most common format

ASCII STL

  • • Human readable
  • • Larger file size
  • • Easier to debug
  • • Text-based format

Note: STL.Show automatically detects and handles both binary and ASCII STL formats. Files are imported as mesh objects that can be transformed, combined, and exported.

SVG Files

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files provide 2D geometry that can be extruded or used as profiles.

SVG Features

  • • 2D vector graphics
  • • Scalable without quality loss
  • • Can be extruded to 3D
  • • Text and path support
  • • Used for profiles and logos

Tip: SVG files are imported as 2D geometry objects. You can use them as profiles for extrusion in JSCAD code or as reference geometry for your 3D designs.

JSCAD/JavaScript Files

JSCAD and JavaScript files contain parametric 3D design code that can be compiled and executed.

Code File Features

  • • Parametric 3D designs
  • • JavaScript-based syntax
  • • Parameter definitions
  • • Reusable components
  • • Version control friendly

Note: JSCAD files are imported as code objects that can be edited, compiled, and used as templates for new designs. They support parameters and can reference other objects.

Import Methods

Drag and Drop

The fastest way to import files - simply drag files from your file explorer directly into the 3D viewport.

How to Use

  1. Open your file explorer
  2. Select one or more files (STL, SVG, JSCAD)
  3. Drag the files over the 3D viewport
  4. Drop them when the viewport highlights
  5. Files will be automatically imported

Tip: You can drag multiple files at once. STL.Show will import them all and place them in the scene. The viewport will show a visual indicator when files are being dragged over it.

File Browser

Use the toolbar buttons to open the file browser and select files for import.

Import Options

  • Import STL - Opens browser for STL files only
  • Import SVG - Opens browser for SVG files only
  • Import Code - Opens browser for JSCAD/JS files
  • Open Examples - Loads predefined JSCAD examples

Note: The file browser will filter files based on the selected import type. This helps ensure you're importing the correct file format for your needs.

Code Examples

STL.Show includes a library of predefined JSCAD examples to help you get started with parametric design.

Available Examples

  • • Basic primitives (cube, sphere, cylinder)
  • • Text creation and manipulation
  • • Parametric designs
  • • Complex geometries
  • • Mathematical surfaces

Tip: Examples are great starting points for learning JSCAD. You can modify them, add parameters, and use them as templates for your own designs.

Export Options

STL Export

Export your 3D designs as STL files for 3D printing or use in other CAD applications.

Export Options

  • • Binary STL (recommended)
  • • ASCII STL (human readable)
  • • Automatic filename generation
  • • Single object export

Requirements

  • • Object must be selected
  • • Object must be mesh type
  • • Valid geometry required
  • • Browser download support

Note: Only mesh objects can be exported as STL. Code objects must be compiled first. The exported filename is automatically generated from the object name.

Code Export

Save your JSCAD code objects as standalone files for sharing or use in other applications.

Export Features

  • • Complete JSCAD source code
  • • Parameter definitions included
  • • Comments and formatting preserved
  • • .js file extension
  • • Ready for external use

Tip: Exported code files can be imported back into STL.Show or used in other JSCAD-compatible applications. They maintain all parameter definitions and functionality.

Future Export Features

Additional export formats and features planned for future releases.

Planned Formats

  • • Scene Export - Save entire scene with all objects
  • • OBJ Format - Alternative 3D format
  • • STEP/IGES - CAD exchange formats
  • • 3MF - Modern 3D printing format
  • • AMF - Additive manufacturing format

File Organization

Object Naming

Organize your scene by giving objects meaningful names and managing their properties.

Naming Features

  • • Automatic naming from filenames
  • • Custom name editing
  • • Duplicate name handling
  • • Name validation

Best Practices

  • • Use descriptive names
  • • Include version numbers
  • • Avoid special characters
  • • Keep names concise

Grouping Objects

Organize related objects into groups for better scene management and hierarchical operations.

Group Features

  • • Hierarchical organization
  • • Group-level transformations
  • • Nested group support
  • • Group editing capabilities

Group Operations

  • • Create new groups
  • • Add objects to groups
  • • Remove objects from groups
  • • Ungroup entire groups

Scene Hierarchy

Understand how objects are organized in the scene and how parent-child relationships work.

Hierarchy Types

  • Root Objects - Top-level objects in the scene
  • Group Objects - Containers for other objects
  • Child Objects - Objects within groups
  • Code Objects - Generate child meshes

Hierarchy Management

  • • Visual tree representation
  • • Drag and drop reordering
  • • Expand/collapse groups
  • • Context menu operations

File Management Best Practices

File Organization

  • • Use descriptive filenames
  • • Organize related objects in groups
  • • Keep scene hierarchy logical
  • • Regular cleanup of unused objects

Import Workflow

  • • Check file format compatibility
  • • Verify file integrity before import
  • • Use appropriate import method
  • • Review imported objects

Export Workflow

  • • Select appropriate export format
  • • Verify object selection
  • • Check export settings
  • • Test exported files

Performance Tips

  • • Use binary STL for large files
  • • Optimize geometry before export
  • • Group related objects
  • • Regular scene cleanup