Convert DXF to STL
Convert a DXF file to STL in your browser. Free, no upload, no sign-up.
Convert DXF files to STL directly in your browser. The converter extrudes every filled shape in the DXF to the thickness you choose and writes the resulting solid as STL. Nothing is uploaded, there is no file size limit beyond your computer's memory, and the result downloads instantly. STL is accepted by every slicer and 3D printer, so it is the safest format to hand to anyone who needs to print your model.
How to convert DXF to STL
- 1Drop your DXF file
Drag a .dxf file onto the box above or click to choose one. Closed outlines (polylines, circles, ellipses and splines) are extruded to the depth you choose; open lines, hatches, dimensions and text are skipped. Files that already contain 3D faces are read as a mesh instead. Drawing units are taken from the file header, so an inch drawing arrives at the right size.
- 2Set the extrusion depth
Enter how thick the 3D shape should be in millimeters before dropping the file, or change it and reconvert.
- 3Check the preview
The model renders in 3D so you can confirm it loaded correctly. Dimensions, volume and triangle count are shown next to it; open edges are flagged if the mesh is not watertight.
- 4Download the STL
Adjust the export options if needed and click download. Colors, textures and materials are dropped because STL cannot store them. Multiple objects are merged into one triangle soup; units are not recorded, so make sure the model is already in millimeters.
What is a DXF file?
DXF is the open interchange format Autodesk published for AutoCAD in 1982. Most DXF files are 2D drawings: lines, arcs, polylines and text on layers. Some also carry 3D geometry as 3DFACE entities. It is what 2D CAD, laser cutters and CNC routers exchange.
Commonly used by: AutoCAD, LibreCAD, QCAD, Laser cutters, CNC routers, Fusion 360 sketches
Closed outlines (polylines, circles, ellipses and splines) are extruded to the depth you choose; open lines, hatches, dimensions and text are skipped. Files that already contain 3D faces are read as a mesh instead. Drawing units are taken from the file header, so an inch drawing arrives at the right size.
What is a STL file?
STL is the oldest and most widely supported 3D printing format. It stores nothing but a list of triangles, with no color, texture, unit or scale information. Every slicer and almost every 3D tool can read it, which is why it is still the default exchange format for printable models.
Commonly used by: 3D printer slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), CAD export, Thingiverse / Printables
STL is accepted by every slicer and 3D printer, so it is the safest format to hand to anyone who needs to print your model.
DXF vs STL
| DXF | STL | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Drawing Exchange Format | Stereolithography |
| Encoding | Text | Text or binary |
| Geometry type | Exact (B-rep / curves) | Triangle mesh |
| Colors | No | No |
| Textures | No | No |
| Materials | No | No |
| Stores units | Yes | No |
| Multiple objects | Yes | No |
| Typical use | AutoCAD, LibreCAD, QCAD | 3D printer slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), CAD export, Thingiverse / Printables |