Outputs
STL and OBJ, explained
Every completed scan is delivered as STL and/or OBJ — the two most widely supported mesh formats. Here's what each is best at, and how to choose.
STL
The standard format for 3D printing and general mesh work. Simple, universal, and supported by virtually every slicer and mesh tool.
- 3D printing
- Mesh editing
- Shape reference
- Digital archiving
- General geometry transfer
OBJ
A widely supported mesh format common in visualization and rendering pipelines, and in tools that work with surface mesh data.
- Visualization
- Rendering
- Mesh-based workflows
- Surface reference
- Projects needing a common 3D mesh format
STL vs OBJ at a glance
| Feature | STL | OBJ |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 3D printing & slicers | Rendering & visualization |
| Geometry | Triangle mesh | Polygon / triangle mesh |
| Software support | Near-universal (every slicer) | Widely supported (3D & DCC tools) |
| Typical use | Printing, mesh editing, archiving | Visualization, surface reference |
| Delivered aligned & to scale | Yes | Yes |
Need a specific output? See our dedicated STL 3D scanning service and OBJ 3D scanning service.
Plain language
What's a mesh file, anyway?
A mesh file describes the surface of an object as a network of many small triangles — like a very fine digital skin wrapped around your part. It’s how 3D scanners, 3D printers, and visualization tools all describe real-world shapes.
Both STL and OBJ are mesh formats. The difference is mostly about where you’ll use the file: STL is the everyday language of 3D printing, while OBJ travels well through visualization and rendering tools.
Which one?
How to choose
Planning to 3D print? Choose STL. Bringing the part into rendering, visualization, or a mesh toolchain? Choose OBJ. Want both? That works too.
Not sure which format you need? Tell us what you plan to do with the scan in your request and we’ll recommend the best option.
EVERY FILE, EVERY TIME
Whichever format you choose, all completed scan files are cleanly aligned, provided to scale, processed with basic mesh cleanup, and delivered digitally. Your physical part is returned after scanning.
Know what you need?
Tell us about your part and your preferred format — or let us recommend one. Either way, you'll get a quote before anything ships.
Quote first — nothing ships until your project is approved.