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At some point any 3D printing hobbyist will wonder how to edit STL files. Sometimes, the pre-downloaded STL file or your own model is good enough. In other cases, you would need to edit or repair it. There are STL editors that help users with that.
There are two types of programs that allow users to edit STL files:
However, plenty of free 3D software suites are out there for hobbyists, independent filmmakers who don't have the budget for expensive software, and budget-conscious freelance professionals who have found all the tools and power they need in cost-free solutions like Blender or SketchUp.
- CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. These programs aim for covering engineering and construction modeling purposes, providing precise measurements and solid modeling tools. They weren't originally developed with 3D printing in mind, although they are pretty useful for this workflow. They are not the best choice for fully fledged STL editing due to some differences in the way they represent some shapes. This article will cover some CAD programs, such as Blender, FreeCAD, SketchUp.
- Mesh editing tools. These are excellent for editing STL files, because they're developed for working with modeling and objects represented by 2D surfaces that have no filling (these objects can't be printed, although there’s quite a few ways they can be solidified).
Free STL editors
- Download Blender 2.80 for Windows. Fast downloads of the latest free software!
- Blender is a free and open-source cross-platform 3D editing software. It's probably the most popular free 3D program on the market. It's probably the most popular free 3D program on the market. It's used for creation, editing and animation of 3D models in various industries – from video game development to landscape design and construction.
3D Crafter
3D Crafter (formerly known as 3D Canvas) is a free 3D editing and animation software available only for Windows. The intuitive interface and simple controls are worth mentioning, as well as extensive animation abilities. The program supports importing and exporting a wide variety of file formats, including STL. The built-in tools make 3D Crafter a good choice for easy editing. The main shortcoming is the lack of the native ability to export STL in the free version, but you can get the Pro one rather cheaply or save files in other formats.
How to edit STL files in 3D Crafter
Opening STL files
Go to File > Import > StereoLithography (stl) and choose the object you want to import.
Editing STL files
1. Press the wheel of your mouse and move the mouse to change the view. You can also use the Orbit button in the toolbar above the model view. The Pan and Zoom buttons help as well. But if you have a mouse available, using it would be faster and more comfortable.
2. Select your part or the whole object using mouse and either right-click on the selected parts or on the rectangle in the lower-right corner of the program. It will bring the list of the options to manipulate and edit your object.
3. The left toolbar has many other tools as well.
4. You can get more tools available by changing the difficulty level in the upper toolbar from Novice tools to Intermediate or Pro Tools.
5. If you still struggle, the program has a short built-in tutorial that appears on the right when using it for the first time.
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source cross-platform 3D editing software. It's probably the most popular free 3D program on the market. It's used for creation, editing and animation of 3D models in various industries – from video game development to landscape design and construction. STL files can be easily imported and prepared, and there are many algorithms that help working with surfaces.
The program isn't easy to use, requires a learning curve and the amount of features may overwhelm new users. Blender requires a powerful PC for working with complex models but same can be said about many other CAD programs. Blender also wasn't developed with 3D printing in mind, but it's still possible to edit and repair STL files in the software.
How to edit and repair STL files in Blender
Opening STL files
1. After opening Blender there's usually a default cube present. You can delete it by placing the mouse cursor above it and pressing the 'Del' button.
2. Go to File > Import > STL, choose a file and import it.
Editing STL files
1. Switch to Edit mode. The edges of your model will now be visible.
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2. Hitting Alt+L selects all elements. It will allow you to select individual points, planes and edges by pressing RMB.
3. Alt+J converts triangles into rectangles.
4. Searching for Subdivide or Un-Subdivide grants the ability to change the number of tiles.
5.Selection options Vertexes, Edge or Face select allows you to manipulate the parts of the model
6. You can search for different shapes such as Cube or Sphere to add them the model
7. You can extrude the area by using the Extrude command
8. The Boolean command can be used to cut or merge forms.
Repairing STL
1. Using the 3D Print Toolbox: Edit > Preferences > Add-Ons > Mesh: 3D Print Toolbox. It’s now available in the left sidebar.
2. 3D Print Toolbox can help you fixing the issues with your STL files, the ones that prevent it from printing correctly. Most important issues are:
Overhangs requiring adding support structure.
Wall-thickness shows the thinnest walls that would be problematic to print.
Manifolds.
Overhangs requiring adding support structure.
Wall-thickness shows the thinnest walls that would be problematic to print.
Manifolds.
3. Pressing Check All checks for every issues. The list of errors is located at the bottom of the toolbox.
4. Pressing Isolated repairs edges and vertices.
5. The Make Manifold button creates mesh manifold.
Exporting STL
Go to File > Export > Stl to export your model.
Here’s one of the tutorials that show how to fix mesh issues in Blender:
![Blender Editing Software Free Blender Editing Software Free](https://www.blender.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/features_cycles_gleb-seoul-640x360.jpg?x96075)
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a free and open-source (LGPLv2+) cross-platform CAD software. It supports full parametric modeling as well as several 2D tools handy for drafting purposes. There are various add-ons that extends the software’s abilities.
FreeCAD is not the best solution for STL editing and repairing but it’s still pretty functional. Among its shortcomings are the lack of a full move-around 3D view and the problems with intercepting structures.
How to edit and repair STL files in FreeCAD
Opening STL files
1. Open the program and go to File > New.
2. Click File > Import and choose the STL file. Other formats such as OBJ and AST are also supported. FreeCAD can open other mesh formats such as OBJ and AST as well.
3. Change the workbench to Part.
4. Select the model you just imported in the Model window.
5. Go to Part > Create shape from mesh. The object will be split into several triangles. The precision of the process can be changed, but 0.10 will be good enough for the majority of objects.
6. The mesh can now be deleted or hidden.
7. Click Advanced utility and select Solid from shell. Choose any object with triangles, click on it and then click on the Create button. Cisdem appcrypt 3 1 0. Click Close. The object is now solidified.
8. The old shape can now be deleted and hidden. Your solid object is ready for editing.
Editing STL files
1. Change the workbench to Part Design.
2. Choose where you want to add or remove material, click on the surface so it's highlighted.
3. Click Create Sketch.
4. Create a shape you want to manipulate using the tools for drawing.
5. Click Close. Double-click on the model tree if you want to edit your sketch.
6. You can use the Pad for extrusion. And the tool called Pocket allows you to cut.
Repairing STL
1. Switch workbench to Mesh Design.
2. Go to Meshes > Analyze > Evaluate & repair mesh.
3. You can choose any possible defect in the list and click the Analyze button.
Choosing the All above tests together window and clicking Analyze works like a 'select all' option and looks for all of the possible defects.
Choosing the All above tests together window and clicking Analyze works like a 'select all' option and looks for all of the possible defects.
4. Click Repair.
Exporting STL
Select the last feature in the model tree. Then go to File > Export and choose Mesh formats.
Here’s a good video (no commentary) that shows FreeCAD’s editing abilities:
MeshLab
MeshLab is a free and open-source cross-platform STL editing and repairing software. It doesn't even have an option to create new objects but the program is a powerful editor. The meshes can be converted and merged and later inspected and repaired. MeshLabs supports working with point clouds and can import and export many different file types, including 3DS, OBJ, OFF and, of course, STL.
How to edit and repair STL files in MeshLab
Opening STL files
Go to File > Import Mesh and select your model.
Editing STL files
MeshLab can't create new objects but it has various editing tools, especially for merging.
Merging two models:
1. Load both models
2. Click on Show Layers. Select the models.
3. Select the object in the Layer menu and click on Manipulator Tools to manipulate it.
4. Pressing T uses the Transform option, R allows you to rotate the object and pressing S gives you the access to scaling options.
5. Rotating the view changes the axis you're working in. Use arrows and drag-and-drop functions to manipulate the objects.
How to take a screenshot on macbook. 6. When everything is where it should be, press RMB after selecting any part of the combined mesh and choose Flatten Visible Layers. Check the first three boxes and click on Apply.
How to delete a section:
1. Click on Select Face.
2. Click Delete the Current Selected Face and Vertices.
How to repair your object or search for holes:
1. If your model is manifold, click on Fill Hole.
2. A window will appear and show you all the holes. You can select the ones you want to fill, then click on Fill and then on Accept once they're highlighted.
Repairing STL
1. Go to Filters > Quality Measures and Computations > Compute Geometric Measures if you want to check if your object is manifold. A volume file or an error will appear in a window.
2. If it's not manifold (watertight), go to Filters > Cleaning and Repairing > Merge Close Vertices, and apply it.
Go to Filters > Cleaning and Repairing > Remove Duplicate Faces, click Apply.
Go to Filters > Cleaning and Repairing > Remove Duplicated Vertices.
Go to Filters > Cleaning and Repairing > Remove Duplicate Faces, click Apply.
Go to Filters > Cleaning and Repairing > Remove Duplicated Vertices.
3. Check the file again.
Exporting STL
Go to File > Export Mesh.
This video shows how to repair STL file using MeshLab:
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a free and open-source 3D printing software. It's available for MacOS and Windows and developed by Autodesk. Rich functionality allows for various ways to work with STL files – including editing and repairing (the older versions even used to have a built-in slicer tool). The developers call it a 'state-of-the-art software for working with triangle meshes'. And the amount of features seems to prove that – hollowing, support structure branching and other abilities are useful for editing your meshes.
How to edit and repair STL files in Meshmixer
Opening STL files
1. Click on Import and choose the model.
2. Go to Edit > Make solid to solidify your object. You can also make it hollow by choosing the 'Hollow' option
Editing STL files
1. The Select option will let you mark the parts of the object.
2. Pressing Del Pixelmator 3 4 4 download free. removes the elements you marked.
3. The Meshmix option will let you manipulate various forms. They can be combined by using the Sculpt tool. You can switch to using more complex forms. The objects can be easily drag-and-dropped and rotate by using colored arrows. more models by switching from basic forms to for example arms or legs. Drag and drop the object you want to insert. Use different colored arrows to rotate or move your model.
4. Clicking on Sculpt will let you extrude or smoothen different parts.
Repairing STL
1. In the sidebar, click on Print. It will show various tools for repairing and preparation for 3D printing.
2. Select your 3D Printer from the list. If yours is absent, you can add it manually by providing its specs.
3. Click on Repair Selected. This will automatically fix all of the issues in the mesh. You can also hollow it and adjust the minimum wall thickness.
4. Click Add Support for making a support structure. Change the settings according your printer's requirements and click Generate Support. Then choose Done.
5. Once everything is ready, click Send to Printer.
Exporting STL
Go to File > Export and select the .Stl option.
This tutorial demonstrates how you can fix STL with Meshmixer:
SculptGL
SculptGL is a free web-based 3D sculpting software. It's based on WebGL and is rather minimal, including only the necessary tools and features but still manages to be powerful enough. Obviously, it cannot be compared to much more extensive competitors such as Zbrush. But it's the best STL editor for those interested in 3D sculpting.
While it's great for editing, it lacks the ability to repair STL files and sometimes the finished result is non-manifold, which will require using repairing programs (such as those described in the article).
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How to edit STL files in SculptGL
Opening STL files
1. Delete the default shape by clicking Scene > Clear Scene.
2. Go to File (import/export) > Add (obj, sgl, ply, stl) to open an STL file.
Editing STL files
1. Use the Radius slider in the Sculpting & Painting toolbar to control the size of the tool. The tools are used to define the key features of your model. Use the smaller ones for more precise editing.
2. Pressing the Symmetry button will help you to streamline the process by mirroring the changes you make in the other half of the mesh.
You can increase the resolution if you run into problems or need to work on smaller details. There are two different ways to achieve so.
- Subdividing: go to Topology > Multiresolution > Subdivide.
- Remeshing: go to Topology > Voxel Remeshing > Resolution, select the resolution and click the Remesh button.
Exporting STL
Go to File (import/export) > Save STL.
SketchUp Make
SketchUp is a paid 3D modeling and editing CAD software available for Windows and macOS. It has two free versions – web-based SketchUp Free (which won’t be covered in this article, because it doesn’t support STL editing and repair) and a discontinued (but still available at the website) version called SketchUp Make. The program is powerful and is widely used by the professionals. Its abilities can be extended by various plugins, including the STL plugin which will be covered below.
How to edit and repair STL files in SketchUp Make
Installing the STL plugin
1. Go to Window > Extension Warehouse.
2. Search for SketchUp STL, log in using Google account and install it.
Opening STL files
Go to File > Import… Choose the STL type. Browse for your model. Browse for the object you want to open and import it.
Editing STL files
1. The Eraser tool can be used to remove the triangles' edges, so at the end you will get a rectangle. The Pencil will let you to create new sketches.
2. The Push/Pull feature and the Move tool allow you to manipulate the model after finishing the sketches.
Repairing STL
SketchUp lacks the STL repair ability out of the box, but you can get the feature using various plugins. We recommend installing the free plugin called Solid Inspector.
1. Install the Solid Inspector Plugin by going to Extension Warehouse.
2. Select the mesh and click the Solid Inspector button that is now available at the toolbar.
3. The list of errors will appear.
4. The Tab feature (Shift+Tab) will help you check all the errors of the STL file and zoom.
5. The errors can be automatically fixed by pressing Fix or Fix All buttons.
Cleanup is another useful plugin that can help deleting hidden or redundant geometrical feature.
Exporting STL
Go to File > Export and choose .stl format.
This video shows how to work with STL files in SketchUp:
Wings 3D
Wings 3D is a free and open-source (BSD licensed) 3D software. It’s a rather simple and minimalistic program, which is pretty useful for creating basic models before exporting them to more powerful editors (such as Blenders). It works with its own .wings format, but it supports various other file formats, including STL and OBJ. The software lacks repairing features, but it’s STL editing capabilities are very useful and impressive for such a simple program. The functionality of Wings 3D can be extended by using different plugins.
How to edit STL files in Wings 3D
Opening STL files
Go to File > Import > StereoLithography (.stl)… and choose the object you want to import. Keep in mind that Wings 3D will open your model to a random scaling, since the program doesn’t measure the size of the imported model.
Editing STL files
1. The toolbar above the model window shows different selection modes: Vertex, Edges, Face and Body. Choose one you want to work in.
2. Select the part or the whole object so it’s highlighted.
3. Press RMB and see the options available. There will be a long list covering everything from moving and rotating to more complex abilities.
4. Move and rotate options are rather intuitive – you just click on them and choose the axis you want to work in. After that you just manipulate the elements with your mouse.
5. The Absolute Commands option allows you to precisely manipulate the object setting the exact parameters.
6. While working in the Face Selection mode, right-clicking the chosen parts will show the Tesselate option. It will make possible to convert triangles of your object to rectangles, vice-versa and other options.
Exporting STL
Go to File > Export > StereoLithography (.stl)…
If you only want to export some parts, select the ones you need and go to File > Export Selected > StereoLithography (.stl)…
Here’s a tutorial covering the first steps of using Wings 3D:
Before 2017, YouTube Video Editor was the best editor for all YouTubers, but then Google announced that only people having more than 100,000 views on their videos could save the changes they made. It put creators in a frenzy, making them find free alternatives that offer the same features.
But don’t worry anymore, because we have ten free video editing software that have all the essential features, including cutting, cropping, rotating, and trimming.
The 10 Best Free Video Editing Software for YouTube in 2020
1. Shotcut
Shotcut is one of the best video editing software on Microsoft, Linux, and Mac as it supports a variety of video formats. Since it is an open source software, once you download it you can start using it immediately without upgrading to the paid version. It was initially developed for Linux and later adapted to Microsoft and Mac, so you might find the interface a bit quirky. Two features that we love about the YouTube video editor are timeline editing and 4K HD resolution support. It is one of the few free software that offers 4K support. It is the best software for HD and 4K video projects.
2. Blender
Another open source software that runs on all operating systems including iOS, Microsoft, and Linux, Blender was first introduced as a 3D animation suite and then developed into a video editor for YouTube. Apart from the basic functions like splicing and video cutting, Blender offers a plethora of advanced features including luma waveform, audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, and filters.
Most of these features are something that you won’t find on other average free video editing software for YouTube. All of them are enough for you to produce a clear and professional quality video. The only downside of Blender is that there aren’t too many videos available as most of them are focused on modeling and 3D animation.
3. Avidemux
Avidemux is a basic video editor for YouTube, which is perfect for beginners. It comes with basic functions, including encoding, filtering, and cutting. It works on all three platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Microsoft. Since it is a simple software, use it only to fine tune your video editing skills. Once you get the hang of the basic features, you can download more complex software like Shotcut and Blender.
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4. Machete Video Editor Lite
Machete Video Editor Lite is another wonderful free video editing software that runs only on Windows computers and laptops. It is available in two versions — free and paid. In the free version, it supports only two video formats, including AVI and WMV. The paid version costs $19.95 and gives access to audio editing and supports a number of formats. It is best known for its video splicing feature but as it is a basic software, you can’t use it for a long time if you plan to turn into a professional YouTube creator.
5. HitFilm Express
Another efficient YouTube video maker, HitFilm Express is available on Windows and iOS platforms. It is a professional YouTube video editor that comes with all basic editing features, including trimming and audio editing along with advanced features like cutting tools, keying for green screen effects, 3D video support, and multiple composition tools.
The free version offers over 180 premium features. HitFilm Express also has a paid version, which is affordable, so you purchase it to upgrade the software. Most video editing tutorials are for superhero action movies including Star Wars, so you will need a little time getting used to it.
6. DaVinci Resolve
One of the most advanced YouTube video editing software, DaVinci Resolve has an intuitive interface that makes editing easier. Advanced features offered by the software, including advanced trimming, audio mastering, color correction, and multicam editing. You can also add 2D and 3D titles to your videos and give them a professional touch. The only con of DaVinci Resolve is that there are too many features, which can overwhelm a beginner. Also, not all tutorials are free, so that’s an added cost you will have to pay to learn the software.
Tip: Need to download videos from YouTube or other sites? Here are 12 of the best YouTube video downloaders recommended for you.
7. VideoPad
VideoPad is the best video editing software for YouTube available on Windows. If you want to try your hand at video compositions, we recommend you to use this software. It isn’t for advanced editors as they will find it too essential. Some features offered by the software include sound effects library, pre-made transitions, camera shake reduction, 3D video editing, and supports multiple resolutions. One of the best features of VideoPad is that it lets you export videos to YouTube and other social media platforms directly.
8. iMovie
If you are a Mac or MacBook user, iMovie is the best free video editing software for you. It has an intuitive interface and a great tool for learners to furnish their skills and get ready for using more advanced software. If you don’t upload regularly on YouTube, you can continue using iMovie as it has a number of good features including audio editing, video trimming, pre-made transitions, 4K resolution support, and split screen. It is easy to learn. The disadvantage of using this software is that it takes too long to export the video, which will delay the upload.
9. Openshot
If you are a Mac user and have little bit knowledge of iMovie, you will find Openshot easy to use. This YouTube video editing software has more features than iMovie and a variety of layers and audio mixing options. With its simple interface and combination of premium features, Openshot makes video editing easy.
You can watch real-time previews before you transition one scene into another. Features that Openshot offers include scaling, snapping, tripping, image overlays, subtitles 3D animated titles, title creation, watermarks, and advanced timeline, among others. There aren’t many tutorials available, so you will have to figure out how the YouTube video editor works on your own.
10. Lightworks
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Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for YouTube with powerful features. It is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is free software, but there’s a premium version available only for $25 a month. But you don’t need to purchase that because the free version offers some very advanced features like multicam support, high precision video trimming, and export to 720p to YouTube.
It supports a range of video formats as well. One massive advantage of Lightworks is that you get access to many tutorial videos. Unfortunately, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo only comes with the premium version. It isn’t too advanced either, so you will have to switch software or purchase the paid version once your YouTube channel starts growing.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to edit YouTube videos, open YouTube, and check tutorials of the software you plan to use. We tried all 10 YouTube video editing software to find out the best among them, so you can download them for editing your YouTube videos. Blender is our favorite choice because it offers premium features for zero costs including audio mixing, chroma vectorscope, waveform visualization, speed control, filters, and luma waveform. You will find many tutorials online that will help you furnish your skills and add cool animations to your videos.
Also Read: Top 3 Free Video Grabbers to Download YouTube Videos Online
Allow yourself some time to get used to the complex functions as the software is a bit advanced for beginners. You start with basic software like iMovie or Avidemux and work your way up. Another software that we liked is DaVinci Resolve. It is a professional software, but the intuitive interface makes it easy to learn. The features can be overwhelming at first, so experiment with one feature at a time.
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Have you used any of these software before? Let us know your review in the comments below.