3D file preparation software

Along the 3D printing workflow, 3D file preparation is what happens between 3D design and 3D printing. Since CAD files are not themselves 3D printable, they must be turned into a 3D printable format like STL, checked for errors, and then converted again into machine-readable instructions (like Gcode).

3D file preparation software can therefore include tools like STL editing, STL repair and analysis, and slicing: the process of dividing an STL file into 2D layers and sending instructions to the 3D printer.

File preparation software may also include simulation software, helping users anticipate any potential printing issues.