gcode file is created by a slicing program, which turns a CAD drawing into a string of code that a 3D printer can understand. Binary files are more common since they are more compact.Ī. The STL format specifies both ASCII and binary representations.
STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without representing color, texture, or other common CAD model attributes. It is widely used for rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and computer-aided manufacturing. Many other software packages support this file format.
STL is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems.
