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CAD tip CAD tip # 7536:

   
Question CAD 
 %  platform  category 
Q - question

How to convert a STL file back to AutoCAD or Inventor?

A - answer Neither AutoCAD, nor Inventor and Revit can import STL files (stereolithography). They can only export STL files as a part of their "3D printing" functionality.

If you want to use (re-import) an existing .STL file for viewing, measuring or reconstructing of 3D geometry, you can use the free online service STL2DWG running on the CADforum.cz server. This brings an additional alternative to the Inventor internal file converters.

Just upload your textual or binary STL file and this web application generates and return a SCR (script) file for AutoCAD (to save to DWG), or a DXF file compatible with virtually any CAD application.

To load the resulting DXF file into AutoCAD, you can just use Open after you click on the web page link. To load the 3D DXF file into Inventor, use the import wizard (Open) and check its options "3D solids", "Use default file names" and "New part, Wires to 3D sketch". In Revit, load the DXF file with the ribbon function Insert > Import > Import CAD.

Since Inventor 2013 you can use direct STL import (Open).

You can also use the STLin add-on utility for AutoCAD - see Download, or Autodesk ReMake (with FBX export).

ACADInventorRevitCivil3dsmaxDWGReMake
100% *  CAD 
2.9.2010    69338×  
applies to: AutoCAD · Inventor · Revit · Civil 3D · 3ds Max · DWG · ReMake ·

See also:
Tip 13824:How to export OBJ including materials, textures from Inventor?
Tip 13559:How to find the number of faces of a 3D mesh object in Fusion 360?
Tip 13557:How to create an image with transparent background in Fusion 360?
Tip 13541:Using Twinmotion from Revit to visualize other types of 3D scenes.
Tip 13103:How to embed an interactive Revit 3D model into a Powerpoint presentation?


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