CAD tip # 9735:

Question CAD
% platform category

How to convert a .THING file to a 3D CAD model?

The .THING file format (MakerBot) is a container for STL files. Think of it as an assembly file format for STL parts/models for 3D printing. You can get many many .thing files from thingverse.com.

You can decompress any .thing file using WinZip, WinRAR or with most other compression tools (a.o. also by pressing Ctrl-PgDn in Total Commander). So you will get one or more .STL files plus a .JSON control file with assembly instructions - transformation matrices.

Transformations would be more complicated, but extracting the individual STL file allows you to convert them (individually) to your CAD as 3D mesh models. You can directly import STL e.g. into the latest version of Autodesk Inventor, Revit, Fusion 360, 3ds Max, Showcase or MeshMixer - see Formats. Or you can use our STL2DWG web service to convert your STL file(s) to AutoCAD.

ACADInventorRevitFusion360

* CAD

13.3.2014 40890×

Comments Tell a friend

Prices - CAD eShop:

Product Design Collection

AEC Collection

applies to: AutoCAD · Inventor · Revit · Fusion 360 360 ·

See also:
Tip 13013:	Converting a 3D mesh to a 3D solid in Fusion 360.
Tip 12588:	Which CAD formats can be be translated in Fusion 360 even without the cloud, offline?
Tip 12029:	How to print 3D characters designed in Autodesk Character Generator?
Tip 11806:	Higher precision for facetted round surfaces in STL export from Inventor.
Tip 11590:	How to replace a 3D mesh model with a grid structure?

Selected tip: How to burn CDs under Windows 2000?

Back All CAD Tips

Size of a saved DWG file grows unexpectedly. « | » What are the files .fmsh, .fwiz, .fins and similar?

Have we helped you? If you want to support the CAD Forum web service, consider buying one of our CAD applications, or our custom software development offerings, or donating via PayPal (see above). You may also add a link to your web - like this "fan" link:

CAD: OS: Categ:
Text:	FAQ glossary

Featuring:
DwgTextTranslator translates a series of drawings from one language to another using MS Access.
Download a fully functional trial version.

Please use these tips at your own risk.
Arkance Systems is not responsible for possible problems that may occur as a result of using any of these tips.

CZ \| EN \| DE
Login or
registration
	Visitors: 5694

	CAD Forum - tips, tricks, utilities, help, how-tos and FAQ for AutoCAD, LT, Inventor, Revit, Map, Civil 3D, Fusion 360, 3ds max and other Autodesk software (support by Arkance Systems)	Arkance Systems CZ s.r.o. (CAD Studio) - Autodesk Platinum Partner & Training Center & Consulting Services Partner	CONTACT: webmaster.cz@arkance-systems.com tel. +420 910 970 111
	Copyright © 2023 \| Advertise with us \| Online privacy