Convert STL to OBJ from the right-click menu
Select an STL file, hold Shift, right-click and pick 3D model, then OBJ. Flecto converts the mesh on your PC and saves the OBJ in a new folder beside the original. The same dial converts OBJ back to STL.
Free to try. 10 conversions a week, no account needed.
How to convert STL to OBJ with Flecto
- Select your STL fileClick it in File Explorer.
- Hold Shift and right-clickChoose 3D model in the dial.
- Pick OBJThe other choices are OBJ, FBX, STL, GLB, glTF, DAE, USD, USDA and USDC.
- Open the new folderThe result and any companion files are saved in a new folder beside the original. Keep the folder together.
Good to know
- An STL holds only the surface mesh, so the OBJ has the same shape and no colours or textures. Converting cannot add them.
- STL stores no unit. Check the scale after converting, and again in your slicer when you go back to STL.
- Going from OBJ to STL drops materials and textures, because STL cannot store them.
- The first time, Flecto offers a one-time download of the 3D engine, about 399 MB. After that it works offline.
- The free plan includes 10 conversions every week. Failed or cancelled files do not count.
STL or OBJ: which one do you need?
| STL | OBJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Stores | Triangles only | Mesh, texture coordinates, material links |
| Colour and textures | No | Yes, through a companion MTL file |
| Best for | 3D printing and slicers | Editing, rendering and moving between 3D programs |
STL is what printers and slicers want. OBJ is a simple, widely supported format that modelling, sculpting and rendering programs open without plugins, which makes it a good choice when you want to edit a printable model or texture it.
Questions
Can I convert OBJ to STL for 3D printing?
Yes. Select the OBJ, choose 3D model and pick STL. Only the shape is kept, which is all a printer needs.
Will the OBJ have colours?
No. The STL had none to carry over.
Are my models uploaded?
No. They are converted on your PC. Only the optional 3D engine is downloaded, once.
Can I convert several files at once?
Yes. Select them together, then use the same Shift and right-click menu. The dial offers the formats they can all use.
More guides
Use Flecto.
Convert your next file in two clicks. Free to try. 10 conversions a week, no account needed.
Download