DXF to STL

From a flat drawing to a part

DXF is the format for 2D drawings: plans, laser cutting templates, CNC parts, logos. To 3D print it, one thing is missing: thickness. Here you choose how many millimeters you want and every closed shape becomes a solid part.

Anything inside another shape becomes a hole: the holes in a plate, the middle of a letter "O". And anything inside a hole becomes solid again, like an island.

What it reads and what it doesn't

It reads polylines (with their curves), lines, arcs, circles, ellipses and spline curves. Loose lines and arcs join on their own at their ends to form closed shapes.

• Text: DXF text isn't read. Convert it to outlines or curves in your program before saving.
• Blocks: if the drawing uses blocks, explode them first.
• Open lines: anything that doesn't close a shape is left out, and we tell you how many lines there were.
• Units: if the DXF says what unit it's in, we use it; if not, choose it yourself.

Ideas for using it

Plates and brackets with screw holes, marking or cutting templates, signs, gaskets, parts you used to laser cut and now want to print. If your part needs different heights, convert it in pieces and join them in your slicer.

Tips

• If it warns about open lines, use "Join" (JOIN) in your drawing program to close the outlines.
• A thickness of 2 to 3 mm is sturdy for small plates; for parts that carry weight, go higher.
• If the drawing comes out tiny or huge, check Units: many drawings are in inches.
• If you want that same shape with relief or text on top, also try SVG to STL.

Frequently asked questions