Guides
Choosing between a 3DM model and an STL mesh
Understand the different information in Cartesian's public download formats before opening or editing a model.
Choose for the next operation
A 3DM document can contain different geometry types and document information. Inspect the specific file to find out which objects are surfaces, solids or meshes and how they are organised. The extension alone does not promise that every component has the same representation.
STL describes a triangulated surface. It is useful when the receiving workflow expects a mesh, but it does not carry a full parametric construction history or the same object information as a CAD document. Converting a file to STL does not preserve every editing capability.
Open the file deliberately
Download the appropriate public example, extract it first if it is supplied as a ZIP, and open it in a compatible application. Check the imported object count, bounding dimensions and representation before making changes.
For these Cartesian examples, 3DM coordinates are supplied in metres and STL coordinates in millimetres. STL has no standard unit declaration, so use the documented coordinate unit when the importer asks. Compare a known dimension rather than trusting a default import setting.
Keep the source file
Keep an unchanged copy of the original download so that you can compare edits and re-export if needed. If your work requires analytic surfaces or separate editable components, inspect those features in the 3DM before deciding that a mesh-only workflow will meet the requirement.
A format choice does not make a model ready for construction or printing. Check the geometry and the requirements of the receiving software or production process. Start with the small lamp download if you want a compact example for comparing formats.