Is there a Linux CAD package that supports .stl?
 

I'm hoping to find something standalone, but if there's nothing it's browser/cloud or Windows.

@ JASlinux:-

Umm.....what do you want to DO with your STL files? I take it you ARE aware that the .stl file format - short for Stereolithography - is primarily used more for 3D printing than anything else?

Something basic, like LibreCAD, or QCAD, is not going to be any good with such things, as these work primarily with 2D diagrams, etc. You're going to need something like FreeCAD.....which requires a reasonably powerful machine, and is 64-bit only to boot. It's not available for older, 32-bit hardware running Linux. It IS, however, available for 32-bit IF you're running Windows 7 or newer.

It's quite good when it comes to 3D, engineering-type work/diagrams. Which may be what you want it for?


Mike. :hattip:

Hi JASlinux,
I'm currently running FreeCAD 0.18.4 on my Mint 18.3 system to design stuff then export the designs to .stl files. In turn I run the .stl files through a slicer program like Slic3r (Currently using a derivative called PrusaSlicer-2.2.0). The slicer program generates Gcode files to run my 3D printer, an Open Source Prusa clone from Geeetech which I built as a kit, lots of fun and swearing! I use an Open Source printer driver/monitoring program called Repetier-Host_2.1.6 to send my Gcode files via a USB link to my printer in case you're interested.

Note that you can also use Blender to make models and other stuff though it's more suited to animation tasks, but you can still export your designs to .stl files. Biiig learning curve to learn Blender but super powerful! I find FreeCAD concepts a lot easier to understand, the various primatives can be rotated and positioned exactly by adjusting the various X,Y and Z co-ordinates and models manipulated in real time with a reasonably spec'd system. I have an HP Z400 quad Xeon Workstation which is ideal. In the bad old days you had to wait ages for any change to be re-rendered! Now? Pretty much instant. Also note that the program "Make Human" which is used to generate er... models of humans, can also export .stl files though I haven't tried printing anything. My slicer shows too many voids! ;)
I was also told it stands for Small Triangles, Lots of them! :D :D :D

Hope that helps,

Play Bonny!

:hattip: