A 3D printer turns digital designs into physical objects using a variety of substances, from plastic to ceramic to something that kind of looks like wood. Before you even touch a printer, you'll ...

If you want to create a 3D model in STL format or edit an existing STL file in Windows 11/10, use these free STL editors.

When you're done, click Design > Download for 3D Printing and you'll immediately get an STL file you can load into your printer.

Makers will likely come across numerous STL files as they explore the various forums dedicated to the craft. They're frequently posted on print-sharing sites like Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory.

The most common reason an STL file may be not quite right is a mechanical connection where some piece isn’t quite as the designer expected, so the 3D model that interfaces with it no longer fits.

Copilot 3D is part of Copilot Labs, Microsoft’s preview space for experimental features. It’s designed to make 3D creation ...