Frequently asked questions

What file formats does PDFtoSTL output?

PDFtoSTL produces two formats: binary STL (single-color relief) and 3MF (multi-color, with per-part extruder assignments). The format is chosen automatically based on your output settings — multi-color or inset modes produce 3MF, while standard single-color conversions produce STL.

Can I convert a photo or scanned PDF to STL?

PDFtoSTL works best with vector content — text, line art, and logos. Scanned or photo-heavy PDFs don't contain vector data, so results may be poor.

You can enable the Include Images option to trace raster images as heightmaps (relief, lithophane, or colormap mode), but vector PDFs produce much better results.

What is the difference between STL and 3MF?

STL is the older, simpler format: one solid mesh with no color information. 3MF is a modern format that supports multiple materials and colors in a single file.

PDFtoSTL's 3MF output assigns each detected color to a separate extruder, so multi-material printers (Bambu AMS, Prusa MMU) can print text and graphics in full color automatically.

Does it work with Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, or Cura?

Yes. The exported 3MF includes Bambu-compatible configuration files (model_settings.config and project_settings.config), so Bambu Studio's color-matching dialog opens automatically when you load the file.

PrusaSlicer and Cura read the standard 3MF basematerials block. Single-color STL files work in any slicer.

How much does a download cost?

PDFtoSTL is free for now. You can download up to 5 watermarked samples of every conversion without signing up, to check quality in your slicer.

Full-quality STL/3MF files are unlocked when you leave your email address. You can optionally rate the conversion and share feedback or feature requests — that helps us improve the product.

Paid plans may return later; while the free period lasts, every full download is free with email signup.

What PDF content produces the best results?

Documents with crisp vector text and clean line drawings convert best — think technical drawings, logos, business cards, and typeset pages.

PDFs with heavy gradients, transparency effects, or full-page photographs are not ideal since the converter extrudes flat geometry. Use the Eraser tool to remove unwanted elements before converting.

How does it optimize the model for my specific 3D printer?

PDFtoSTL doesn't just convert geometry — it tailors the output to your exact printer setup. This is what sets it apart from generic mesh converters.

You enter your layer height and nozzle diameter, and the converter uses these to make smart decisions throughout the pipeline:

• Layer-snapped heights — base thickness and extrusion height are rounded to exact multiples of your layer height, so every layer is a full pass with no partial layers that cause quality issues.
• Nozzle-aware feature filtering — details thinner than your nozzle diameter are automatically dropped or boosted. A 0.4 mm nozzle can't print a 0.1 mm line, so the converter either removes it (clean result) or thickens it (readable result) depending on your Thin line boost setting.
• Thin line boost — fine strokes from the PDF are uniformly dilated so they reliably survive printing. Choose light, medium, or heavy depending on how fine the source artwork is.
• Min detail size — strips out tiny specks and artefacts below a threshold you set, keeping the model clean without manual erasing.

The result is a model that prints correctly the first time on your specific machine, rather than a raw geometry dump that needs manual cleanup in a slicer.

Can I make a rubber stamp from a PDF?

Yes. Select Emboss and enable Mirror X to flip the design horizontally (stamps print in reverse). Print with TPU or other flexible filament.

What is the difference between embossing and debossing?

Embossing produces a raised pattern — just like the default extrusion mode. When you press the plate into paper or leather, the material bulges up on the other side. This is the same as making a stamp: text is raised on a flat base. Enable Mirror X so the pressed result reads correctly.

Debossing produces a recessed pattern. Enable the Deboss toggle and the text is subtracted from the plate, leaving channels carved into the top surface. The extrusion height controls how deep the channels are (capped by the base thickness). The total plate height stays at the base thickness — set it thick enough to leave solid material under the channels.

Both modes output a single STL — no multi-material printer required.

Can I add Braille to a 3D-printable sign?

Yes. First convert the PDF to open the 3D model preview. The final ribbon tab is Braille; it appears only at this model-preview stage.

Enter up to 80 characters of plain text. PDFtoSTL translates letters, capitals, numbers, and common punctuation into uncontracted Grade-1 Braille. Click or drag on the 3D model to move the amber marker, which shows the exact dot pattern and print position, then convert again.

The Braille text, enabled state, colour choice, and placement persist across conversions and page reloads. Dots match the text colour by default in multi-color 3MF; enable Base color to use extruder 1 instead. Braille dots always stay raised/tactile — including when text uses flush inset top or bottom — and are unavailable only with deboss mode.

How does Smart Cut/Trim work?

After converting your PDF, switch to the 3D preview and open the Smart Cut/Trim toolbar. Choose Hole (selections in red — material that goes) to punch through the base and relief, or Trim (selections in green — material that stays) to cut away everything outside a chosen outline so the plate matches that silhouette.

The tool scans the source PDF for circles, rectangles, and irregular closed borders (screw holes, mounting slots, rounded frames, badges) and also surfaces large relief exteriors you can click in the 3D preview. Detected shows counts for circles, rectangles, and irregular outlines. Toggle one type to preview overlays (only one kind at a time), then click a shape to cut or trim.

Typical use cases:

• Drill templates — convert a technical drawing and the mounting holes become cutouts at their exact PDF positions, giving you a physical drilling guide.
• Overlays and stencils — punch out detected shapes to create an overlay that sits on top of a workpiece with holes in precisely the right places.
• Wall-mounted signs — add screw holes or key-chain loops after conversion without going back to your design tool.
• Badge-shaped plates — use Trim on an irregular outline so the printed plate follows a rounded frame or logo border.

You can filter detected shapes by size (the filter icon appears after you turn a type on), adjust dimensions with ±0.1 mm precision, and use Place all same size to stamp every matching feature at once. Edits are non-destructive — clear and re-apply as many times as you want before downloading.

What size can the output model be?

The model dimensions come from the PDF page size by default (e.g. A4 = 210 × 297 mm). You can scale between 0.1× and 3.0×, choose a preset output size (A4, A5, A6), or enter custom dimensions in millimetres.

Your printer's build volume is the practical limit.

Is my PDF stored on your servers?

No permanent PDF or mesh storage. Your PDF is uploaded only for the conversion. The generated 3D mesh is kept in memory for up to 30 minutes so you can iterate on cutouts and download, then it is discarded.

When you claim a full-quality download we store your email, marketing consent, and any optional feedback. We may also keep hashed identifiers for abuse prevention. Google Analytics loads only if you accept analytics cookies in the consent banner. Full details: Privacy Policy.

Do I need to install any software?

No. PDFtoSTL runs entirely in your browser. Upload a PDF, adjust settings, and download the STL or 3MF file — no plugins and no desktop app. An account is never required; leave your email to unlock the free full-quality download and optionally share feedback on quality or feature requests.