How to open STL file in AutoCAD 2022 for Windows?

[irina_jensn]

Is AutoCAD capable of opening STL file? I have changed it to DXF, but AutoCAD refuses to open it? Any suggestions?

[paullimapa · Accepted solution]

no AutoCAD cannot open a STL file. If you tried by renaming the STL file to DXF, that would fail as well. You may want to search on-line for STL to DXF conversions. Here's one of the sites that provide a couple of options:

STL to DXF: How to Convert STL Files to DXF (AutoCAD) | All3DP

[arq.vr02.fernheim]

If your autocad suscription has Inventor, you could import it there and ten save as dwg.

Same thing if you have 3dMax, save as dwg.

[Michiel.Valcke]

You cannot read .stl files in AutoCAD, you can only export them. Which is basically converting 3D geometry to an .stl file. To read/modify an .stl file you'll need a program such as Fusion360 or Meshmixer. If you desperately want to have the geometry back in AutoCAD you can export it back to a .dwg or .stp from those programs. (a .stp file you can import into AutoCAD with the _IMPORT command)

Fusion360 by Autodesk is available for free for non-professional users.

[irina_jensn · Accepted solution]

Thank you all! What finally worked for me - online converter in CADForum!  Yes, you just have to sign up after what you can use the Converter without a need to download or buy anything. It's awesome.