I can't open Fusion-made STL files from OSX Preview

[nmingotti]

Hi,

I red on the Web that OSX Preview can open STL files.

The problem is, when i try to open STL files generated by Fusion360 with Preview I get this error:

"This file can not be displayed because some of the features used in it are not understood by Preview."

It happes with all STL files i generated till now, more or less 10.

I am using OSX 10.11.6 .

Do you know any workaround ?

bye

Nicola Mingotti PhD

[PhilProcarioJr · Accepted solution]

@nmingotti

Download Meshmixer and use it to view your .stl files.

http://www.meshmixer.com/download.html

[TrippyLighting]

I was going to suggest the same thing. However, I would like to add that this generally works with .stl files created by other software. Even from Meshmixer.

the nice thing with preview on the mac is that it is really fast and does not require you to open a dedicated app.

[nmingotti]

The important point for me is that I want to double click an STL
file in Finder and I expect the proper application to run and show me
the file.

MeshMixer can be set up to do this so, for me the problem is problem solved.

On the other side, it would be nice to have also Preview working because
it is very light and fast, i agree with you.

[robduarte]

I think the Fusion 360 developers might need to look at this: https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/Quicklook_Progra...

[Anonymous]

I open the file in meshmixer and then export it from there and it works in preveiw

[cooperben83 · Accepted solution]

I know this post is old and has been solved using meshmixer. I found an easier way though:

if you export the file in fusion 360 with the STL - Binary file type selected Preview has trouble understanding it. However, if you use the STL-ASCII file type preview has no issues opening it.

[LarsRey]

Yesterday Fusion 360 updated itself and now I can't open the .stl with Preview. I can however open any old .stl by double clicking Preview, but not the ones generated with Fusion 360 2.0.15995 x86_64 [Native]. 

Edit: Just found out that if I save in .stl binary Preview refuse to handle the file (but can open it in Quick View). If I save it in .stl ASCII it opens when double clicking Preview and also quick view.