GLB vs STL
STL holds geometry only, with no colour or textures, which is why 3D printers use it. GLB holds geometry plus materials, textures and animation, so it is the one to show a model on screen.
- Runs in your browser
- Files never uploaded
- Free to start
How they differ
- What they store: STL stores a mesh of triangles. GLB stores the mesh, materials, textures and optionally animation.
- Colour: STL has none. GLB keeps the full appearance.
- Use: STL for slicers and 3D printing. GLB for the web, AR and product visuals.
Going from GLB to STL is easy but you lose the colours. Going the other way, from STL to GLB, gives you a plain model that you would need to texture again.
Good to know: With Pro, MeshShot can download an imported model as STL, OBJ or GLB.
Questions
Can I 3D print a GLB?
Convert it to STL first. See can you 3D print a GLB file.
Which is smaller?
It depends on the model. STL has no textures, but GLB uses compact binary storage.