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How to convert GLB to STL

Import GLB into Blender, apply transforms, check the mesh and export STL. What you lose (colour, textures) and how to keep it with 3MF.

Aman PorwalFounder @ Vi3W

2 min read

A pencil sketch of a brass lantern on paper, with the same lantern rising off the page as a solid, lit object

Quick answer

How do you convert GLB to STL?

Import the GLB into Blender with File › Import › glTF 2.0, join the parts into one object if needed, apply transforms, set the size in millimetres, check the mesh is watertight, and export with File › Export › STL. The textures and colours are dropped, because STL stores only triangles. Use 3MF instead if you need colour.

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Why you might have a GLB

GLB (binary glTF) is the standard format for web 3D, AR and many AI generators, because it packs mesh and textures into one file. GLB vs glTF explains the format. Printers want STL, OBJ or 3MF. Converting is quick.

Can my slicer open GLB directly?

Some can, many can't. If yours doesn't, convert.

Converting in Blender (free)

  1. File › Import › glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf).
  2. The model may come in as several objects (meshes, an empty parent). In Object Mode, select all mesh parts and press Ctrl+J to join them, if they should print as one piece.
  3. Remove anything that isn't geometry you want: empties, cameras, lights.
  4. Size it. glTF is in metres. Check Dimensions in the sidebar (N). For a 100 mm print, the slicer will expect 100 units, so either scale the model to 100 m and export, or keep real metres and export with a scale of 1000. Simplest: set the size you want, then rescale in the slicer. Scale a model for printing.
  5. Ctrl+A › All Transforms.
  6. Check the mesh. Merge duplicate vertices (Edit Mode › Mesh › Clean Up › Merge by Distance), recalculate normals (Mesh › Normals › Recalculate Outside), and use the free 3D Print Toolbox extension to find holes and thin walls. Make a model watertight.
  7. File › Export › STL (.stl), Selection Only if needed.

What you lose

STL is triangles only, so the GLB's textures, colours, UVs and materials are dropped. For a single-colour print that's fine; you'll paint it or print it in one filament.

Keeping colour: use 3MF

If you have a multicolour printer, 3MF can carry colour information and slicers like Bambu Studio and PrusaSlicer let you paint colours onto a model. Converting a textured GLB into a multi-material print takes a few extra steps: multicolour 3D prints from AI-generated models.

Online converters

They work for quick jobs. Watch the size limits and don't upload confidential files. You'll still want to check the result for holes.

GLB or OBJ from Vi3W?

Vi3W exports GLB, FBX and OBJ. For printing, OBJ is the more direct route (see convert OBJ to STL), and many slicers open it without conversion. Choose GLB when you also want the textured version for viewing or AR, and convert a copy to STL for printing.

Need a printable shape? Generate it in Vi3W, export GLB or OBJ, and convert in a couple of minutes.

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