A 3MF file (extension .3mf) is an open-standard 3D format designed for 3D printing (additive manufacturing) that can hold color, materials, and even print settings in a single file. The easiest way to place it is to think of it as "a newer 3D printing format that makes up for STL's weakness of only being able to store shape." In this article we walk through what 3MF is, how it differs from STL, which software supports it, and when to use it, with a comparison table along the way.
Note: Figmee is currently a service that generates 3D model data (GLB / 3MF) from drawings and illustrations and lets you download it. Sales of physical 3D printed items are Coming Soon, and you cannot place a print order directly through Figmee.
What is a 3MF file?
3MF is an open standard for 3D printing developed by the 3MF Consortium, an industry association. The consortium officially describes 3MF as "an open, XML-based standard for exchanging full-fidelity 3D models between additive manufacturing applications, platforms, services, and hardware" (source: 3MF Consortium official site, as of July 2026). In 2025 it was also published as the international standard ISO/IEC 25422:2025.
Technically, 3MF is a format that bundles information written in XML into a single ZIP (OPC) container. Inside, you can store not only the shape (the mesh) but everything needed for output: color, materials, textures, units, coordinate system, print settings, and more.
The 3MF Consortium explains that it created the format "to correct the limitations of existing file formats — providing a standardized, more capable format that works across every AM technology, from prototyping to mass production." The most prominent example of those "limitations of existing file formats" is STL, which was the go-to format for many years.
How 3MF differs from STL
STL is the most widely used format in 3D printing, but it can hold only "shape." 3MF adds color and settings on top of that. Here are the main differences side by side.
| Aspect | STL | 3MF |
|---|---|---|
| Shape (mesh) | Yes (a set of triangles) | Yes |
| Color and textures | No | Yes (full-color support) |
| Materials and multiple materials | No | Yes |
| Units and coordinate system | Often ambiguous | Defined by the standard |
| Print settings, supports, etc. | No | Can be saved together |
| Managing multiple objects | Weak | Strong (via extensions) |
| File structure | Simple (shape only) | XML plus a ZIP container |
| Adoption | Extremely wide (the classic standard) | Support is growing |
There are three key points.
- Can it carry color? STL stores shape only and cannot hold color. If you want full-color output, you need a format that can carry color, such as 3MF.
- Can it carry settings? 3MF can save print settings and supports alongside the model, which reduces miscommunication when you hand files off.
- Adoption: STL's strength is that almost everything accepts it. 3MF is more capable, but you need to check in advance whether the place you are sending it to supports it.
The basic rule of thumb is "STL if shape alone is enough, 3MF if you want to hand off color and settings accurately." For carrying color and surface appearance as a whole, 3MF also has a different role from GLB files, which are aimed at web display (GLB is for showing and sharing, 3MF is for physical output). OBJ and FBX are two more common formats, each with its own role: OBJ is a simple, widely readable exchange format, and FBX is typically used to move animated models between 3D tools.
Software that supports 3MF
3MF is widely handled by the major 3D printing slicers (software that converts a 3D model into print-ready data). Here are the key points from each official source (all as of July 2026).
- PrusaSlicer: Uses 3MF natively as its project save format (
File → Save Projectproduces a .3mf). You can save settings and supports along with the model (source: Prusa Knowledge Base). - UltiMaker Cura: 3MF (.3mf) is among its supported import and export formats. The "Universal Cura Project" used for sharing is also a type of 3MF (source: UltiMaker official site).
- Bambu Studio: Uses 3MF (Production Extension) as its default save format (source: Bambu Lab Wiki).
- OrcaSlicer: Uses the extended 3MF inherited from Bambu Studio as its project format (source: OrcaSlicer Wiki).
Beyond these, general 3D software such as Blender can also import and export 3MF in some cases, but support and versions can change, so check the latest information for the software you actually use.
When to use 3MF
3MF is a good fit in situations like these.
- You want to 3D print in full color: Because it can carry color, it suits cases where you are aiming for pre-colored output.
- You want to hand off the model together with its print settings: When you want to share or archive a slicer project including its settings and supports.
- You want to handle multiple parts together: Its extensions make it easier to manage several objects in one file.
On the other hand, if the place you are sending the file to accepts only STL, convert from 3MF to STL before handing it over (color information is lost in the process). For the steps to actually print a 3MF on your own printer, see preparing to print a 3MF file on a home 3D printer.
Exporting 3MF from Figmee
Figmee currently generates 3D models from drawings and illustrations you upload, and in addition to GLB you can download the data in 3MF format as well. Figmee's 3MF files are exported as full-color data with the color (texture) embedded.
However, sales of physical 3D prints are Coming Soon. If you want to output the model as a physical object, the flow is to take the exported 3MF to your own 3D printer or to an external 3D printing service. Before you do, check whether the destination supports 3MF and whether it supports full-color output.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use 3MF or STL?
If you only need to hand off the shape and the destination mainly works with STL, the widely supported STL is the safe choice. If you want to pass along color and print settings accurately, or print in full color, 3MF is the better fit. Start by checking whether the destination or the slicer you use supports 3MF, then choose.
What can I open a 3MF file with?
You can open it with major slicers such as PrusaSlicer, UltiMaker Cura, Bambu Studio, and OrcaSlicer. The file contains shape, color, and settings, so once you load it into a slicer you can move straight on to print preparation.
Does 3MF guarantee full-color printing?
No. 3MF is a format that can "hold" color, but whether you can actually print in full color depends on whether your printer or printing service supports full-color output. Even if the data contains color, a single-color printer will print it in a single color.
Can I print a 3MF made with Figmee as is?
Figmee lets you download 3MF data, but sales of physical prints are Coming Soon. To produce a physical output, take the exported 3MF to your own printer or an external 3D printing service. Always check which formats the destination accepts.
Summary
3MF (.3mf) is an open standard for 3D printing that can hold color, materials, and even print settings in a single file. Compared with STL, which stores shape only, its biggest difference is that it carries color and settings accurately. It is supported by major slicers such as PrusaSlicer, Cura, Bambu Studio, and OrcaSlicer, and it suits full-color output and handing off models together with their settings.
With Figmee you can export 3MF as full-color data. When you are ready to print, confirm what the destination supports and then take your file there.
