# STL > A simple 3D format describing only surface geometry as triangles, standard for 3D printing. Also known as: stereolithography format. Category: 360, 3D and output formats. STL (stereolithography) is a simple 3D file format that describes only the surface geometry of an object as a mesh of triangles, without colour, texture or material data. It exists in ASCII and binary forms and is the standard input format for 3D printing. ## How PhotoRobot uses it STL is one of the 3D model formats supported by PhotoRobot Controls, recommended in PhotoRobot's overview for 3D printing rather than for coloured product presentation. ## See on photorobot.com - [Supported 3D model formats](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/photorobot-supported-3d-model-formats) ## Related terms - [OBJ](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/obj): A widely supported, text-based 3D model format storing geometry and UV mapping, with materials in an MTL file. - [3D model](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/3d-model): A digital three-dimensional representation of a product, made of geometry and textures, viewable from any angle. - [Polygon mesh](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#polygon-mesh): The surface of a 3D model, built from connected vertices, edges and faces (usually triangles). ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 5 pages. Most relevant: - [PhotoRobot Controls Supported 3D Model Formats](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/photorobot-supported-3d-model-formats): STL is a file format native to Stereolithography CAD software, and a common format for 3D printing. - [3D Model Photography - Example Outputs by PhotoRobot](https://www.photorobot.com/output-type/3d-model): Generate virtual models in USDZ format (best for iOS / macOS AR), STL (with universal 3D printing support), or OBJ / MTL (for sharing detailed models with materials). - [AR Product Visualization Using 3D & AR Platforms](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/ar-product-visualization): Other formats include STL (universal support for 3D printing), and OBJ / MTL (wide support across platforms, ideal for sharing detailed models & materials). - [3D Object Modeling in PhotoRobot Workflows](https://www.photorobot.com/videos/3d-object-modeling-demo): …to view the output in iOS or on Windows, and export items in various file formats like STL. - [Discover the Frame 360 Turntable with Built-in Robot Arm](https://www.photorobot.com/videos/frame-robot-turntable-demo): Alternatively, some clients use platforms like Blender to convert USDZ files into other formats, such as STL files for 3D printing.