STL is the mesh a slicer expects.

What STL keeps, and what it drops

STL keeps the surface and drops the materials. That is what a single-material print needs, and it is why a slicer asks for it.

For multiple materials, consider 3MF only after checking the exporter and slicer preserve the assignments you need. Standard STL has no portable material mapping. A 3MF extension is not proof that a particular file includes color.

A print wants a closed mesh

A slicer needs a watertight surface. Check the mesh before you export, and hollow or scale it before you download if you want to save material.

Face count matters less here than a closed surface. Remesh if the density is wrong, but do not chase a low triangle count at the cost of a hole.

Which plan exports it

Pro exports STL, 3MF, and the other formats. You do not need a higher plan to print.

Studio is for a rigged character and the API. A figurine, a prop, or a replacement part stays on Pro.

Limits to check before delivery

Standard STL is a geometry handoff, not a portable material or printer-settings package. Verify the intended units at import. Neither STL nor 3MF proves a surface is printable; open boundaries, thin walls, and intersections still need inspection.

• 3MF Consortium — core specification 1.4.0
• Blender Manual — editing normals

Handoff checklist

Confirm dimensions against a known measurement. Inspect the mesh for open boundaries and flipped faces, then review the sliced layers for missing walls and unsupported islands. Choose supports and printer settings in the slicer; do not print only because the file opens.