Microsoft TRELLIS is a research repository for generating structured 3D assets from images or text, according to its project topics.
Open source
21 alternativesSTL-thumb
stl-thumb generates previews for STL, OBJ, and 3MF models in Windows and Linux file managers.
About STL-thumb
stl-thumb is a lightweight thumbnail generator for 3D model files (STL, OBJ, and 3MF) that displays previews in file managers on Linux and Windows. It is written in Rust and uses OpenGL, and can also be used from the command line to render a model file to an image with options for size, output format, material colors, background color, and antialiasing. On Windows it requires 64-bit Windows 7 or later. On Linux it works with Gnome and most similar desktop environments; KDE users need the separate stl-thumb-kde package. File managers must be set to generate previews for files larger than 1 MB.
Key features
- Generates previews for STL, OBJ, and 3MF model files
- Integrates with Linux and Windows file managers
- Command-line tool renders models to images with size and format options
- Supports PNG, JPEG, GIF, ICO, and BMP output formats
- Customizable material colors via Phong reflection model
- Recalculates face normals for malformed STL files
Best for: 3D printing enthusiasts and designers on Linux or Windows who want quick visual previews of STL, OBJ, or 3MF files in their file manager.
Good for
- Lightweight thumbnail generation
- Supports STL, OBJ, and 3MF model formats
- Open source under MIT license
Watch out for
- KDE users must install the separate stl-thumb-kde package
- File manager must be configured to generate previews for files larger than 1 MB
- Default FXAA antialiasing may introduce artifacts
STL-thumb at a glance
- Category
- Design & Creative › 3D, CAD & Motion
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, Windows
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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STL-thumb FAQ
What 3D model formats does stl-thumb support?
STL, OBJ, and 3MF.
What image formats can be generated?
PNG, JPEG, GIF, ICO, and BMP. If no extension is specified, it defaults to PNG.
Does stl-thumb work on KDE?
It works with Gnome and most similar desktop environments. KDE users need to install the separate stl-thumb-kde package.
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