Free 3D software to edit STL files?

Anyone know of a 3D program (preferably freeware) that will allow editing of an STL file? I used Netfabb Basic to cut a large STL into sections to print; but I'd like to modify the pieces with alignment keys, instead of just having flat surfaces to glue together.

 

Editing STL's sucks.

However TinkerCad, and AutoDesk 123D will let you import them both free im sure there is more. Working with them(STL's) is annoying because no grids snap to them you cant measure them with any precision..basically all you can do is eyeball things to add or cut stuff into them.

.STL files are more of a final file for printing they are pretty much useless for trying to modify.

You should be able to cut a key slot out though with tinkercad or 123d however.

 

Not what I was hoping to hear, but pretty much what I expected. I'd love to have real 3D files to modify; but short of redesigning them from scratch, it'd be nice to pull an STL that's already available and make a slight (but relatively precise) mod.

Since I'm working on STLs from game generators, the odds of me recreating them to scale is pretty much slim to none.

 

Yea I have the same problem.

This guy on youtube uses tinkercad and modifies .STL files quite a bit. maybe you can get some ideas.


Tinker cad seems to have an align tool that seems to even align with STL's.. which I can't get to happen with anything I have tried.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll check into both and give them a try

 

I understand that one. My problem is pulling files from somewhere like DestinySTLGenerator, where it takes the files from the in-game models. I guess I could contact their support team and see if there's a way to get the raw model. Hmmm...

 

This Might be helpful.

 

Thanks for the vid! I like Makers Muse vids. Some useful info there, but still doesn't quite address what I'm wanting to do. Unfortunately, I'm thinking WheresWaldo nailed it, about having to recreate the object.