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DAE to STL converter

Drop your .dae (Collada) file — we convert it to .stl right in your browser. Files never leave your computer.

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Drop your DAE file here
Accepts .dae (Collada) · converts to .stl

DAE vs STL— what's the difference?

DAE.dae (Collada)

XML-based Collada interchange format — predecessor of glTF, still used by robotics (URDF), SketchUp exports, and older asset pipelines.

Strengths
  • Human-readable XML — easy to inspect and transform
  • Scene graph, skinning, animation, multiple coordinate systems
  • Native to robotics toolchains (ROS/Gazebo via URDF)
Limitations
  • Very verbose — large files compared to GLB
  • Implementation quirks between exporters are common
Typical use: Robotics (URDF meshes), SketchUp export, legacy pipelines
STL.stl

Triangle-mesh format that every 3D printer slicer understands. Geometry only — no units, colours, or assemblies.

Strengths
  • Universal 3D printing format — Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio all speak STL
  • Tiny, simple, extremely fast to load
  • Great for meshing workflows, simulation pre-processors, quick previews
Limitations
  • Triangulated approximation — curved surfaces lose precision
  • No colour, material, or assembly data
  • One shell per file by convention (multi-body gets flattened)
Typical use: 3D printing, rapid prototyping, mesh-based workflows

How to convert DAE to STL

  1. 1
    Drop a .dae (Collada) file. Common sources: SketchUp export, ROS/URDF mesh, older 3D asset packs.
  2. 2
    Preview the geometry in 3D. Multiple parts show up in the Scene Tree — toggle to pick exactly what goes into the STL.
  3. 3
    Click Download .STL. Import into Cura, PrusaSlicer, or any slicer to print.

FAQ

Will textures and colours be preserved?

No — STL has no material or colour data. Any COLLADA materials, per-vertex colours, and textures are dropped. For colour-capable 3D printing workflows, target 3MF or GLB instead.

Does it handle ROS URDF meshes?

Yes. URDF mesh files are standard Collada .dae files. Drop the mesh, convert to STL, then use the STL directly in simulators that prefer it (Gazebo accepts both).

Why is the coordinate system weird?

Collada's `up_axis` varies — SketchUp exports use Z-up while many DCCs default to Y-up. We respect the source declaration. If the model lies on its side after import, rotate 90° in your slicer.

Is the STL watertight?

Depends on the source. DAE files rarely guarantee manifold geometry. If your slicer complains, run Blender → Mesh → Clean Up → Merge by Distance before printing.

Is my file uploaded?

No. Three.js' ColladaLoader and STLExporter run entirely client-side.

Related converters

OBJ → STLFBX → STLSTEP → STLSTL → GLB