{"id":166153,"date":"2023-01-22T16:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T08:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=166153"},"modified":"2023-01-31T17:27:57","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T09:27:57","slug":"low-poly-generators-reduce-stl-file-size-and-create-art","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/low-poly-generators-reduce-stl-file-size-and-create-art","title":{"rendered":"Low Poly Generators \u2013 Reduce STL File Size and Create Art"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a 3D printing world, there is a need for a quick tool that can reduce an STL file size. The desired effect could be either a significant change to a low poly look, even art, or no change to the shape of the model at all. Let\u2019s see what options are available online and feature some of the free software and applications.<\/p>\n

Why We Need to Reduce an STL File Size<\/h2>\n

\u2013 To share.<\/strong>\u00a0One of the main reasons is to increase the sharing ability of an object. In the early days, some\u00a0STL file repositories<\/a>\u00a0had an upload limit of 30MB, therefore files had to be reduced. This had to be done to keep the website hosting expenses down.
\n\u2013 Browser-based software.<\/strong>\u00a0Tinkercad, for example, allows importing files not bigger than 25MB. In this case, heavier files may crash the application and it won\u2019t operate properly.<\/p>\n

What Objects May Need a File Size Reduction<\/h2>\n

\u2013 3D Sculpted.<\/strong>\u00a0Usually, sculpting produces a lot of polygons and triangles. This helps designers to create the finest details. Such files are heavy in data and require powerful PCs to process. However, when it comes to uploading or sharing, this could cause a problem.
\n\u2013 3D Scanned.<\/strong>\u00a03D scanning software calculates the distance between points of the scanned surface and creates the mesh. A more accurate scan means more points and a heavier mesh.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Decimated Tree Trunk 3D Scan (Screenshot: 3D Low Poly Generator)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the image above, there is a 3D scan of a\u00a0monkey puzzle tree trunk<\/a>. When we reduced the triangle count x4 fold, the object\u2019s features didn\u2019t change much. When 3D printed on a usual desktop 3D printer, there is no visible difference. However, the file itself became much lighter and it will be easier to edit it further in various software.<\/p>\n

Browser Applications<\/h2>\n

As technology advances, more useful apps become available for general use. It is important to note that such browser apps come with limited capabilities. For example, 10MB files will take approx. 70 sec to process and 50MB files are likely to crash the browser. Nevertheless, it is interesting to watch this space. What used to be possible to achieve only in advanced or Premium software can now be done in the browser.<\/p>\n

3D Low Poly Generator<\/h3>\n

Free \u2013 Browser App
\nTo try json coding capabilities, Andrew Sink created a\u00a03D Low Poly Generator<\/a>. On the opening of the generator a 3DBenchy will greet you as the first model to play with. As Andrew mentions on his GitHub page \u201cThe 3D Low Poly Generator uses the Simplifymodifier.js class to reduce a mesh by a set number of triangles. The entire process is done in-browser using Three.js\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Easter Bunny Decimated to 50% (Screenshot: 3D Low Poly Generator)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No logging in or downloading required.
\nA progress bar is a welcome addition, especially useful when dealing with bulky files. Our\u00a0Easter Bunny<\/a>\u00a0with 100K plus triangles took to less than 70 sec to decimate, to reduce to 50% of triangles.<\/p>\n