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3/16/2026 5:08:52 PM EDT
So suppose I have a STL file and I want to modify it.  In my case take this 2x2 3d tile and turn it into an 8x8 version of itself by taking multiple copies of that file and "pasting" them together.  No other changes.  

What is the best software for such a thing?  I downloaded FreeCAD but its a dog on a 20 core 32gb system.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
3/16/2026 6:29:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: gaspain][Edited] [#1]
in the slicer, just upscale it 400%

also, try here
3/16/2026 9:12:38 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By gaspain:
in the slicer, just upscale it 400%

also, try here
View Quote


Well I want the scale of features on the tile to stay the same size or I would.  

I'll check that link out thanks!
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
3/16/2026 9:18:58 PM EDT
[#3]
You're going to find that there is no great way to modify STLs. You can kinda hack something together, but STEP or IGES files are better. Or actual CAD part or assembly files are even better.
3/16/2026 10:32:08 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By -Obsessed-:
You're going to find that there is no great way to modify STLs. You can kinda hack something together, but STEP or IGES files are better. Or actual CAD part or assembly files are even better.
View Quote



This. STLs are basically a skin and no other info. They can be modified but kinda sucks to do so.


Most CAD software can open STLs but it's up to you from there.
3/16/2026 10:57:18 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By -Obsessed-:
You're going to find that there is no great way to modify STLs. You can kinda hack something together, but STEP or IGES files are better. Or actual CAD part or assembly files are even better.
View Quote
This.

Think of an STL file like a PDF text file.  Can you edit it?  Yes, but it's clunky and very limited in execution.  Much better to have the original document file to edit instead.
3/17/2026 10:32:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Network_Daddy][Edited] [#6]
Well this sucks.  I will just print out the 2x2 tiles and glue them together to make the larger tiles.  Its for a game and nothing of vast importance.  I was hoping I could just open the file in some app, and then add a copy of the same tile to the original tile to make it larger until I got to what I was looking for.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
3/17/2026 10:38:53 AM EDT
[#7]
Can you just make your own in CAD?
3/17/2026 11:25:57 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By -Obsessed-:
Can you just make your own in CAD?
View Quote


That is starting to look like too much work for me.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
3/17/2026 11:31:46 AM EDT
[#9]
You can import stl files into freecad and openscad.  Then perform stuff like boolean operations to add/remove from them, and export a new stl.  They do not let you edit individual points easily.  But for OP's use case, they would both work.
3/17/2026 11:41:23 AM EDT
[#10]
In Slicer put 36 on the plate. Autospace, set to 0 distance offset.

Or manually push them together.
3/18/2026 10:32:13 AM EDT
[#11]
I will look into these options.
Fighting for underscores everywhere.
3/30/2026 10:44:19 PM EDT
[#12]
I use tinkercad.com Yes its a SaaS not stand alone but I will use it until I can find a FOSS stand alone.

Tinkercad (use a fake email address)
Protecting privacy will come at a cost. Use encrypted email (Proton), messaging (Signal), and password manager (KeepassXC). Use a vetted VPN only!, Social media is mind poison.
3/30/2026 10:58:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jt526][Edited] [#13]
Tinkercad is stupid easy to us and make basic stuff. You can even make fancy stuff with some outside the box thinking and combining of shapes or cutting sections of existing files together.



tinkercad will do exactly what you are looking for. Import stl, copy object multiple times and arrange to your hearts content.

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