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Usage Guide

Quick Start

  1. Select objects in the 3D view (Ctrl+click for multiple)
  2. Run the macro: Macro → Macros... → MultiExport → Execute
  3. Choose formats (STL, STEP, 3MF are pre-selected)
  4. Set output location and filename
  5. Click Export

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Select Objects

  • Click on one or more objects in the 3D view
  • Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on macOS) to select multiple objects
  • Selected objects appear in the "Objects to Export" list

Step 2: Choose Export Formats

The dialog shows all available formats with checkboxes:

  • STL - Checked by default (3D printing standard)
  • STEP - Checked by default (CAD interchange)
  • 3MF - Checked by default (modern 3D printing)

Quick selection buttons:

  • Select All - Check all formats
  • Select None - Uncheck all formats
  • Reset Defaults - Return to STL + STEP + 3MF

Step 3: Configure Output

Directory:

  • Defaults to the same folder as the current FreeCAD document
  • Click Browse... to choose a different location

Base Filename:

  • Defaults to the selected object's label (single object)
  • Or the document name (multiple objects)
  • Enter any name (without extension)
  • Extensions are added automatically based on selected formats

Preview:

  • Shows the files that will be created
  • Updates in real-time as you change options

Step 4: Mesh Options (Optional)

For mesh formats (STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, AMF):

Surface Tolerance:

  • Lower values = finer mesh = larger files
  • Default: 0.1mm (good balance)
  • For fine details: 0.01-0.05mm
  • For quick exports: 0.2-0.5mm

Angular Deflection:

  • Controls curved surface approximation
  • Default: 0.1mm
  • Lower values = smoother curves

Step 5: Export

  • Click Export
  • Watch the progress bar
  • Review results in the status area

Common Use Cases

3D Printing Preparation

Scenario: Export a model for printing on different slicers

Settings:

  • Formats: STL + 3MF
  • Tolerance: 0.1mm (standard quality)

Result: Files ready for Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, etc.

Sharing with CAD Users

Scenario: Send design to colleague using SolidWorks

Settings:

  • Formats: STEP + IGES
  • (Mesh settings don't apply to these formats)

Result: Editable CAD files that preserve exact geometry

Game Asset Export

Scenario: Create 3D model for Unity/Unreal

Settings:

  • Formats: OBJ + PLY
  • Tolerance: 0.05mm (good detail)

Result: Standard mesh formats for game engines

Complete Backup

Scenario: Archive a project in all formats

Settings:

  • Click Select All for all formats
  • Directory: Your backup location

Result: Complete export in 8 formats for future compatibility

Parameters Reference

Output Configuration

Parameter Default Description
Directory Document location Where to save exported files
Base Filename Object/Doc label Filename without extension

Mesh Settings

Parameter Default Range Description
Surface Tolerance 0.1mm 0.001-10mm Mesh fineness (lower = finer)
Angular Deflection 0.1mm 0.001-10mm Curved surface approximation