Comparison

stl vs AiCadGen

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

stl

Features
Read full description

stl-er is the world's first AI-powered 3D model generator built for 3D printing. Simply describe any object in plain text — and get a fully parametric, functional 3D model in seconds. No CAD experience needed. HOW IT WORKS 1. Describe what you want (e.g., "phone stand with cable slot") 2. AI generates a precise 3D model using CAD 3. Adjust dimensions with live parameter sliders 4. Download the STL file — ready for your 3D printer KEY FEATURES • AI-Powered Generation — From text prompt to 3D model in seconds • Live Parameter Sliders — Fine-tune dimensions, rounding, and details in real-time • AI Refinement — Modify designs with follow-up prompts ("make it taller", "add ventilation holes") • Instant STL Downloads — Export files ready for any 3D printer or slicer • 3D Preview — Rotate and inspect your model before downloading • Community Library — Browse, remix, and share models created by other makers • Cross-Platform — Seamlessly sync between iPhone, iPad, and Web PERFECT FOR • 3D printing enthusiasts and makers • DIY builders and hobbyists • Product designers and engineers • Educators and students • Anyone who wants custom 3D models without learning CAD software WHY stl-er? Traditional CAD software has a steep learning curve. AI model generators produce meshes that aren't optimized for printing. stl-er combines the precision of parametric CAD with the simplicity of natural language — every model is mathematically exact, fully customizable, and ready to print. Every design is solid, manifold, and slicer-ready. Start creating. Now. Terms of Use: https://www.stl-er.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy Policy: https://www.stl-er.com/privacy-policy/

About

AiCadGen

Features
Read full description

Transform ideas into manufacturing-ready CAD models using plain English. AiCADGen uses AI to generate 3D models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing files from simple text descriptions, sketches, technical drawings, or reference images. Whether you're prototyping a product, designing a mechanical part, or creating a custom component for 3D printing or fabrication, AiCADGen helps you move from concept to CAD in minutes instead of hours. Perfect for engineers, designers, makers, students, inventors, manufacturers, and anyone who needs professional CAD files without spending hours modelling. FEATURES • Generate 3D CAD models from text prompts • Convert sketches, photos, and technical drawings into editable CAD • Create dimensioned engineering drawings automatically • Export STL, STEP, DXF, PDF, SVG, OBJ and more • Interactive 3D model viewer with zoom, rotate and inspect controls • AI-assisted design refinement through natural conversation • Parametric geometry generation • Fast concept iteration and design exploration • Generate printable models for 3D printing • Produce files suitable for CNC machining, laser cutting and manufacturing workflows • Cloud-based projects available across your devices CREATE FROM NATURAL LANGUAGE Describe your design as you would explain it to another engineer. Specify dimensions, materials, wall thickness, tolerances, hole sizes, mounting points, threads, clearances, manufacturing processes, or design intent. The more detail you provide, the better the generated result. IMPORT REFERENCE IMAGES Upload hand sketches, whiteboard drawings, screenshots, existing technical drawings, product photos, or concept artwork. AiCADGen analyses your references and uses them together with your instructions to generate accurate CAD models and engineering drawings. EXPORT FOR YOUR WORKFLOW Generate the formats your workflow requires. • STL for 3D printing • STEP for professional CAD software • DXF for CNC machining and laser cutting • PDF engineering drawings • SVG vector files • OBJ and additional 3D formats BUILT FOR • Mechanical engineering • Product design • Industrial design • Manufacturing • 3D printing • CNC machining • Laser cutting • Sheet metal concepts • Prototype development • Education • DIY and maker projects WHY AICADGEN Traditional CAD modelling can take hours for even simple concepts. AiCADGen accelerates early-stage design by generating models and drawings from natural language, allowing you to explore ideas, iterate quickly, and prepare files for manufacturing workflows faster. Whether you're creating brackets, enclosures, adapters, fixtures, storage systems, machine components, workshop tools, furniture parts, or custom mechanical assemblies, AiCADGen helps turn concepts into CAD-ready designs. GET STARTED Every new account includes credits to explore the AiCADGen workflow. Generate your first designs, inspect the interactive 3D model, and review engineering drawings before choosing the option that best suits your projects. When you're ready, unlock exports through a subscription or a one-time design unlock. GOOD TO KNOW AiCADGen is a design and drafting accelerator, not a replacement for professional engineering review. Generated models and drawings should always be verified before manufacturing, fabrication, installation, or safety-critical use. SUBSCRIPTIONS Choose the plan that fits your workflow. Paid plans include commercial use and CAD file exports, while higher tiers provide faster generation, higher-quality results, priority processing, team features, and API access. Individual design export unlocks are also available, and purchased credits stay on your account until you use them. Subscriptions renew automatically each month unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel in your App Store settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://aicadgen.com/privacy

Screenshots

stl4 screens
AiCadGen4 screens

Verdict

The call

stl and AiCadGen are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. stl sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and AiCadGen sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
stl versus AiCadGen: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterstlAiCadGen
PriceFreeFree
Update frequency—Every 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTHOMAS CHRISTIAN HAGNAUERAli El Ali

In-app purchases

5 purchases

stl

Subscriptions4
  • Premium — 100 AI Models/mo$5.991 Month
  • Pro — 500 AI Models/mo$15.991 Month
  • Premium — 100 AI Models/mo$59.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Pro — 500 AI Models/mo$159.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Credit Top-Up$15.99
9 purchases

AiCadGen

Subscriptions4
  • Maker Monthly Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • Starter Monthly Subscription$12.001 Month
  • Pro Monthly Subscription$29.001 Month
Show 1 more
  • Business Monthly Subscription$99.001 Month
One-time5
  • Export Unlock$3.00
  • 50 Credits Top-up$5.00
  • 100 Credits Top-up$10.00
Show 2 more
  • 500 Credits Top-up$39.00
  • 2000 Credits Top-up$119.99

Questions

Is stl free?
stl is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AiCadGen free?
AiCadGen is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do stl or AiCadGen have ads?
Neither stl nor AiCadGen shows ads.

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