Comparison

3D File Viewer vs STL Workshop

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

Head to head
About

3D File Viewer

Quickly view and inspect 3D model files like STL, OBJ, and PLY. Offers a clean preview with gesture controls and detailed model information. Export images or different mesh formats for sharing.

Highlights
  • Preview STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, and ZIP files
  • Rotate, move, and scale models
  • Solid, edge, and transparent display modes
  • View presets (front, top, side, isometric)
  • Check model details (bounds, face count, volume)
  • Export PNG, OBJ, DAE, and DXF files
Features
Read full description

PrintPeek is a fast, private viewer for STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, and ZIP 3D model files. Open a model from Files, Mail, Safari, AirDrop, or the share sheet, then inspect it with a clean 3D preview. PrintPeek is designed for short maker workflows: preview the model, check the basic details, export a clean image or mesh format, and move on. Main features: - Preview STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, and supported models inside ZIP files - Rotate, move, and scale models with simple gestures - Switch between solid, edge, and transparent display modes - Use front, top, side, and isometric view presets - Check bounds, file size, face count, surface area, and volume - Export PNG previews, OBJ, DAE, and DXF files - Save PNG previews to Photos - Works locally with no account, ads, or cloud upload PrintPeek is intentionally focused. It is not a CAD editor, slicer, mesh repair tool, or printer control app. It is built for quickly checking and sharing 3D model files on iPhone and iPad. The free version opens smaller files. PrintPeek Pro is a one-time unlock for larger files and export features. ----- Terms of service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

STL Workshop

This application allows users to view, edit, and prepare 3D models for printing. It supports various import and export formats, offers detailed analysis tools, and includes automatic repair functions. Users can also preview print times and costs.

Highlights
  • Import STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, USDZ
  • Multiple render modes
  • Interactive section cut and layer preview
  • Full diagnostics and measurements
  • Automatic model repair
  • Scale, rotate, mirror, and hollowing
  • Export to STL, OBJ, USDZ, AR
Features
Read full description

STL Workshop is a 3D model viewer and editor built for 3D printing. IMPORT • STL (binary, ASCII, colors), OBJ, PLY, 3MF, USDZ • From Files, Mail, AirDrop — open any model in seconds VIEW • 7 render modes: shaded, edges, wireframe, x-ray, normals, overhangs, wall thickness • Interactive section cut, layer preview, exploded view • Studio and HDR lighting, realistic materials ANALYZE • Full diagnostics: watertightness, manifold topology, normals, shells • Dimensions, volume, surface, weight and cost by material and infill • Estimated print time, bed stability, center of gravity • Precise measurements: distance, angle, diameter PREPARE • Automatic repair: filled holes, fixed normals, removed debris • Auto-orientation minimizing overhangs on import • Scale, rotate, mirror, lay flat, automatic base • Hollowing with drain holes (resin), drilling and booleans, embossed or engraved 3D text • Grid duplication, predefined printer beds EXPORT • STL, OBJ, USDZ and augmented reality (AR Quick Look) • HD transparent captures, 360° GIF • Direct upload to OctoPrint or WebDAV servers • Siri Shortcuts: convert to USDZ, repair an STL Units in millimeters. No ads, no data collection.

Screenshots

3D File Viewer4 screens
STL Workshop4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: 3D File Viewer at 5.0 against STL Workshop's 3.0. STL Workshop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. 3D File Viewer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. STL Workshop asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

3D File Viewer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
3D File Viewer versus STL Workshop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter3D File ViewerSTL Workshop
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better3.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJean PapkeDentagram

In-app purchases

1 purchases

3D File Viewer

One-time1
  • PrintPeek Pro$3.99
None

STL Workshop

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is 3D File Viewer free?
3D File Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is STL Workshop free?
STL Workshop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, 3D File Viewer or STL Workshop?
3D File Viewer is rated higher. 3D File Viewer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while STL Workshop averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.
Do 3D File Viewer or STL Workshop have ads?
Neither 3D File Viewer nor STL Workshop shows ads.

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