Comparison

Ad 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

Ad

Features
Read full description

Open a 3D model and understand it before you print. Ad-free STL Viewer combines a fast mobile model viewer with practical checks for 3D printing. Inspect the real mesh, keep supported materials and textures, measure exact points, examine cross-sections and create a focused PDF report for review or repair. PRINT CHECK • Check open, invalid and reversed faces • Find non-manifold edges and surface intersections • Highlight thin walls, branches, narrow holes and gaps • Compare the model with your configured printer volume • Review grouped issue regions with focused camera views INSPECT AND PREPARE • Measure between real mesh vertices with precise point snapping • View cross-sections along the X, Y or Z axis • Compare automatic orientations for stable contact or lower print height • Switch between flat polygons, smooth shading and wireframe • Preserve supported original colors, materials and textures SHARE RESULTS • Create a zoomable PDF report • Include up to six focused issue views • Share the report or save it to Files • Export an STL copy after supported scale or orientation changes 18 SUPPORTED FORMATS STL, OBJ, 3MF, PLY, 3DS, FBX, ASE, DXF, glTF, GLB, DAE, ABC, SCN, USD, USDZ, USDC, USDA and STEP/STP. Try ten model opens for free. Unlock unlimited use with one purchase. No ads and no subscription. Print Check provides general geometric guidance. Final printability also depends on the material, printer, slicer profile and process settings.

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

Ad4 screens
STL Workshop4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STL Workshop at none against Ad's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Ad sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. STL Workshop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Ad versus STL Workshop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAdSTL Workshop
PriceFreeFree
Rating—3.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size59 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTibor VerecziDentagram

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Ad

One-time1
  • Full Version Unlock$3.99
None

STL Workshop

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ad free?
Ad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is STL Workshop free?
STL Workshop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ad or STL Workshop have ads?
Neither Ad nor STL Workshop shows ads.

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