How do I split an STL file that is too big for my printer?

Drop the STL into the tool, pick a cut axis or tilt the plane freely, choose dowel, snap, tenon, or threaded connectors, and download the parts. Each half lays cut-face down on the plate when needed, so both print cleanly.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. The cutting runs entirely in your browser with a WebAssembly geometry engine. Nothing is uploaded, so the model never leaves your computer.

Can I cut at an angle instead of straight along an axis?

Yes. Start from the X, Y, or Z preset and add up to 45 degrees of tilt in any direction. Connectors still work on tilted cuts.

What connectors and clearances does the tool use?

Dowel pegs, snap pegs, rectangular tenons, or threaded studs. Clearance comes from researched PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and resin fit presets, with optional custom override. Connector size scales with the cut cross-section.

More tools

STL Cutter

Cut oversized models with a plane and printable connectors. For AI auto-split into parts, use AI Model Splitter.

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Split for printing

Cut & connect

Model

Drop an STL, OBJ, 3MF, or GLB here or click to browse — STEP needs an STL/3MF export first. Files never leave your browser.

Cut plane

Position mm from center Tilt ° Tilt direction °

Drag the green (+) / red (−) arrows in the preview to move the cut, or use Position. Add tilt for an angled seam — connectors still work.

Connectors

Type Placement

Count 3 Size 100%

Material Fit

Custom clearance override

Effective clearance 0.11 mm/side (PLA, Press) — includes hole-undersize compensation that scales with peg diameter.

Pegs hang from the upper half; sockets open on the lower cut face. Dowel = smooth cylinder press-fit. Snap = same idea with a wider lip so it catches. Tenon = rectangle (anti-rotation). Threaded = separate screw studs.

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Preview only

Export format

Parts export print-ready: the peg half prints pegs-up in its own orientation, everything else lays cut-face down. The ZIP holds one STL per part; the 3MF opens with all parts placed.

How to split a model for 3D printing

Everything runs in your browser with the Manifold geometry engine compiled to WebAssembly. Your file is never uploaded — there is no server, no account, and no wait in a queue. Models with open edges are welded shut automatically on import.
With dowel, snap, or tenon connectors the cut exports as a male and a female half: the pegs are part of the bottom piece and print pointing up, the sockets hide in the top piece. Snap pegs add a retention lip; tenons are rectangular for anti-rotation.
Clearance presets follow researched FDM / resin fit tables (PLA, PETG, ABS/ASA, TPU, SLA) plus hole-undersize compensation — small pegs get a little more room because printed holes run tight. Override with custom clearance when you know your printer.
Threaded studs print separately and screw both halves together, so the model can come apart again. Connector size scales with the cut face so larger models get beefier joints.
Tilted cuts hide the seam better than straight ones on organic shapes: run the plane along a natural crease or color change and the joint almost disappears.
For models bigger than two printable parts, run the tool more than once: split, download, then split one of the halves again.

More free tools: Nameplate, Text to 3D, Spinning Top, Wall Planter, or the tools hub.