Text2STL
Free open-source tool that turns typed text in any Google Font into an STL
Opens text2stl.mestres.fr
About Text2STL
Text2STL is a free browser tool that turns typed words into a printable STL. You pick a font from the Google Fonts library (more than 1000 families) or load your own font file, type your text and watch the model update in a 3D preview.
The generator offers several shape types: plain extruded letters, text standing on a support plate, negative text cut into a plate, and vertical text on a base. You can set font size, text height, support size and padding, which covers most name plates, door signs and shelf labels. The code is open source on GitHub under the MIT licence, and the site is maintained by one developer in their spare time.
It suits anyone who needs clean lettering quickly without learning a CAD program. Output is a single STL, so a two-colour look means adding a filament change in your slicer.
What you can make
- 3D letters and words
- Text on a support plate
- Engraved (negative) text plates
- Standing vertical text
How to use it
- Open the generator and type your text
- Pick a Google Font or upload your own
- Choose a shape type and set sizes and heights
- Export the STL and slice it
Good
- More than 1000 Google Fonts, or upload your own font
- Several shape types: plain, on a plate, negative and vertical
- Open source (MIT) and free with no sign-up
Not so good
- STL only, so two-colour prints need a manual filament change in the slicer
- The developer notes that some fonts and emoji do not render correctly
What you'll need to print it
Materials and parts that give the best results with Text2STL.
Matte PLA for signs and Gridfinity
Matte filament hides layer lines and cuts glare, so raised lettering on signs and nameplates stays readable from any angle and a drawer full of bins looks uniform.
- Bambu Lab PLA MatteWide colour range with AMS-ready RFID, ideal for multi-colour signs.
- Polymaker Panchroma Matte PLA (formerly PolyTerra)The former PolyTerra line under a new name: soft matte look and good value for printing Gridfinity in bulk.
- SUNLU Matte PLALow-cost matte option for large batches of bins and baseplates.
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