3MF

3MF is a modern 3D printing format by the 3MF Consortium, XML-based and ZIP-packaged. It preserves mesh data and supports per-part colors, materials, textures, and print properties, making it ideal for multi-color/multi-material printing. Mainstream slicers like Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer have native support.

Compared to STL, 3MF carries richer info but is more complex; some older slicers/printers may not recognize it. Conversion color/material mapping depends on source file data. For simple single-color printing, STL suffices; for multi-color/multi-material or print parameter transfer, choose 3MF.