3MF

3MF is a modern 3D printing format developed by the 3MF Consortium. Based on XML and packaged as a ZIP container, it preserves mesh data and supports per-part color, material, texture, and printing properties. Recommended for multi-color and multi-material printing, it is natively supported by major slicing software like Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer.

Compared to STL, 3MF carries richer information but is more complex. Some older software and printers may not recognize it. When converting from other formats, color and material mapping depends on source data. For simple single-color printing, STL is sufficient; for multi-color, multi-material, or printing parameter transfer, use 3MF.