The Complete STL to DGN Conversion Guide.

August 01, 2025

General Information

This guide is part of the RapidPipeline 3D Formats Knowledge Database. It shows how to convert STL to DGN, if you'd like to know more about the formats, please check out the following links:

Converting and Optimizing STL Files to DGN

There are various ways to convert between STL and DGN. With RapidPipeline, you can easily convert and and optimize STL files, at scale. It supports DGN, as well as many other file formats (examples: FBX, glTF, OBJ, PLY, USD, USDZ, VRM), at high quality.

Below you can find a video explaining how to convert your files:

What are STL and DGN files commonly used for?

The STL file is a format mostly used for 3D printing.
The DGN file is a format mostly used for CAD and infrastructure design data.

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Comparison of Features Supported by STL and DGN

FeatureSupported by STLSupported by DGN
Morph TargetsNoNo
Rigid AnimationsNoPartial0
Skinned AnimationsNoNo
AnimationsNoPartial1
Free-Form SurfacesNoYes
Geometry CompressionNoNo
Quad MeshesNoYes
Basic 3D GeometryYesYes
PBR MaterialsNoPartial2
Transparent MaterialsNoYes
Vertex ColorsNoYes
MaterialsNoYes
Scene CompositionNoYes
Hierarchical Scene GraphNoYes
Scene NodesNoYes
Standardized FormatYesPartial3
Embedded TexturesNoPartial4
Multiple UV ChannelsNoPartial5
Normal MappingNoPartial6
Procedural TexturesNoNo
Texture CompressionNoNo
Texture TransformsNoYes
TexturingNoYes

0 - Basic animation for construction sequencing
1 - Simple animation support for design sequences
2 - Limited PBR support in newer versions
3 - Open specification with some proprietary extensions
4 - Textures can be referenced or embedded
5 - Limited multi-texturing capabilities
6 - Basic normal mapping for visualization

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Limitations of STL Files to DGN Conversion Workflow

The following limitations should be taken into account when converting STL files to DGN format:

STL Feature (not supported by DGN)Limitation Details
Standardized Format

Standardized Format Support:

STL: Full support | DGN: Partial support

Standardized Format illustratedlack of support for Standardized Format illustrated

DGN Notes:

Open specification with some proprietary extensions

Impact:

Standardization plays a huge role in 3D model formats. With a format being standardized, every application will have a clear way of how to load or store data using this format. This makes it easier to re-use the 3D model across different applications, but also to make sure it will still be accessible and usable after a couple of years.

What's the best way to get STL files into my 3D applications, and are there alternatives to using DGN?

Doing 3D conversion right, especially at scale, can be tricky, as 3D data is in general a rather complex (yet very powerful!) medium. This also applies to STL and DGN files - the conversion guide above provides a rough first idea about that. Once you know what you would like to do, tools like RapidPipeline can help you perform the necessary steps, and to even automate the process for thousands or even millions of files.

Especially when introducing pipelines and workflows at scale in an enterprise context, it is usually good to rely on dedicated tools and expertise, making sure you do not introduce any steps into your 3D workflow that are detrimental to the final output's quality, or that take your team too much time (and money).

If you're interested to hire dedicated expertise from the best in the field to help your company reach your goals fast and reliably, please do not hestitate to contact DGG. Being the creators of RapidPipeline, and ambassadors for open 3D standards for more than a decade, we have been building some of the world's most advanced 3D pipelines, having processed many millions of 3D assets.

Therefore, our expertise will help you to reach your goals faster, at scale, and with the least possible friction, since we are focused on maximum interoperability.

To get started with 3D data conversion and optimization today, sign up for a free account!

If you have any questions, feel free to chat with our human team.

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Meet the Author

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3D Knowledge Team

3D Technical Artists

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