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I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 3rd, 2017, 3:46 pm
by Krishty
Hi fellow makers!

I was having difficulties browsing folders full of STLs. So I wrote my own STL viewer: https://papas-best.com/stlviewer_en (Windows 7 or later)

It’s very quick and you can go to the next file in a folder just with the right arrow key. It helped me a lot, so I thought I’d share it with you.

If something is wrong or if you’re missing anything, just drop me a note – I’m always improving it!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 3rd, 2017, 3:59 pm
by LePaul
I used to use K-Studio, but apparently that trial ran out...so now all my STLs (from my Windows File Explorer view) are back to Simplify3D icons :(

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 3rd, 2017, 4:07 pm
by Krishty
I have actually written a STL thumbnail handler – it’s as lean and fast as my viewer, and I’d *love* to distribute it! However, I wrote it for my company and I’ll need my bosses’ permission. That’ll take a while, I’m afraid :(

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 11th, 2017, 2:26 am
by jonnybischof
STL thumbnails would be great! I have a "downloaded stuff from thingiverse" folder which is taking up like 75% of my dropbox and have no clue what most of that stuff even is :P

Might take a look at that viewer, thank you for sharing!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 11th, 2017, 4:23 am
by drayson
Krishty wrote: December 3rd, 2017, 4:07 pm I have actually written a STL thumbnail handler – it’s as lean and fast as my viewer, and I’d *love* to distribute it! However, I wrote it for my company and I’ll need my bosses’ permission. That’ll take a while, I’m afraid :(
Whooo... that would be great! have the same issue as jonny... please keep us updated!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 11th, 2017, 10:40 am
by LePaul
jonnybischof wrote: December 11th, 2017, 2:26 am STL thumbnails would be great! I have a "downloaded stuff from thingiverse" folder which is taking up like 75% of my dropbox and have no clue what most of that stuff even is :P

Might take a look at that viewer, thank you for sharing!
Bwtween my R2 and BB-8 builds, I have folders and folders full of pieces that go to each. A preview would make finding the right file (6.9 gb worth) a lot easier!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 20th, 2017, 1:52 pm
by Chaco
nice work, much appreciated

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 22nd, 2017, 8:57 pm
by Krishty
Thank you!

I updated the viewer:You know the drill – just answer me here if there are any problems :)

Nice holiday everyone!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 22nd, 2017, 10:11 pm
by LePaul
Windows 10 is preventing me from installing it

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 23rd, 2017, 6:39 am
by Krishty
SmartScreen filter? There should be a small option in that window where you can install it anyway. Edit: Yes, click “More Information”, then “Run Anyway”.

That’s bad. It’s based on download numbers (often downloaded files are classified "good", rarely downloaded files are blocked proactively) so I’ll see if I can generate some downloads for the problem to go away …

In any case, thank you for the hint!

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: December 23rd, 2017, 2:20 pm
by LePaul
Yeah just wanted to let you know

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: January 13th, 2018, 8:09 am
by Krishty
I updated the viewer to support wireframe/solid outline rendering:

Image

I improved compatibility and stability as well (full changelog on the download page: https://papas-best.com/stlviewer_en).

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: April 18th, 2018, 4:07 am
by Lez0
Hi Krishty
Thanks so much for this, it works a treat.
Windows 7 pro 64 bit.

Lezo

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: April 29th, 2018, 1:09 pm
by Krishty
I’m glad to hear that!

I’ve uploaded a new version with a few minor tweaks. Most importantly, back faces are now rendered instead of hidden. If someone missed that feature, get the latest version at https://papas-best.com/stlviewer_en :)

Re: I wrote a bloat-free STL viewer

Posted: April 29th, 2018, 11:12 pm
by LePaul
Did the Thumbnail preview version make it over yet...that's something I would really like. I do like your program, I use yours and the MS one to quickly open and identify what those STLs are