How to use view modes and gestures in STL Viewer
Rotate, pan and zoom a 3D model with touch gestures, switch between solid, wireframe and x-ray, and show the print bed grid, axes and file colors.
The 3D view is where you look a model over before printing: turn it around, zoom into details and switch to a view that shows what you need, such as hidden inner walls or the structure of the mesh.
Move around the model
- Rotate: drag with one finger.
- Pan: drag with two fingers to move the model across the screen.
- Zoom: pinch in or out.
- Reset: double-tap, or tap Reset in the toolbar, to return to the starting view.
Switch the view mode
Use the view mode button in the toolbar to switch between three modes:
| Mode | Good for |
|---|---|
| Solid | The normal shaded look of the printed part. |
| Wireframe | Seeing the triangles: how fine or coarse the mesh is, and where detail is concentrated. |
| X-ray | Looking through the outer walls at holes, channels and internal parts. |
Grid, axes and color
- Grid shows a print bed grid under the model, which helps you judge its size and how it sits on the bed.
- Axes shows the X, Y and Z axes, useful when you later measure or cut a section along an axis.
- Color picks a model color (orange, white, light gray, charcoal, red, blue, green or yellow). For 3MF files and OBJ files with their MTL, choose File colors to see the colors saved in the file.
Set your defaults
In Settings, under Viewer, choose the Default view, the Model color and whether the Print bed grid and Axes are on when a model opens. You can still change them per model from the toolbar.
If a model looks oddly blocky and the screen says Simplified view, it is a very large mesh shown in a lighter version so the phone stays smooth. Sizes, volume and export still use the full model.
More ways to view
Use STL Viewer in dark theme, on a tablet with the side panel, or with TalkBack: the 3D view announces its position and offers actions to rotate, tilt and zoom. To see the inside of a solid part as a real cut instead of x-ray, use Section. For the numbers behind what you see, open Model info.
New to 3D files on a phone? Read our article on viewing 3D models on Android.
Learn more on the blog
- 3D Model Viewer for Phone: STL, OBJ, 3MF and PLY Explained
- STL Cross Section: Check Wall Thickness and Hidden Gaps Inside
Questions and answers
How do I reset the view?
Double-tap the 3D view or tap Reset in the toolbar. The model returns to the starting position and zoom.
Why can't I see the colors of my model?
Choose File colors in the Color menu. For an OBJ, the .mtl file must be opened together with the .obj; STL files store no colors.
What is x-ray mode for?
X-ray makes the outer surface see-through so you can spot inner walls, holes and channels without cutting the model.
More guides
Check your next print on your phone
Free STL, OBJ, 3MF and PLY viewer for Android. Works offline.