SketchUp to Cura or PrusaSlicer: STL vs 3MF and What Breaks

Cura and PrusaSlicer do not want native SKP files as the main print workflow. The real choice is usually between STL for simple mesh handoff and 3MF when the slicing project needs to keep more context.

Why STL Is Still the First Stop

For plain geometry headed to a slicer, SKP to STL is still the default starting point. It is simple, widely understood, and enough for many single-part print jobs.

Why 3MF Matters in PrusaSlicer

Prusa's own documentation is explicit here: 3MF is the preferred file format for project files, and compared with STL it can preserve more useful printing context.

What To Expect in Real Use

• Use STL when you only need to deliver printable geometry.
• Use 3MF when the slicing setup itself needs to be shared or preserved.
• Clean scale, manifold geometry, and orientation before export.

Do Not Confuse Model Exchange with Slicer Project Files

Many teams mix these up. STL is a geometry handoff. 3MF is often the better format once the slicer becomes part of the collaboration layer.