THING File

Files saved with the .THING extension contain a 3D model made using MakerBot Desktop software. It acts as a ZIP package container for component STL files along with an XML manifest file. The .THING format is the default for saving projects created in the software. It allows for the saving of complex multi-element 3D models, which can then be printed on 3D printers.

What information do .THING files contain?

This format is used to save complex three-dimensional models - settings and displacements of individual elements. In .THING files created by default when saving a model or group of models in MakerBot Desktop software are included:

• detailed data of each element,
• orientation of each of the models,
• position of each of the models in relation to the others on the substrate,

This approach allows for later changes, modifications to the arrangement of individual elements. It would not be available if the project was saved in a single STL file.

Opening and modifying .THING files

3D model files with the .THING extension are only compatible with MakerBot Desktop software. Therefore, if it is necessary to transfer data to another platform, it should be saved in a more universal format. However, it is possible to edit individual elements of the 3D project. You need to unzip the ZIP package using a tool that supports this type of compression and extract the required STL file.