<p>If you have 3D software like Blender you can import your model and use the decimate modifier to lower the number of vertices and then re-export.</p>
<p>Here is a link to how you can do this: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHWCCYWhCMA" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Simplify Geometry with the Decimate Modifier in Blender 2.9</a>.</p>
<p><div class="youtube-embed"><div>
                <iframe width="640px" height="395px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rHWCCYWhCMA?start=0"></iframe>
            </div></div></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-27T10:50:14.723Z
Meshmixer will also decimate models, if one finds Blender to be overwhelming.
fred_dot_u
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-27T05:05:05.303Z
2021-02-27T08:49:50.837Z
2021-02-27T08:49:50.837Z
Random Studios
<p>You can use <a href="https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/3d-builder/9WZDNCRFJ3T6" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Microsoft 3D Builder</a> if you're under windows. It's a surprisingly powerful application that has basic but useful features. From there you can either resize the model to make it smaller or simplify it by lowering the triangle count.</p>
<p>Don't be fooled by the notion of it being a stock app, it's honestly the app I use the most when editing STLs.</p>
<p>Here's an example of an STL after being simplified alongside the original model:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/ok4qE.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ok4qE.png" alt="3D Builder simplification" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-09-28T20:50:12.977Z
2023-09-28T20:50:12.977Z
peanut
<p>I need to shrink an STL file below the 25 MB threshold, so I can open it in TinkerCad. I don't care about quality, I just need it shrunk.</p>
<p>How can I do this?</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/zedoU.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Screenshot of error"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/zedoU.png" alt="Screenshot of error" title="Screenshot of error" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-27T03:35:05.520Z
We can't perform any services for you I'm afraid, so please don't ask. We can only suggest methods and solutions. I have appropriately amended the question for you. Also, please don't link links that require login as this could be construed as spam/phishing/etc.
Greenonline
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-28T20:14:16.497Z
a model that large will be a nightmare to edit using tinkercad....
dandavis
<3d-models><3d-design><stl><tinkercad>
File too big to open in Tinkercad. How can I shrink it?
Quick And Dirty
# File too big to open in Tinkercad. How can I shrink it?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-02-27)

I need to shrink an STL file below the 25 MB threshold, so I can open it in TinkerCad. I don't care about quality, I just need it shrunk.

How can I do this?

[![Screenshot of error](https://i.sstatic.net/zedoU.png "Screenshot of error")](https://i.sstatic.net/zedoU.png "Screenshot of error")

**Tags:** 3d-models, 3d-design, stl, tinkercad

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: We can't perform any services for you I'm afraid, so please don't ask. We can only suggest methods and solutions. I have appropriately amended the question for you. Also, please don't link links that require login as this could be construed as spam/phishing/etc.  
> **username_2**: a model that large will be a nightmare to edit using tinkercad....  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2021-02-27. Score: 4

If you have 3D software like Blender you can import your model and use the decimate modifier to lower the number of vertices and then re-export.

Here is a link to how you can do this: [Simplify Geometry with the Decimate Modifier in Blender 2.9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHWCCYWhCMA).

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Meshmixer will also decimate models, if one finds Blender to be overwhelming.  

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### Answer by username_5 on 2023-09-28. Score: 3

You can use [Microsoft 3D Builder](https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/3d-builder/9WZDNCRFJ3T6) if you're under windows. It's a surprisingly powerful application that has basic but useful features. From there you can either resize the model to make it smaller or simplify it by lowering the triangle count.

Don't be fooled by the notion of it being a stock app, it's honestly the app I use the most when editing STLs.

Here's an example of an STL after being simplified alongside the original model:

[![3D Builder simplification](https://i.sstatic.net/ok4qE.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/ok4qE.png)


---

