Short answer: reaConverter renders a 3D model at a series of angles and saves the frames as one animated file. Open Menu → Loading settings → 3D formats, tick Create multiple frames, set 36 frames and Change Z from 0 to 360. Fix the viewing angle with Change X 75 to 75 and Change Y 5 to 5. Then save as GIF with an Animation delay time of 5. It works on one model or a whole folder, offline.

A 3D file needs a viewer. A GIF does not: the recipient opens it in an email, a chat, a ticket or a slide and sees the part from every side.

reaConverter reads STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, 3MF, glTF/GLB, FBX and other 3D formats, and writes the spin as GIF, animated WebP or animated AVIF.

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How to make a rotating GIF from a 3D model

1. Add your models

Drag STEP, STL, OBJ or other 3D files into reaConverter, or click add files. You can add a whole folder at once.

2. Open the 3D loading settings

Go to Menu → Loading settings and pick 3D formats in the list on the left.

Turn on the spin. Tick Create multiple frames and set Number of frames to 36. Tick Change Z from and enter 0 and 360. Z does the turning.

Fix the viewing angle. Also tick Change X from and Change Y from, and enter the same value in both fields of each, for example X 75 to 75 and Y 5 to 5. These angles stay the same on every frame, so the model turns in place at a constant tilt. To change the tilt, try a different X value on a test run.

Smooth the curves of CAD files. For STEP, IGES and 3MF, set Level of detail in 3D conversion to 4 or higher. The scale runs from 1 (low) to 7 (high); STL and OBJ are already triangle meshes, so it matters most for CAD files.

Leave the other options off. Keep Create 2D projection and Load STEP as separated shapes unticked for a normal spin.

3. Choose the output

In Save as, pick GIF and click the gear button next to it. Set Animation delay time (1/100 s) to 5, keep Loop forever ticked, leave Create an interlaced GIF off, and click Apply.

4. Convert

Pick the destination folder and click Convert. Each 3D model becomes one animated GIF file.

Before a large batch, run a single model with 8 frames. It takes seconds and shows whether the model spins the way you expect (see Common problems).

Choosing frames and speed

One turn lasts frames × delay ÷ 100 seconds, so 36 frames at a delay of 5 make a full turn every 1.8 seconds.

• The default delay of 50 is too slow for a spin. It shows each frame for half a second, which suits a slide show of a few views.
• Do not go below 2. Most browsers treat a delay of 0 or 1 as 10, so the animation plays slower, not faster.
• File size grows with frames and pixels. To make a file smaller, cut the frame count first, then add a Resize action on the Image editing tab.
• Check the first frame. Outlook for Windows shows only the first frame of a GIF, so that frame should be a view people recognize.
• Resize the animation in the same run. Actions on the Image editing tab apply to the rendered frames, so you can set the final size without a second tool. For example, add a Resize action with a width of 250 px and proportions kept: every model in the batch comes out as a 250 px wide spin, ready for an email or a catalog thumbnail. A smaller frame also makes the file much lighter. On the command line, the same step is -resize 250x0px qh, where 0 keeps the proportions.

GIF, animated WebP or AVIF

Use GIF when the preview goes into email, chat or a document, and animated WebP when it goes on a web page.

• Banding. GIF keeps 256 colors per frame, so smooth shading on a curved part can show steps. WebP and AVIF do not have this limit.
• Transparent backgrounds. Make a transparent GIF turns one color fully transparent: Auto picks it, Use this color lets you set it. Soft edges can leave a light fringe on a dark page, so for a transparent preview choose WebP or AVIF.
• Email. Gmail may turn an animated WebP into a still image, and Outlook for Windows does not show WebP at all. For email, GIF is the safe choice.
• AVIF trade-off. It gives the smallest files, but encoding takes longer and image viewers and chat apps support it unevenly.
• Settings. WebP and AVIF have the same delay and loop options as GIF, plus a quality setting. WebP at 100% quality is lossless.

Converting a whole model library

Add a folder instead of single files, and every model in it becomes its own animated file with the same angle, speed and size. For jobs that repeat, reaConverter Pro offers two hands-off routes.

Watch Folders. New models dropped into a watched folder are converted automatically with your saved settings. Watch Folders works with local folders on the PC. See Watch Folders.

Command line. cons_rcp.exe runs the same conversion from a script or Windows Task Scheduler. This command turns every STEP file in a folder into a 36-frame GIF:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Models\" -source_ext step -dest_path "C:\Previews\" -dest_ext gif -3d_multi_frames 1 -3d_frames 36 -3d_x_from 75 -3d_x_to 75 -3d_y_from 5 -3d_y_to 5 -3d_z_from 0 -3d_z_to 360 -3d_lod 4 -gif_delay_time 5 -gif_loop 1 /hide

-source_ext takes one extension, so run the command again for stp, stl or obj files. /hide runs it without a window.

For WebP and AVIF, set the job up in the interface and save it with Menu → Save configuration as. Then pass the .cfg file to the command line and test it on one model first:

cons_rcp.exe "C:\Jobs\spin-webp.cfg" -f "C:\Models\bracket.step" "C:\Models\housing.step"

The full list of switches is on the command-line page. For scheduling, logging and unattended runs, see Automating File Conversion Workflows with reaConverter.

Where rotating previews help

• Sharing a part with someone who has no CAD. A client, buyer or manager opens the GIF in email or chat and sees every side.
• Product pages and catalogs. One spin per part number, with the same angle and speed across the range. Use WebP on the site.
• Listings of 3D-printable models. A spin shows the whole model on a shop or model-sharing page before anyone downloads it.
• Documentation and README files. A short loop next to the text explains a part faster than three static views.
• Model libraries. Spinning thumbnails make a folder of STEP files recognizable at a glance. For 2D drawings, see Batch DWG Preview Generation for Small Engineering Firms.
• Designs under NDA. reaConverter processes files on your PC and uploads nothing, so unreleased parts stay in-house.

Common problems and fixes

Most problems show up in the first test run and take one setting to fix.

Limitations and other ways to do it

reaConverter makes consistent technical previews of many models at once. It is not a studio renderer.

• The 3D loading settings have no lighting, material or camera-distance controls. For photoreal marketing shots, a renderer such as Blender or KeyShot gives that control.
• Every model in a run gets the same angles, frame count and speed. A model that needs a different view goes in a separate run.
• Colors depend on what the source format stores. A standard STL file carries no color, so check one file before a batch.
• Watch Folders and the command line need reaConverter Pro.

FAQ

Can I make a rotating GIF from a STEP file without CAD software? Yes. reaConverter reads STEP and IGES files directly and renders the frames itself, so no CAD program is needed on the computer.

How many frames should a 360° spin have? 24 to 36 frames give a smooth spin. 12 is enough for a small preview, and more than 72 rarely looks better but makes the file much larger.

How do I make the animation faster or slower? Change Animation delay time in the output settings. It is measured in hundredths of a second per frame, so 5 means 20 frames per second. Keep it at 2 or above.

Can I convert a whole folder of models at once? Yes. Add the folder, set up the spin once and click Convert. For jobs that repeat, use Watch Folders or the command line in reaConverter Pro.

Should I use GIF or WebP? GIF for email, chat and documents, because it plays almost everywhere. Animated WebP for web pages, because it keeps full color and makes smaller files.

Are my models uploaded anywhere? No. reaConverter converts files on your computer and works offline.

reaConverter can easily transform complex 3D models into clean 2D projections. This powerful feature
converts three-dimensional CAD files into flat technical drawings or illustrations, perfect for
documentation, manufacturing, and presentation purposes.

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What are 2D Projections?

A 2D projection is a flat image of a 3D object, such as a machine part, building, or product. It works like a shadow on the ground or a sketch of a 3D scene on paper. This makes it easy to show the shape and details of a model without needing special 3D software.

reaConverter can easily and automatically generate standard engineering views from your 3D models:

• View 1 – Isometric: 3D perspective showing width, height, and depth
• View 2 – Top: Plan view looking down from above
• View 3 – Front: Elevation view from the front
• View 4 – Side: Profile view from the right side

You can also choose whether hidden edges should be displayed as dashed lines for a technical look, or removed for a simpler, cleaner result.

How to Convert 3D Models to 2D Projections

Easily generate 2D projections from your 3D models using reaConverter. Follow these steps:

1. Add Files

Drag and drop your 3D model files into reaConverter. You can process even large batches at once to quickly create multiple 2D projections.

2. Configure 3D Settings

Configure how your 3D models will be converted into 2D projections by choosing view types and display options.

• Go to Loading settings → 3D formats loading settings
• Enable “Create 2D projection”
• Choose projection type (Views 1-4)
• Set hidden line visibility

Preview result:

3. Select Output Format

Choose the output format for your 2D projections. reaConverter supports many options, including JPG and PNG for images, or DXF and DWG for CAD drawings, giving you the flexibility to use and share your files however you need.

You can also set quality options, adjusting resolution, DPI, or vector precision to get the results you want.

4. Convert

Convert your 3D models into 2D projections with a single click. Just hit Convert, and reaConverter quickly generates your images or CAD drawings, ready for use or sharing.

Practical Use Cases

reaConverter turns 3D models into 2D visuals for technical drawings, CNC/laser cutting, e-commerce product images, educational graphics, and design documentation.

Technical Documentation and Manufacturing

Convert 3D CAD models into standard orthographic projections for technical drawings, assembly
instructions, and manufacturing documentation. Generate front, top, side, and isometric views
automatically – the same views typically created manually in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.

Laser Cutting and CNC Machining

Extract 2D cutting profiles from 3D parts for manufacturing processes. DXF output provides precise
toolpaths for laser cutters, waterjet machines, and CNC routers. The vector format preserves exact
dimensions and geometric relationships required for accurate manufacturing.

Product Marketing and E-commerce

Create clean product illustrations for catalogs, websites, and marketing materials. Generate consistent
product views without complex 3D rendering software. Particularly useful for technical products, furniture, machinery, and consumer goods where clear geometric representation is more important than
photorealistic rendering.

Educational Materials

Develop technical drawings for engineering education, showing cross-sections, elevations, and standard
views that help students understand 3D geometry through traditional 2D engineering graphics principles.

Design Documentation

Integrate into CAD workflows where 3D models need accompanying 2D documentation. Automatically
generate drawing views for design reviews, client presentations, and regulatory submissions.

Automation

reaConverter makes 2D projection creation even easier with automation. Use command line options or Watch Folders to automatically generate 2D projections from 3D models, perfect for batch processing or integrating into production workflows. With simple command parameters, you can enable 2D projection mode, choose the view type, and decide whether to show hidden lines – all without manual intervention.

Conclusion

The 2D projection feature in reaConverter makes it easy to turn 3D CAD models into traditional 2D technical drawings. It automatically generates standard orthographic and isometric views, removing the manual effort usually needed to create professional technical illustrations.

Whether you need manufacturing drawings for CNC machining, product illustrations for marketing, or
educational diagrams for training materials, the 2D projection feature provides professional results with
minimal setup. The combination of multiple projection angles, industry-standard output formats
(DXF/DWG), and command-line automation makes this tool valuable for both individual designers and
production environments processing hundreds of models.

For CAD professionals already working with STEP, IGES, and other 3D formats, this feature integrates
seamlessly into existing workflows while dramatically reducing the time required to generate 2D
documentation from 3D designs.

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STL is an image format mainly used in a type 3D printing technology called stereolithography, involving the production of three-dimensional models, patterns and prototypes with polymers. The STL format was initially launched in the 1980s by 3D Systems, the first company to introduce and develop stereolithography, and it is nowadays supported by several computer-aided design (CAD) programs.

STL files store black-and-white 3D objects, including only geometry data and no color, texture or other attributes usually featured by images created with CAD software.

In comparison, AutoCAD’s native interchange format DXF tends to have more popularity and offer more complex object descriptions than STL. DXF supports both 2D and 3D object rendering, and its features can vary according to the AutoCAD release to which the format is associated.

With reaConverter’s latest edition you can automatically convert 3D STL files into 3D DXF, while customizing the AutoCAD release with which you want the output file to be associated.

Open Files

Add one or more STL images that need to be converted. reaConverter allows you to handle groups of images fast and easy by offering you a handy drag-and-drop tool and the possibility to add entire folders.

Plus, there is the Advanced file select option, by which you can automatically add certain files according to their size and/or extension from a folder with mixed content.

DXF Saving Settings

Go to the Menu button and click Saving settings – Format saving settings

In the DXF tab here you will find a list with all AutoCAD releases supported by reaConverted.

Save the Result

In the Saving options section, select a location for the output DXF files. Next, don’t forget to make sure the DXF button is checked in the Convert to area. In case you don’t see the button there, click Plus and get a full view of all the output formats supported by reaConverter.

Then simply press Start and your newly converted DXFs will soon be ready!

Video Tutorial

Advanced users can perform 3D STL to 3D DXF conversions using command line interface or DLL in manual, automated or scheduled mode. You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

However, not all enjoy a lot of popularity and some provide more advantages than others. For this reason, converting between 3D extensions might be a great way to improve the accessibility of your files while at the same time preserving their quality content intact. And it can be done in no more than a few clicks using reaConverter’s latest edition.

For example, conversion from STL to DWG formats can not only be done fast and easy, but also includes a series of handy customizable features. STL is a computer-aided design (CAD) 3D format used in model prototyping through stereolitography, 3D printing and computer-aided manufacturing. While supported by several software packs, STL enjoys less popularity than DWG, which is probably the most widely used format for CAD modeling. A native format for Autodesk software, DWG is supported by most CAD programs, including AutoCAD, Caddie, IntelliCAD and many others.

reaConverter’s latest edition offers several options for customizing both input and output images when converting between 3D formats, including features such as 3D image rotation or selecting the desired release of AutoCAD for the resulting image.

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Start reaConverter and Load Your STL Images

Load one or more STL images into reaConverter. When dealing with lots of images, you can avoid the hassle of picking them one by one from a folder and use the “Advanced file select” option. This way you can automatically select all files with the STL extension from a folder which consists of several others as well. reaConverter also allows you to add entire folders, browse manually or use the drag-and-drop tool.

Tune 3D Formats Loading Settings

Go to the Menu button and select Loading settings → 3D formats loading settings

Here you can opt for rotating the 3D image by a desired number of degrees for each of the 3 axes. X is the horizontal axis, Y is the vertical one, while Z allows you to move the object clockwise or counterclockwise.

Choose DWG Saving Settings

Next, go back to the Menu button and select Saving settings → Format saving settings

Then pick the DWG tab and decide which release of AutoCAD you would like your output 3D files to be compatible with.

Save Your Result

Go to Saving options and decide on the destination of the output DWGs. Pick one of the handy choices for offline storage — same as source folder, subfolder or customized folder. Finally, don’t forget to select DWG as the desired output format from the buttons conveniently placed in the lower part of the window.

Then simply press Start and your newly converted 3D images will soon be ready!

Command-line interface and DLL

If you are a developer interested in including STL to DWG conversion as part of a customized software solution, reaConverter allows you to operate this feature via command-line, using a tool called cons_rcp.exe. For example, for automated batch conversion of STLs to DWGs, using different source and output folders, you can use this code line:

cons_rcp.exe -source_folder "C:\Path_to\input_folder\" -source_ext stl -dest_path "C:\Path_to\output_folder\" -dest_ext dwg


A full list of configuration parameters is available on Command Line Interface Reference Guide

Video Tutorial

You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.

STL is an extension attached to 3D images that use Stereolitography, a technology for creating prototypes or patterns through 3D printing. STL files contain a surface representation of such models and are created using computer-aided design software. There are only a few programs that can open STL files, so for improving accessibility the best option is to convert STLs to more popular extensions, including PDF, CAD document or other vector formats.

reaConverter now offers not only the possibility to do this conversion fast and easy, but also allows you to do 3D rotation of STL images along the X,Y and Z axes during the process.

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XYZ Rotation

3D rotation offers a rich array of possibilities in modifying an image, as it basically lets you change the spatial orientation of an object in any way you want. By inserting a specific number of degrees in the box next to each axis, you pick an angle that will define the depth and breadth of the modification along each of the 3 dimensions. The X or horizontal axis allows you to rotate the object from left to right, the Y or vertical axis lets you shift it up and down, and the Z axis – clockwise or counterclockwise. With reaConverter you can easily experiment with altering the STL image in no more than a few clicks.

Here is how.

Load STL Images

Select one or more STL images you intend to convert. Add them manually or use the drag-and-drop tool.

Apply Rotation

Go to the Menu button and then click Loading settings → Vector format loading settings. In the newly opened window, go to Rotate STL image by degrees, and insert the desired values for the X, Y and Z axes.

Save the Result

Finally, go to the Saving options tab and pick a location for your output files. reaConverter lets you conveniently save either online or offline in a local folder. Last but not least, choose the format of the output images by simply pressing one of buttons placed in the lower part of the window. If the extension you are looking for is not there, click the Plus button and you’ll see the full list of output formats supported by reaConverter.

Then simply press the Start button and your new images will be done in no time!

Command-line Options

In case you are a developer looking to integrate the 3D rotation of STL images as part of a custom software solution, this feature is also available in command-line, using the following code lines:

-stl_x = angle (from 1 to 360 degrees) to rotate STL image about x-axis
-stl_y = angle (from 1 to 360 degrees) to rotate STL image about y-axis
-stl_z = angle (from 1 to 360 degrees) to rotate STL image about z-axis


Video Tutorial

You are welcome to contact our technical support when you have any questions about reaConverter.