freecad-robust-mcp-fc111/macros/Multi_Export/README-MultiExport.md

Multi-Format Export - FreeCAD Macro

Version: 0.6.0 FreeCAD Version: 0.19 or later License: MIT

Documentation: https://spkane.github.io/freecad-robust-mcp-and-more/

Overview

This FreeCAD macro exports selected objects to multiple file formats simultaneously with a single click. It features a user-friendly dialog for selecting export formats, configuring output options, and previewing the files that will be created.

Perfect for:

• Preparing files for 3D printing (STL, 3MF)
• CAD interchange with colleagues or clients (STEP, IGES)
• Asset creation for games or visualization (OBJ, PLY)
• Backup exports in multiple formats

Features

• Multi-Format Export - Export to up to 8 different formats at once
• Smart Defaults - STL, STEP, and 3MF selected by default (most common formats)
• Intelligent Path Defaults - Uses document location and object names automatically
• Mesh Quality Control - Adjustable tolerance and deflection for mesh formats
• Preview Mode - See exactly what files will be created before exporting
• Progress Feedback - Real-time progress bar and status messages
• Batch Export - Export multiple selected objects together

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Supported Formats

Format	Extension	Default	Description
STL	.stl	Yes	Stereolithography - standard 3D printing
STEP	.step	Yes	CAD interchange - preserves geometry
3MF	.3mf	Yes	Modern 3D printing with metadata
OBJ	.obj	No	Wavefront - 3D graphics and games
IGES	.iges	No	Legacy CAD interchange
BREP	.brep	No	OpenCASCADE native - exact geometry
PLY	.ply	No	Polygon file - 3D scanning
AMF	.amf	No	Additive manufacturing format

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Installation

macOS

1. Open Finder
2. Press Cmd + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
3. Paste: ~/Library/Application Support/FreeCAD/Macro/
4. Press Enter
5. Copy MultiExport.FCMacro to this folder
6. (Optional) Copy MultiExport.svg for the icon

From FreeCAD:

1. Go to Macro → Macros...
2. Note the path shown at the top of the dialog
3. Click User macros location to open in Finder
4. Copy files there

Linux

mkdir -p ~/.FreeCAD/Macro/
cp MultiExport.FCMacro ~/.FreeCAD/Macro/
cp MultiExport.svg ~/.FreeCAD/Macro/  # Optional icon

Windows

1. Navigate to: %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Macro\
2. Copy MultiExport.FCMacro to this folder
3. (Optional) Copy MultiExport.svg to the same folder

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How to Use

Quick Start

1. Select objects in the 3D view (Ctrl+click for multiple)
2. Run the macro: Macro → Macros... → MultiExport → Execute
3. Choose formats (STL, STEP, 3MF are pre-selected)
4. Set output location and filename
5. Click Export

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Select Objects

• Click on one or more objects in the 3D view
• Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on macOS) to select multiple objects
• Selected objects appear in the "Objects to Export" list

Step 2: Choose Export Formats

The dialog shows all available formats with checkboxes:

• STL - Checked by default (3D printing standard)
• STEP - Checked by default (CAD interchange)
• 3MF - Checked by default (modern 3D printing)

Quick selection buttons:

• Select All - Check all formats
• Select None - Uncheck all formats
• Reset Defaults - Return to STL + STEP + 3MF

Step 3: Configure Output

Directory:

• Defaults to the same folder as the current FreeCAD document
• Click Browse... to choose a different location

Base Filename:

• Defaults to the selected object's label (single object)
• Or the document name (multiple objects)
• Enter any name (without extension)
• Extensions are added automatically based on selected formats

Preview:

• Shows the files that will be created
• Updates in real-time as you change options

Step 4: Mesh Options (Optional)

For mesh formats (STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, AMF):

Surface Tolerance:

• Lower values = finer mesh = larger files
• Default: 0.1mm (good balance)
• For fine details: 0.01-0.05mm
• For quick exports: 0.2-0.5mm

Angular Deflection:

• Controls curved surface approximation
• Default: 0.1mm
• Lower values = smoother curves

Step 5: Export

• Click Export
• Watch the progress bar
• Review results in the status area

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Parameter Reference

Output Configuration

Parameter	Default	Description
Directory	Document location	Where to save exported files
Base Filename	Object/Doc label	Filename without extension

Mesh Settings

Parameter	Default	Range	Description
Surface Tolerance	0.1 mm	0.001-10mm	Mesh fineness (lower = finer)
Angular Deflection	0.1 mm	0.001-10mm	Curved surface approximation

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Use Cases

Case 1: 3D Printing Preparation

Scenario: Export a model for printing on different slicers

Settings:

• Formats: STL + 3MF
• Tolerance: 0.1mm (standard quality)

Result: Files ready for Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, etc.

Case 2: Sharing with CAD Users

Scenario: Send design to colleague using SolidWorks

Settings:

• Formats: STEP + IGES
• (Mesh settings don't apply to these formats)

Result: Editable CAD files that preserve exact geometry

Case 3: Game Asset Export

Scenario: Create 3D model for Unity/Unreal

Settings:

• Formats: OBJ + PLY
• Tolerance: 0.05mm (good detail)

Result: Standard mesh formats for game engines

Case 4: Complete Backup

Scenario: Archive a project in all formats

Settings:

• Click Select All for all formats
• Directory: Your backup location

Result: Complete export in 8 formats for future compatibility

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Troubleshooting

Error: "No Selection"

Solution: Select one or more objects in the 3D view before running the macro.

Error: "No Exportable Objects"

Cause: Selected items are not solid objects (groups, annotations, etc.)

Solution: Select actual Part or PartDesign bodies with solid geometry.

Error: "Invalid Directory"

Solution: The chosen directory doesn't exist. Click Browse and select a valid folder.

Warning: Format export failed

Possible causes:

1. Object has invalid geometry - Try Part → Check Geometry first
2. Disk full - Check available disk space
3. Permission denied - Choose a folder you have write access to

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Technical Details

Export Methods

Format	Export Method
STL	Mesh tessellation → Mesh.write()
STEP	Part.Shape.exportStep()
3MF	Mesh tessellation → Mesh.write()
OBJ	Mesh tessellation → Mesh.write()
IGES	Part.Shape.exportIges()
BREP	Part.Shape.exportBrep()
PLY	Mesh tessellation → Mesh.write()
AMF	Mesh tessellation → Mesh.write()

Multiple Objects

When multiple objects are selected:

• Mesh formats: Objects are combined into a single compound mesh
• CAD formats: Objects are combined into a Part.Compound

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Version History

v0.5.0-beta (2026-01-05)

• Initial release
• 8 export format support (STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ, IGES, BREP, PLY, AMF)
• Smart defaults (STL, STEP, 3MF pre-selected)
• Intelligent path and filename defaults
• Configurable mesh quality settings
• Real-time file preview
• Progress bar and status feedback
• Multi-object batch export

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License

MIT License - Free to use, modify, and distribute.

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Credits

Created to simplify the FreeCAD export workflow and eliminate repetitive export operations.