A Meshmixer alternative for iPad STL editing
Meshmixer is a desktop mesh tool that Autodesk no longer develops or supports. Forma3D offers an on-device alternative for editing STL files, applying Boolean operations, and preparing meshes for printing on iPhone or iPad.
Meshmixer's support status
Autodesk's Meshmixer notice says development and support have ended; this is different from saying the software was immediately removed or stopped working. For a maintained desktop workflow, Autodesk recommends Fusion. Forma3D is an option when you specifically want a touch-first mesh editor on iOS.
What Forma3D replaces from MeshMixer
- Mesh repair — fix non-manifold geometry, close holes, and repair STL files on device
- Boolean operations — union, difference, and intersection between meshes
- STL editing — import, modify, and export STL files with touch gestures
- 3MF with colors — paint faces and export multi-filament 3MF files (MeshMixer couldn't do this)
- Sketch modeling — use SVG artwork as a reference, trace a closed sketch, and extrude it into a mesh
- LiDAR scanning — scan objects with iPhone LiDAR, then repair and edit the mesh
MeshMixer vs Forma3D
| Feature | MeshMixer (Desktop) | Forma3D (iPad/iPhone) |
|---|---|---|
| STL repair | Yes | Yes |
| Boolean operations | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-filament 3MF | No | Yes |
| LiDAR scanning | No | Yes |
| Sketch from SVG reference | Mesh-focused workflow | Trace a reference and extrude a closed sketch |
| Touch UI | No | Yes |
| Still supported | No (EOL 2021) | Yes (active) |
| Runs on iPad | No | Yes |
Get started
Forma3D is free to download. Full-access features require an in-app purchase, with monthly, annual, and lifetime options. Check the current feature access and pricing in the app before choosing a workflow.
Start with the STL editing guide, compare Blender workflows, or learn about colored 3MF export.