About MeshLab
MeshLab is an open source system designed for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes.
The software offers features for processing raw data produced by 3D digitization tools and devices, and for preparing models for 3D printing. It supports various file formats including gltf, glb, nxs, nxz, e57, and 3mf.
Key features
- Editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes
- Processing raw data from 3D digitization tools and devices
- Preparing models for 3D printing
- Support for file formats including gltf, glb, nxs, nxz, e57, and 3mf
- Plugin for exact mesh booleans
- Available as PyMeshLab, a Python library for batch processing
Good fit for
- Processing raw 3D digitization data
- Preparing models for 3D printing
- Batch processing meshes with PyMeshLab
MeshLab: questions and answers
- What is MeshLab used for?
- MeshLab is an open source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes, offering tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and converting meshes. It is a good fit for processing raw 3D digitization data, preparing models for 3D printing and batch processing meshes with PyMeshLab.
- Is MeshLab open source?
- Yes. MeshLab is open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub at cnr-isti-vclab/meshlab and is written mainly in C++.
- Is MeshLab free?
- Yes. MeshLab is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
- Can I self-host MeshLab?
- Yes. MeshLab can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
- What is MeshLab an alternative to?
- MeshLab is an open-source alternative to Vectary, Womp, 3D-Coat and Nomad Sculpt. Other open-source alternatives to Vectary include Blender, FreeCAD and OpenSCAD.
- Is MeshLab actively maintained?
- Yes. The most recent commit to MeshLab was on 25 August 2026. The project has 5.9k stars on GitHub.
Open-source alternatives to MeshLab
See all
Blender
3D & CAD
Official mirror of Blender
OSSvs Autodesk Maya★ 21k
FreeCAD
3D & CAD
Official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler
LGPL-2.1vs SolidWorks★ 34k
OpenSCAD
3D & CAD
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
OSSvs Autodesk Fusion★ 10k
Three Editor
3D & CAD
Three.js Editor 一个基于three.js 的低代码编辑器 -- star -- 点星星
MulanPSL-2.0vs Spline★ 595
GIMP
Design
Read-only mirror of https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp
OSSvs Adobe Photoshop★ 6.5k
Krita
Design
Krita is a free and open source cross-platform application that offers an end-to-end solut
GPL-3.0vs Adobe Photoshop★ 11k
SaaS alternatives to MeshLab
See all
Vectary
3D & CAD
Browser-based 3D design and AR tool for product visuals
SaaS
Womp
3D & CAD
Browser-based 3D modeling and rendering tool for designers
SaaS
3D-Coat
3D & CAD
3D sculpting, retopology and texture painting software
SaaS
Nomad Sculpt
3D & CAD
Mobile 3D sculpting and painting app for iPad and iPhone
SaaS
Autodesk 3ds Max
3D & CAD
3D modeling, animation and rendering software for games and visualization
SaaS
Cinema 4D
3D & CAD
3D modelling, animation and rendering software from Maxon
SaaS

