# Cutting hole into imported STL shape

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [May 10, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901 "2025-05-10T21:12:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Chandlermclellan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a183cd/32.png) [@Chandlermclellan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Chandlermclellan)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2025, 9:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901/1 "2025-05-10T21:12:43Z")

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I need to cut a hole into an imported abstract STL and hollow the shape as well. I attempted to extrude a cylinder into the shape as you would normally but it did not create a hole. Any tips?

[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new)

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**Author:** ![jean-philippe2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/jean-philippe2/32/27353_2.png) [@jean-philippe2](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/jean-philippe2)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2025, 2:18am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901/2 "2025-05-11T02:18:37Z")

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Hi  
Use the menu Tool

 ![Capture d’écran 2025-05-11 à 04.12.29](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/b/6/b6cc8066761937c72080bce49a7ef609bf445da1.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![kabocha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f04885/32.png) [@kabocha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/kabocha)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2025, 9:12am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901/3 "2025-05-11T09:12:13Z")

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Abstract? Meaning STL not created by a CAD program? Like a 3d Scan that is not solid? If so you might get a error like this and won’t let you boolean.

You will have easier time working with a mesh tool like Blender.

 ![bool](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/1/e/1ef763522405fbf63c540eebe2177c7e0e4ec344.png)

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**Author:** ![Chandlermclellan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a183cd/32.png) [@Chandlermclellan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Chandlermclellan)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2025, 12:39pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/cutting-hole-into-imported-stl-shape/37901/4 "2025-05-11T12:39:08Z")

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Exactly. I put it in blender and had success. Thanks/