The design is created using a 3 dimensional CAD process where it is broken down into triangular facets. It is sent to the building device after a series of post-processing functions has been performed (i.e. supports are created).

The design is created as a series of 2 dimensional "slices"; there is no standard format for which these slices are generally created. After post-processing (adding supports), the design is sent to the machining process.