Export stl without applying boolean operation I am using Blender to make models for 3D printing.  I always export my .blend files to .stl files and import into MakerBot.

Lets say I'm making a model with two cubes that I want to glue together with a boolean "union" operation.  A very common pattern I've found is that I want to save my blender file with the two cubes separate, but every time I want to make an .stl file, I need to first apply the boolean operation, export as .stl, then close blender without saving.

Is there a way for me to export the .stl file as if I've applied the boolean operation, but keep the .blend file with the operation undone?  thanks.
Keep the modifiers in the file without applying and choose Apply modifiers in the exporter options , this way the exported objects will have the modifier applied but the original will not.