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If you’re just getting into 3D printing, don’t worry—there are tons of free resources available online. To save you some time, here’s a categorized list of useful and beginner-friendly tools, model libraries, and workflows to help you get started.
1. High-Quality Free Model Libraries
Thingiverse: With nearly half a million 3D models available for free, Thingiverse is the largest online 3D printing model library.
Youmagine: While smaller than Thingiverse, Youmagine’s community-driven platform makes up for it with a steady flow of high-quality printable designs.
Cults3D: Unlike the open nature of Thingiverse and Youmagine, Cults3D carefully curates uploads, often from professional designers (mix of free and paid models).
Other excellent sources for downloading or starting 3D print projects include Pinshape, 3DShook, Sketchfab, Turbosquid, and Wevolver.
2. Beginner-Friendly 3D Design Tools
Autodesk 123D Suite: A collection of modeling tools made to help beginners create, explore, and build 3D models. (Windows / Mac / iOS | Free)
Tinkercad: A super easy, web-based app that teaches the basics of 3D modeling. (Online | Free)
SketchUp: A simple drawing-focused program widely used for architecture, interior design, and engineering. (Windows / Mac | Free)
Sculptris: A digital sculpting app that lets beginners learn by working with “virtual clay.” (Windows / Mac | Free)
3. More Advanced 3D Modeling Software
Autodesk Fusion 360: A powerful, cloud-based tool combining CAD precision with freeform modeling. (Online | Free)
Blender: A free, open-source 3D creation suite covering everything from modeling to animation. (Online | Free)
OnShape:A collaborative, cloud-based parametric CAD platform, comparable to professional-grade engineering software. (Online | Free)
Each program is designed with different users and goals in mind, so it’s worth experimenting to see which best fits your needs. Other notable options include Maya, 3ds Max (great for animation), MODO, OpenSCAD, and Rhinoceros.
4. 3D Scanning Apps
While industrial 3D scanners exist, they’re often too expensive for hobbyists. Luckily, there are affordable apps that can help you capture organic shapes or rough 3D representations of objects:
123D Catch: A free app that converts a few photos into 3D virtual objects. (iOS / Android / Windows Phone | Free)
Trnio: Turns photos on your iPhone into 3D models. (iOS | Free)
Try them out to see which works best for your needs.
5. Now You’ve Got a Model—What’s Next?
Once you have a 3D model ready, you’ll need to take a few extra steps before printing. Depending on whether you’re doing everything yourself or outsourcing, these steps can vary. If you downloaded a model from a platform like Thingiverse, some may already be pre-processed, but usually you’ll need to prepare it yourself.
Watertight Geometry
3D models are essentially polygon meshes—similar to objects in video games. But since polygons are infinitely thin, your model must be watertight(completely closed) to be printable as a solid object.
Cleaning Up
Before printing, you may need to clean and repair the model to avoid errors. Popular tools include MeshLab, MeshMixer, and Netfabb, which can check, fix, and optimize your design for printing. This process ensures there are no unwanted holes, gaps, or geometry errors. Many CAD and scanning apps also have built-in auto-repair features.
Slicing
Finally, your model needs to be converted into instructions the printer can understand. Slicer software cuts your 3D model into layers. Beginner-friendly and reliable slicers include Kisslicer, Slic3r, and Cura.
Once that’s done, your work is complete—the 3D printer will take over and bring your design to life!
