Reading a guide of some sort is great when you understand the program and are looking for ways to do cool, new things but when just starting out, get the experience behind you. It’s always best to follow a video tutorial when learning how to create designs, while doing the same thing in the program yourself. The video below will show you a quick tutorial on exactly how it looks and how it’s done. TinkerCAD specializes in ease of use, as you put together blocks and shapes to gradually build a more complex structure that you can be proud of.

For now, it will work wonders!Ĭreate A Design Using the Tools in Your Chosen Program TinkerCAD has enough capabilities to keep you modeling there for at least a few months, before you think about moving to a software with more features. Once you get the hang of one CAD program and the way designing a model works, you can move onto other programs, but at first just stick to one simple program. Just go to TinkerCAD, create an account, go through the short tutorial on the platform and get to modeling. One of the great features of TinkerCAD is the fact that it’s browser-based so you don’t have to install some huge program file to get started. Beginners don’t want a complicated CAD program that takes a while getting used to, they want to be able to put something together in the first 5 minutes and see its capabilities. The one that I will focus on and do recommend is TinkerCAD for beginners because it was definitely designed for you guys in mind. TinkerCAD – click and create your own accountĬheck out my article Best Free 3D Printing Software – CAD, Slicers & More.

There are many CAD programs out there that can be used to create your model, but some are definitely more tiered towards beginners which is what I’ll focus on in this article.Īlso, many higher level programs actually need to be purchased, so you’ll be happy to know everything I recommend will be completely free. If you want ready-made files that you can get 3D printed, check out my article 7 Best Places for Free STL Files (3D Printable Models).

Open & ‘Slice’ your file with your desired settings into a G-Code File.

Choose a slicer program – Cura for beginners.

Save & export your completed design to your computer (STL file).

Create a design or model using the tools in your chosen program.

How to Create 3D Printer (STL) Files for 3D Printing

Open & 'Slice' Your File With Your Desired Settings Into a G-Code File.

Choose a Slicer Program – Cura for Beginners.

Save & Export Your Completed Design to Your Computer (STL File).

Create A Design Using the Tools in Your Chosen Program.

How to Create 3D Printer (STL) Files for 3D Printing.

Free cad models for 3d printing