Editor’s Note
This article introduces the essential role of STL files in 3D printing and highlights platforms where users can access a wide range of free and paid 3D models. It serves as a helpful starting point for enthusiasts looking to explore or share projects within the community.
Who says 3D printing, says digital file. This file, usually in STL format, is transmitted to the 3D printer and sliced into several layers using a second software called a slicer. After this, the machine can proceed with the printing process. Therefore, STL files are essential to get started, and many platforms have specialized in downloading these files. They bring together thousands of 3D models (free and paid) and allow the community to share their projects easily. Therefore, we have selected the best marketplaces where you can download STL files for free, from complex jewelry to small everyday objects. Below we present the most important websites, listed alphabetically.
Cults is one of the leading websites for downloading free STL files. The website is a digital marketplace where we can find thousands of 3D models related to fashion, jewelry, architecture, and more. Cults is also a community that allows people to discuss their interests and share their passion for 3D printing, connecting designers, makers, and other creators. They organize contests, publish on their blog, and regularly create content for their community. You can find the best 3D models to download on Cults in our ranking.
Free3D is another marketplace that offers a wide range of 3D models. Not all are STL files; however, many are OBJ, which also work for 3D printing. We will also find many models for software like Blender, Cinema 4D, or 3ds Max. The website has different sections, such as architecture, vehicles, aircraft, or electronics, among others. Joining the Free3D community is very simple, and we can share 3D models with the world, as well as create our own section to showcase skills or get freelance work. The platform is available in 14 languages.
MyMiniFactory is a platform that aims to increase collaboration among 3D designers by allowing them to share their work freely. The website offers free files specifically designed for 3D printing. Each of the files uploaded to the platform is carefully selected and tested by community members. In addition to having thousands of files, MyMiniFactory has a service that allows you to request files from a professional designer if you can’t find the file you are looking for.
Pinshape now brings together more than 70,000 makers and designers who publish their 3D models on the platform daily. It offers free and premium files that users can download directly for printing. Furthermore, designers can be financially rewarded by selling their creations. Acquired in 2016 by the manufacturer Formlabs three years after its creation, Pinshape also offers various 3D printing guides and articles to learn more about 3D technologies and their applications. The platform is quite intuitive, directly suggests the most modern 3D models, and highlights some popular designers.
When you connect to the STLFinder site, you encounter a very basic page: it consists of a search bar: you just have to type the 3D file you are looking for. Then, the platform suggests all associated models found on other online sites. STLFinder is more of a search engine that will allow the user to compare all designs available on the web. This avoids searching ten sites at once! STLFinder takes the description of each 3D file indicated on the source platform and links back to it so the user can download the model and print it.
Created in 2012, Sketchfab is a platform characterized by incorporating a 3D model viewer. In addition to this function, it also offers a section where community users can browse, rate, and download existing 3D models on the web. The fact that it includes all types of 3D design makes Sketchfab a very broad platform for users. Therefore, if we want to focus on 3D printing, we must go to the STL tags section. There we can find all files for additive manufacturing under Creative Commons licenses, some being free and others not.
The Thingiverse platform was launched in 2008, belonging to the 3D printer manufacturer, Makerbot. Currently, it is one of the websites with the most STL files to download for free, thanks to its community of creators. What most characterizes Thingiverse is the interactivity between users, who upload their files to the platform to share them with others so they can download and comment on them. With more than 1,700,000 files for 3D printing, it is one of the most recognized websites by users.
Like STLFinder, Yeggi is a search engine for 3D models. It is a very simple platform that allows you to search for STL files on the web. It has a large database of models, and its search engine is very efficient. It is a good option if you are looking for a specific model and don’t know where to find it.
