> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Finding models online

> Explore the huge online libraries of free 3D models you can download, print, and remix to keep creating after camp.

## You don't have to design everything

Designing your own models is a superpower - but sometimes you just want to print something cool tonight. The 3D printing community shares **millions of free models** you can download, slice, and print. Many are also **remixable**, meaning you can open them and make them your own.

<Frame caption="A world of ready-to-print designs is a click away">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/yASp17638wTnZpJG/images/intro3d/blueprint.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=yASp17638wTnZpJG&q=85&s=b4b3d813934a91bd9755cba2a15ea4d9" alt="A 3D model blueprint ready to be printed" width="500" height="500" data-path="images/intro3d/blueprint.png" />
</Frame>

## The best free model libraries

<Frame caption="The 3D model-sharing ecosystem: download, print, remix, and share back">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/model-repos-ecosystem.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=a0f24194a8a64452222de864a634231d" alt="Diagram of the 3D model repository ecosystem across Thingiverse, Printables, MakerWorld, and Thangs" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/model-repos-ecosystem.png" />
</Frame>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Thingiverse" icon="box" href="https://www.thingiverse.com/">
    The original and largest library of free 3D models. Huge selection, great for beginners.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Printables" icon="printer" href="https://www.printables.com/">
    Run by Prusa. High-quality models, contests, and a helpful community.
  </Card>

  <Card title="MakerWorld" icon="globe" href="https://makerworld.com/">
    Bambu Lab's library with many parametric, customizable models.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Thangs" icon="search" href="https://thangs.com/">
    A powerful search engine for 3D models across many sites.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How to download and print a model

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find a model" icon="search">
    Search a library for what you want - "phone stand," "dragon," "desk organizer." Check the photos and comments to see how well it prints.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the STL" icon="download">
    Download the `.stl` (or `.3mf`) file. Read the maker's notes - some suggest specific settings or supports.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Slice it in Cura" icon="scissors">
    Open the file in Cura, scale it if needed, choose your settings, and slice.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print it" icon="printer">
    Save to your microSD card and print on your Ender 3.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Be a good community member

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Respect licenses" icon="scale">
    Most models are free for personal use. Check the license before selling prints or reposting a design as your own.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Give credit" icon="heart">
    If you remix someone's design, credit the original maker.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Share back" icon="upload">
    When you design something cool, consider uploading it so others can enjoy it too.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Leave a make (photo)" icon="camera">
    Post a photo of your print to thank the designer and help others see how it turns out.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  A great way to keep learning is to download a model, then open it (or a similar one) in Tinkercad and change it. Remixing existing designs is how many makers learn to design their own.
</Tip>