Top 10 3D Model Databases: The Best Sites to Download 3D Models for 3D Printing
Find & interact with 3D results On your Android phone, go to google.com or open your Google app. Search for an animal, object, or place. If a 3D result is available, tap View in 3D. The 3DBenchy appears to be nothing more than an adorable plastic boat, but it's more.
- Download files and build them with your 3D printer, laser cutter, or CNC. Thingiverse is a universe of things.
- MakerBot Thingiverse is the world's largest 3D printing community with millions of free downloadable 3D models. Browse all of the designs, remix them using Thingiverse apps, or share your work with the world.
If you intend to 3D print a model, that doesn't mean you always have to start designing from scratch. There are tons of websites out there that offer (both free and premium) 3D models to download. We took a look at 10 (+1) of the best and most popular 3D model databases and compared them for price, quality, selection, and printability.
1. Cults 3D
Cults offers its users the perfect range of 3D models – from maker-inspired 3D files all the way to professional high-quality designs. Cults checks each 3D design for printability and organizes them into different groups such as fashion, art, jewelry, home, architecture, or gadgets. The mix of a modern visual interface, a well-arranged database, and a focus on smart, useful & beautiful designs makes browsing through their website a lot of fun. While many models come for free, others come at very affordable prices.
Cults is a great place to find & download 3D models for 3D printing
Cults facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists & Designers
Size: 5,000 Models
2. Pinshape
Pinshape offers its visitors the opportunity to browse through a great selection of more than 13,000 (free and payable) STL files. Finding great 3D printable models on the website is child's play: both the visual representation and logical organization of the website are top-notch.
Pinshape is a popular database for 3D printables files
Pinshape facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists & Designers
Size: 13,000 Models
3. 3DShook
The 3DShook website is somewhat similar to Pinshape and Cults but the designs tend to be more focused on ‘fun' 3D prints for hobbyists. Some models are free but most require a fee. However, 3DShook does offer designs at a very competitive price.
3DShook facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists – fun designs
Size: 1,500 Models
4. Thingiverse
Thingiverse is probably one of the biggest and most popular databases. It has a very active maker community behind it and offers free-to-use STL files only. You don't even need to open an account in order to download a 3D model from their site. Sometimes the database can seem slightly less organized than the cleaner and simpler design of sites like Pinshape and Cults.
One of the most popular places to get 3D models: Thingiverse Dvd to mpeg converter online.
Thingiverse facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free
Target: Makers
Size: 9,000 Models
5. GrabCAD
GrabCAD is different than the databases we have looked at so far. Firstly, GrabCad provides you with technical, engineering, and scale models only. Secondly, it lets you filter its database based on the 3D modeling software that the designs were created in. It's the place to be for anyone looking for more than 27,000 technical 3D files. However, take into account that this website is not intended for 3D printing.
GrabCAD is all about downloading technical 3D models
GrabCAD facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No
Price: Free
Target: Professionals interested in technical/engineering parts
Size: 27,000 Models
6. 3D Warehouse
The 3D Warehouse simply screams ‘geometrical'. Whether you are looking for architecture, product design or scale models, 3D Warehouse offers anything that was created with the popular 3D modeling software SketchUp. Luckily they also let you filter their database for 3D printable models by selecting ‘Only Show Printable Models' in their advanced search function. All other models can be made printable thanks to a connection with the 3DPrintCloud.
Geometric 3D models can be downloaded at SketchUp's 3D Warehouse
3D Warehouse facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing filter available
Price: Free
Target: Professionals interested in geometrical/architectural models
Size: 38,000 3D printable models
7. CGTrader
CGTrader offers a dedicated database for 3D printable objects. So far there are more than 13,000 models to choose from. We noticed that there are many printable jewelry designs in particular on this website. While many models are downloadable for free, others come at affordable prices.
CGTrader offers a website section that focuses on 3D printable models only
CGTrader facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing database available
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists & Designers
Size: 13,000 3D printable models
8. TurboSquid
TurboSquid is the place to be for downloading the most stunning 3D designs. It doesn't get any more high-end and professional than this. The problems: the designs are great visually but are not optimized for 3D printing. There is also no filtering option for finding 3D printable models. Furthermore, all models on TurboSquid are premium (payable) files. Quality comes at a price.
Premium, high-end 3D designs can be downloaded on TurboSquid
TurboSquid facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No
Price: Premium
Target: Professional Designers & 3D Artists
Size: no models optimized for 3D printing
9. 3DExport
3DExport is somewhat similar to TurboSquid: This is also a database that focuses on the visual aspects and offers amazing premium 3D models. In addition to this, 3DExport offers its users a filter for finding 3D printable models only.
3D Export is a 3D model database for premium designs
3DExport facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing category available
Price: Premium
Target: Professional Designers & 3D Artists
Size: 1,000 3D printable models
10. Yeggi
Last but not least we want to mention Yeggi, a search engine for 3D printable models. Yeggi scans all the databases mentioned above, and many more, for 3D printable files. So if you want to search the ‘Google' of 3D models, this might be the right website for you.
11. Remix 3D
Remix 3D is more than a 3D model database, is the Microsoft community of modelers who want to share their creations. The models on the libraries are organized by categories and they can be used and of course 'remixed' on Microsoft Paint 3D and their VR/AR app, Mixed Reality.
The cactus in this 3D printing tutorial for beginners on Paint 3D was modeled with the help of Remix 3D, a great example of all the possibilities of this database.
Remix 3D Database
Remix 3D
Focus on 3D printing: Basic modeling with the possibility of 3D printing
Price: Free
Target: Beginners, Kids, Students
Of course, we cannot mention each and every 3D model database out there, but we think that these 10 sites are great places to get your first stunning 3D models.
And by the way: After downloading (and maybe editing) a file, feel free to upload the 3D model to our website and let us print it in 100+ materials and finishes on industrial 3D printers. It's the easiest way to get a high-quality 3D print.
This showcase consists of 50 3D websites that really stand out from crowd, and have received some viral attention and received awards!
Don't think this is just another list – you'll find endless inspiration in these websites. Each one of them is a definite masterpiece!
1. Element
It's hard to describe just how cool this website is! With a very stylish intro and superb 3D animations, it all combines to create a great looking website.
2. Ge
Cool website with beautiful 3D objects and animations. Every page has its own good looking 3D objects.
3. Gears Of War – Emergence Day
Brilliant peace of art! Massive 3D scene with animations. Beautifully made 3D fade-in, fade-out transitions for every page.
4. Audi A6
Simple but very good looking website with 3D menu and 3D transitions.
5. Summer Festival
Good looking website with fantastic 3D balloons and stunning animations. It has great features – if you just wait for some time and do nothing, a jet-man will run out of fuel and fall from the sky with an interesting animation. This website was awarded the 'site of the day' on FWA.
6. Coca Cola
2. Pinshape
Pinshape offers its visitors the opportunity to browse through a great selection of more than 13,000 (free and payable) STL files. Finding great 3D printable models on the website is child's play: both the visual representation and logical organization of the website are top-notch.
Pinshape is a popular database for 3D printables files
Pinshape facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists & Designers
Size: 13,000 Models
3. 3DShook
The 3DShook website is somewhat similar to Pinshape and Cults but the designs tend to be more focused on ‘fun' 3D prints for hobbyists. Some models are free but most require a fee. However, 3DShook does offer designs at a very competitive price.
3DShook facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists – fun designs
Size: 1,500 Models
4. Thingiverse
Thingiverse is probably one of the biggest and most popular databases. It has a very active maker community behind it and offers free-to-use STL files only. You don't even need to open an account in order to download a 3D model from their site. Sometimes the database can seem slightly less organized than the cleaner and simpler design of sites like Pinshape and Cults.
One of the most popular places to get 3D models: Thingiverse Dvd to mpeg converter online.
Thingiverse facts:
Focus on 3D printing: Yes
Price: Free
Target: Makers
Size: 9,000 Models
5. GrabCAD
GrabCAD is different than the databases we have looked at so far. Firstly, GrabCad provides you with technical, engineering, and scale models only. Secondly, it lets you filter its database based on the 3D modeling software that the designs were created in. It's the place to be for anyone looking for more than 27,000 technical 3D files. However, take into account that this website is not intended for 3D printing.
GrabCAD is all about downloading technical 3D models
GrabCAD facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No
Price: Free
Target: Professionals interested in technical/engineering parts
Size: 27,000 Models
6. 3D Warehouse
The 3D Warehouse simply screams ‘geometrical'. Whether you are looking for architecture, product design or scale models, 3D Warehouse offers anything that was created with the popular 3D modeling software SketchUp. Luckily they also let you filter their database for 3D printable models by selecting ‘Only Show Printable Models' in their advanced search function. All other models can be made printable thanks to a connection with the 3DPrintCloud.
Geometric 3D models can be downloaded at SketchUp's 3D Warehouse
3D Warehouse facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing filter available
Price: Free
Target: Professionals interested in geometrical/architectural models
Size: 38,000 3D printable models
7. CGTrader
CGTrader offers a dedicated database for 3D printable objects. So far there are more than 13,000 models to choose from. We noticed that there are many printable jewelry designs in particular on this website. While many models are downloadable for free, others come at affordable prices.
CGTrader offers a website section that focuses on 3D printable models only
CGTrader facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing database available
Price: Free and Payable
Target: Hobbyists & Designers
Size: 13,000 3D printable models
8. TurboSquid
TurboSquid is the place to be for downloading the most stunning 3D designs. It doesn't get any more high-end and professional than this. The problems: the designs are great visually but are not optimized for 3D printing. There is also no filtering option for finding 3D printable models. Furthermore, all models on TurboSquid are premium (payable) files. Quality comes at a price.
Premium, high-end 3D designs can be downloaded on TurboSquid
TurboSquid facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No
Price: Premium
Target: Professional Designers & 3D Artists
Size: no models optimized for 3D printing
9. 3DExport
3DExport is somewhat similar to TurboSquid: This is also a database that focuses on the visual aspects and offers amazing premium 3D models. In addition to this, 3DExport offers its users a filter for finding 3D printable models only.
3D Export is a 3D model database for premium designs
3DExport facts:
Focus on 3D printing: No, but 3D printing category available
Price: Premium
Target: Professional Designers & 3D Artists
Size: 1,000 3D printable models
10. Yeggi
Last but not least we want to mention Yeggi, a search engine for 3D printable models. Yeggi scans all the databases mentioned above, and many more, for 3D printable files. So if you want to search the ‘Google' of 3D models, this might be the right website for you.
11. Remix 3D
Remix 3D is more than a 3D model database, is the Microsoft community of modelers who want to share their creations. The models on the libraries are organized by categories and they can be used and of course 'remixed' on Microsoft Paint 3D and their VR/AR app, Mixed Reality.
The cactus in this 3D printing tutorial for beginners on Paint 3D was modeled with the help of Remix 3D, a great example of all the possibilities of this database.
Remix 3D Database
Remix 3D
Focus on 3D printing: Basic modeling with the possibility of 3D printing
Price: Free
Target: Beginners, Kids, Students
Of course, we cannot mention each and every 3D model database out there, but we think that these 10 sites are great places to get your first stunning 3D models.
And by the way: After downloading (and maybe editing) a file, feel free to upload the 3D model to our website and let us print it in 100+ materials and finishes on industrial 3D printers. It's the easiest way to get a high-quality 3D print.
This showcase consists of 50 3D websites that really stand out from crowd, and have received some viral attention and received awards!
Don't think this is just another list – you'll find endless inspiration in these websites. Each one of them is a definite masterpiece!
1. Element
It's hard to describe just how cool this website is! With a very stylish intro and superb 3D animations, it all combines to create a great looking website.
2. Ge
Cool website with beautiful 3D objects and animations. Every page has its own good looking 3D objects.
3. Gears Of War – Emergence Day
Brilliant peace of art! Massive 3D scene with animations. Beautifully made 3D fade-in, fade-out transitions for every page.
4. Audi A6
Simple but very good looking website with 3D menu and 3D transitions.
5. Summer Festival
Good looking website with fantastic 3D balloons and stunning animations. It has great features – if you just wait for some time and do nothing, a jet-man will run out of fuel and fall from the sky with an interesting animation. This website was awarded the 'site of the day' on FWA.
6. Coca Cola
What's that? Hey, it's Coca Cola! A very creative website which consists of many different sub-websites where each is different from each other with its own style, design, and animation.
7. Optus Whale Song
Beautifully made website. Great underwater 3D scene. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
8. Martini Asti
Very classy website with 3D graphics and animations. Also it has cool 3D transitions.
9. White Void
Very beautifully made 3D menu. This 3D portfolio is a very good representation of the style called 'minimalism.'
10. The Eco Zoo
A well made 3D website. This website consists not only of some 3D elements but the whole website is like a 3D world. Good work.
11. Premiyum
Beautiful 3D website with great 3D effects. Fantastic. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
12. Get the Glass
Interesting Flash website with brilliant Flash intro which has tons of 3D elements.
13. Sensi Soft
Beautiful work with beautiful 3D scene and animations. Consists of many different 3D scenes where each scene is like a different period of time.
14. Plantate
Beautiful and cartoon style website. A 3D planet in the middle of the website which you can rotate using your mouse.
15. Soft Whiteroom
Beautiful website. Everything is in 3D and very nicely responds to mouse movements.
16. Ha-py Island
Very cheerful website. The whole site is in 3D where you can walk around with a bear. It feels like you are playing a 3D game of some sort. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
17. Hatica
Beautiful and simple website with a 3D object in the middle of website.
18. The Egg Republic
Beautifully made website. It has great 3D animations and transitions from one page to another. It's also great that every page responds to movements of your mouse. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
19. Foxtel I am uniQue
Social networking website where you can create your own unique 3D portrait. Fantastic idea with great working 3D.
20. Cortex Design
Good looking 3D photo gallery with beautiful reflections. Just clean and simple.
21. The Morph
This website is brilliant! Turn on your webcam and see how all 3D objects follow your motions. Or if you don't have a webcam then this website also responds to movements of your mouse.
22. Twist and Drink
Cartoon style 3D website with mini games. Very well made!
23. Chuyue
Great piece of work! Beautifully made 3D menu and animations. You can even choose from 4 types of 3D menu layouts.
24. Mr A
A very cool website with awesome 3D work. Great 3D reflections and effects and there is also a mini game in the background.
25. Dasai
A simple website with a 3D navigation menu as a planet. Good use of Papervision3D.
26. Orange
Great piece of work. Everything is in 3D. You walk from one page (room) to another. Well made 3D animations.
27. TBC
Very simple website with a pretty cool 3D menu as a library. And also it has a cool animation when you choose something in this 3D menu.
28. New Work City
Pretty interesting corporate website with some 3D animations. It also has a stunning design. Great work.
29. Off The Street Club
Interesting website with many 3D objects that can be rotated.
30. Eight Interactive Studio
Just a clean and simple website with 3D animations. Beautiful!
31. Ecsw
Great 3D website with a cool Flash intro. One of the coolest 3D features this website has, is that you can walk around the building by yourself.
32. Zeebee visual communications
Search For 3d Designs For Beginners
A small website with 3D effects that looks brilliant. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
33. Thinking Space
Flash website that has a menu with a very interesting 3D effect. Good looking 3D transitions.
34. Domenico Tedone design
A clean and simple 3D website. Very well made. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
35. Silenzio
This is like a 3D movie library with beautiful 3D transitions. Every animation is very smooth. Good work.
36. Philter Design
Simple and clean 3D website.
37. Rule the Stars
Interesting way of how to draw something – draw it in the sky with stars! Great 3D work. Can also be like a nice little present for your girlfriend/boyfriend (your drawing of course) – she/he will like it, I promise. This website was awarded as 'site of the day' on FWA.
38. LBi Atlanta
Good looking website with very cool 3D navigation menu. Just hit 'Browse' on the right side of the website to see 3D navigation menu.
39. 3spin
Very good looking website with awesome 3D navigation menu where you fly from one page to another.
40. Comcast Town
Very big and cheerful flash website with many interesting 3D elements.
41. Fendi
Website with 3D photo gallery. Looks very good.
42. Roca Meridian
Clean and simple website in 3D cube.
43. Air Canada Leaveless
Beautiful corporate style website with some 3D elements. Very smooth 3D animations. For example, there is a smooth animation when the card flips over.
44. Grillhelden
Website with 3D background which responds to mouse movements. Good looking website with great use of Papervision3D.
45. 13flo
Good looking website with a 3D menu. You can choose from 4 different versions of this layout.
46. Inavi 3D
Great piece of work. Almost the whole scene is in 3D with awesome 3D transitions.
47. Njoore
Completely 3D website with very cool and entertaining loading as a mini game. I really enjoyed this little cheerful mini game. This website was awarded 'site of the day' on FWA.
3d Search Engine
48. Cristof Echard
Portfolio website with beautiful 3D transition effects.
Search 3d Models
49. X-Prime
Very cool Flash website with 3D elements. It has an interesting 3D menu.
50. 3 Words Game
Very cool 3D navigation menu.
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