Guides

Comparisons and how-tos for people who would rather print than learn CAD.

Start here · Beginner guideHow to 3D Print Custom Things Without Learning CADYou do not need Fusion, Blender or Tinkercad to print custom objects. A practical guide to generators, customizers and AI tools, with a four-step workflow.Updated 25 September 2026

Lithophanes · ComparisonBest Lithophane Generators: Photo to STL in MinutesThe best free lithophane makers compared: flat, curved, lamps, globes and colour (CMYK) lithophanes, plus the print settings that make photos pop when backlit.

Storage · ComparisonThe Best Gridfinity Generators in 2026 (Free, No CAD)Every good Gridfinity generator compared: bins, baseplates, drawer layouts, labels and tool inserts from a photo. Most are free and run in your browser.

AI to 3D · ComparisonBest AI 3D Model Generators for 3D Printing (2026)Text-to-3D and image-to-3D tools compared for people who want to print the result: which ones export STL or 3MF, what the free plans include, and which need repairs.

Image to 3D · ComparisonHueForge and the Free Alternatives: Filament Painting ComparedTurn any image into a multicolour print made of stacked filament layers. HueForge, MakerLab Chroma Canvas, Kromacut, Filament Painter and ColorStack compared.

Maps & Terrain · ComparisonPrint Any Place: The Best Terrain and Map GeneratorsMountains, cities, running routes, the Moon and Mars. The best generators for turning real places into 3D prints, free and paid, compared.

Signs, Keychains & Codes · ComparisonName Signs, Keychains and QR Codes: The Best Free GeneratorsThe best free generators for name plates, desk signs, name keychains, pet tags, QR codes and Spotify codes, with tips for clean two-colour prints.

Gifts · Ideas15 Personalised 3D Printed Gifts You Can Make Without CADGifts you can generate and print in one evening: lithophanes, star maps, name keychains, ornaments, song cards and stamps, made with free or cheap generators.