Having access to a 3D printer is a rather exciting privilege. Whether you're a seasoned 3D printing veteran or a beginner, free 3D printing models are always welcome. Designing 3D models from scratch can be time-consuming and requires special skills.

Luckily, there are lots of websites and libraries that offer free 3D models for download, but not all 3D models are printable. Here are four of the best websites for downloading 3D printable models.

1. Thingiverse

Thingiverse is the ultimate 3D printing library. This website is entirely dedicated to 3D printers, and most 3D models are uploaded as STL files that can be easily 3D printed. Each model comes with a 3D preview, pictures of the printed product, and print settings.

Thingiverse allows users to post photos of their makes, and creators can remix other 3D files to create new designs. You can look through the different user-published makes to find the best print settings for a file, or to get some inspiration.

Thingiverse has become the go-to 3D printing library for makers thanks to its free access to designs and files. Every file that you see on Thingiverse, you can download and use for free. Although, if you're a creator, you cannot sell your designs on Thingiverse due to the platform's free nature.

Though you don't need to pay any money to use the free 3D models on these websites, it doesn't mean that they're not copyright protected. Do your research before using these files in commercial projects!

2. MyMiniFactory

MyMiniFactory is a 3D printing library and community where you can find thousands of free and paid 3D models for download.

MyMiniFactory has a strong emphasis on role-playing games, such as D&D. Most of the models you'll find here are structures and characters designed for tabletop games.

If you're a fan of 3D-printed tabletop figures, then you know how much better they look when they're printed in multiple colors. To upgrade your printer and your prints, consider trying out duotone 3D printing.

Other than its library, MyMiniFactory has many engaging community elements. Makers can write their stories in Community Stories, and they can partake in designing and printing competitions to win prizes.

The site also hosts an ambitious project called Scan The World, whose goal is to offer art and heritage sculptures in the form of 3D printable files for free. So far, this project has cataloged 17,000 objects which you can download for free.

3. Cults

Cults is another 3D repository and community where you can download 3D models and print them. The site offers both free and paid models. If you're a maker, you can monetize and sell your 3D model on Cults.

Cults is the perfect place to find aesthetic and decorative 3D-printed models. It offers a wide array of jewelry, art, and fashion models. If you're looking to make your own 3D-printed jewelry, then Cults is the place to browse and download models.

Cults also hosts 3D printing contests where you can design a model according to the given guidelines to win a prize.

4. TurboSquid

TurboSquid is a massive marketplace for 3D models. Unfortunately, while some of these models are designed to be 3D printed, most are not. However, you can still print them with a little tweak.

The website offers a wide selection of professional 3D models, both paid and free. Some of these models feature remarkable detail and realism, and they range from vehicles and people to animals.

You can find 3D printable models by searching for STL models. There are roughly 100,000 STL models available on TurboSquid. The website was acquired by Shutterstock in 2021.

From Bytes to the Real World

3D printing is an awesome technology that lets you bring 3D creations out of your computer and into the real world. With a 3D printer, you can print any 3D model in STL format, and now you know where to find such models.

Though you have to pay to download some models on these websites, there's still a good variety and quantity of free 3D models available. Now all you need to do is to find the model you like most, and get to printing!