<p>If you're just starting out then Tinkercad (website) is a good place to start designing your own objects. Later you can get to grips with OpenScad for more complex shapes. Both are free.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-29T11:49:15.687Z
I'm confused, TinkerCad produces stl files same as OpenScad etc. What files can't be printed from TinkerCad?
Pommie
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-29T12:46:53.967Z
You don't print STL but the gcode made by the slicer. STL is the model, gcode the print instructions. While you can use the models provided by pages like thingieverse, you need to slice them for your machine, which your answer fails to mention.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-27T13:41:17.997Z
The models generated with those programs are however not yet printable - you forget to mention slicing!
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-27T10:48:57.130Z
2019-04-27T10:48:57.130Z
Pommie
<h2>First; find a model!</h2>
<p>To print something you require a <strong>model</strong> (usually this is in STL format, look into websites called <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Thingiverse</a> and <a href="https://www.myminifactory.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">MyMiniFactory</a> for examples). Once you have a model file, you need to make it readable for the printer firmware.</p>
<p>If you can't find suitable model, then you need to design a model yourself (or ask someone to do it for you) or adjust an existing model to suit your needs. &quot;<a href="/q/740/">Good (preferably free) Beginner Software for Part Creation?</a>&quot; is a good place to start.</p>
<h2>Second; use slicer software</h2>
<p>For a printer to be able to print the model, the model needs to be sliced into layers. These layers need to be printed at specific speeds, temperatures, etc. Search online and look at the filament packaging (usually the ideal temperatures are on the packaging) to find the ideal temperature for your filament. If you are not using the right temperatures, your print will most likely fail. Programs that are able to slice models are called <strong>slicers</strong>. The most popular free (and Windows compatible) slicers are <a href="https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Ultimaker Cura</a> and <a href="https://slic3r.org" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Slic3r</a> (or its <a href="https://www.prusa3d.com/slic3r-prusa-edition/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Prusa distribution</a>).</p>
<p>The slicer produces a printer readable file called a G-code file (file filled with printer instructions for e.g. movement and heating). This G-code file can be sent to the printer using specific printer software (e.g. OctoPrint, Repetier-Host, etc.) but more common or simple is to put the G-code file on an SD card and print the file using the print menu on the printer LCD.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-27T17:31:52.953Z
Got my first print. Yey :-D
rekire
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-28T08:14:22.217Z
@rekire Congrats! As you print simple models and fail at more complex ones, you will soon learn about settings that make prints better and easier in the slicer. One of the most common ones is activating support material. Don't worry about a bad print or two.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-28T08:15:36.717Z
@rekire Once you are comfortable with your slicer, look for a CAD design program to make your own models. The learning curves can be rather steep, but once you manage, you can manage to all out.
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-02-15T22:32:15.597Z
@rekire Seconding Trish. Learn a CAD (Fusion360, FreeCAD) for tech stuff and/or a 3D modelling editor (Blender) for artsy creations, and you're cooking with gas.
SF.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-04-26T16:27:11.047Z
2019-05-03T22:09:22.330Z
2020-06-18T08:29:41.667Z
0scar
<p>I'm still new to 3D printing and I want to print something. I expect that I'll mess it up since I find nothing to adjust it but it is now laying around for 4 months and I'm sick of it.</p>

<p>So my question is where do I find Windows software to print something and of course where do I get a 3D model?</p>

<p>I own a Geeetech i3 Pro W.</p>

<3d-models><slicing><fdm><knowledgebase>
Which software do I need to start print something?
rekire
# Which software do I need to start print something?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-04-26)

I'm still new to 3D printing and I want to print something. I expect that I'll mess it up since I find nothing to adjust it but it is now laying around for 4 months and I'm sick of it.

So my question is where do I find Windows software to print something and of course where do I get a 3D model?

I own a Geeetech i3 Pro W.

**Tags:** 3d-models, slicing, fdm, knowledgebase

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2019-04-26. Score: 6 | Accepted answer

## First; find a model!

To print something you require a **model** (usually this is in STL format, look into websites called [Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com) and [MyMiniFactory](https://www.myminifactory.com/) for examples). Once you have a model file, you need to make it readable for the printer firmware.

If you can't find suitable model, then you need to design a model yourself (or ask someone to do it for you) or adjust an existing model to suit your needs. "[Good (preferably free) Beginner Software for Part Creation?](/q/740/)" is a good place to start.

## Second; use slicer software

For a printer to be able to print the model, the model needs to be sliced into layers. These layers need to be printed at specific speeds, temperatures, etc. Search online and look at the filament packaging (usually the ideal temperatures are on the packaging) to find the ideal temperature for your filament. If you are not using the right temperatures, your print will most likely fail. Programs that are able to slice models are called **slicers**. The most popular free (and Windows compatible) slicers are [Ultimaker Cura](https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software) and [Slic3r](https://slic3r.org) (or its [Prusa distribution](https://www.prusa3d.com/slic3r-prusa-edition/)).

The slicer produces a printer readable file called a G-code file (file filled with printer instructions for e.g. movement and heating). This G-code file can be sent to the printer using specific printer software (e.g. OctoPrint, Repetier-Host, etc.) but more common or simple is to put the G-code file on an SD card and print the file using the print menu on the printer LCD.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Got my first print. Yey :-D  
> **username_2**: @rekire Congrats! As you print simple models and fail at more complex ones, you will soon learn about settings that make prints better and easier in the slicer. One of the most common ones is activating support material. Don't worry about a bad print or two.  
> **username_2**: @rekire Once you are comfortable with your slicer, look for a CAD design program to make your own models. The learning curves can be rather steep, but once you manage, you can manage to all out.  
> **username_4**: @rekire Seconding Trish. Learn a CAD (Fusion360, FreeCAD) for tech stuff and/or a 3D modelling editor (Blender) for artsy creations, and you're cooking with gas.  

---

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-04-27. Score: -1

If you're just starting out then Tinkercad (website) is a good place to start designing your own objects. Later you can get to grips with OpenScad for more complex shapes. Both are free.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: The models generated with those programs are however not yet printable - you forget to mention slicing!  
> **username_1**: I'm confused, TinkerCad produces stl files same as OpenScad etc. What files can't be printed from TinkerCad?  
> **username_2**: You don't print STL but the gcode made by the slicer. STL is the model, gcode the print instructions. While you can use the models provided by pages like thingieverse, you need to slice them for your machine, which your answer fails to mention.  

---

