best 3d printing websites

The Best 3D Printing Websites for Hobbyists, Makers, and Wargamers

3D printing has transformed the tabletop, crafting, and maker communities. Whether you are building wargame terrain, printing miniatures, creating hobby tools, or designing functional parts, the websites you use can make all the difference. Many tabletop hobbyists combine these platforms with print-ready terrain STLs and gaming accessories designed specifically for wargaming tables.

To help you navigate the landscape, here is an expanded guide to the best 3D printing websites available today. Each one has unique strengths that appeal to different types of makers, wargamers, and designers.


1. MyMiniFactory

My Mini Factory front page

Best for: Wargame terrain and miniatures, creator storefronts, premium STLs.

MyMiniFactory is one of the most respected platforms for premium quality STL files. It is especially popular among tabletop gamers because of its vast selection of miniatures, terrain, scatter pieces, and hobby accessories. These files are often used alongside modular 3D printed terrain sets to create dense, narrative-driven gaming tables. Every file uploaded to the platform goes through a validation process to ensure it is actually printable. This creates a reliable environment where hobbyists can shop with confidence and avoid corrupted or untested models.

Creators often choose MyMiniFactory because it provides them with strong tools for running storefronts and building communities. The platform’s Frontier system allows designers to launch crowdfunding-style campaigns without relying on Kickstarter. This has made MMF a major hub for independent sculptors who specialise in wargaming models, sci fi terrain, fantasy miniatures, and printable diorama elements.

Why it stands out:

• Excellent for tabletop terrain and miniatures
• Strict printability checks
• Strong support for creators


2. Cults3D

Cults 3D front page

Best for: Variety, unique models & hobby tools.

Cults3D is known for its enormous variety and its open approach to designers. It has one of the widest selections of printable files online, ranging from terrain kits and gaming accessories to household objects, cosplay props, and mechanical parts. This variety makes it perfect for hobbyists who like experimenting with different styles or who are building mixed terrain tables for games like Necromunda, Kill Team, Fallout Wasteland Warfare, or Five Parsecs.

Unlike some curated platforms, Cults3D gives designers freedom over formatting, pricing, and licensing. This contributes to the creativity and diversity of the models available. Many creators upload small add-on terrain pieces, gaming tokens, tools, and novelty prints that you may not find anywhere else. These pair well with 3D printed tokens and tabletop trackers used to speed up gameplay and reduce table clutter. If you want a site where you can discover new ideas constantly, Cults3D is one of the best 3D printing websites for that purpose.

Why it stands out:

• Huge library of printable models
• Easy to use for beginners
• Great selection of wargaming accessories


3. Printables

Printables front page

Best for: Free files, community engagement, reliable models.

Printables, created by Prusa, has become one of the most user friendly and rewarding community driven 3D printing platforms. The majority of files on Printables are free, and the site puts a strong emphasis on practical, functional, and hobby enhancing prints. This includes terrain organisers, miniature display stands, painting handles, storage solutions, measurement tools, dice trays, and more. Many hobbyists also rely on printable gaming aids and tabletop accessories to keep games running smoothly.

What sets Printables apart is its strong focus on engagement and incentives. Users can earn points, participate in contests, and unlock badges by uploading files, sharing makes, and contributing to the community. This constant activity keeps the platform fresh and encourages creators to maintain high quality standards. For those who want reliable free models with excellent print guidance, Printables remains one of the best 3D printing websites available.

Why it stands out:

• Completely free STL library
• Strong community and active moderation
• Excellent for tools, accessories, and functional prints


4. MakerWorld

Maker World front page

Best for: Bambu Lab users, curated files, seamless slicer integration.

MakerWorld is a modern and rapidly expanding platform created by Bambu Lab, the company behind the P1, X1, and A1 series printers. What makes MakerWorld unique is its deep integration with Bambu Studio and the Bambu Handy app. Users can browse models, apply print ready profiles, and start slicing directly from the website with almost no setup. This makes the platform highly appealing for beginners and busy makers who want guaranteed results.

MakerWorld places strong emphasis on print tested profiles and verified results submitted by the community. Models often include recommended materials, colour options, printer settings, and even layer-by-layer breakdowns. The site is growing quickly with terrain sets, miniatures, functional hobby tools, and quality everyday prints. For anyone using a Bambu printer, MakerWorld is easily one of the best 3D printing websites to pair with your workflow.

Why it stands out:

• Direct integration with Bambu Studio for one click slicing
• Print tested profiles that reduce failed prints
• Fast growing library of terrain, miniatures, tools, and functional prints
• Excellent for both hobbyists and advanced makers using Bambu printers


5. Thingiverse

Thingiverse front page

Best for: Massive free library and legacy models.

Thingiverse is one of the oldest and most iconic names in 3D printing. Although it is no longer updated as frequently as some newer platforms, it still hosts one of the largest collections of free STL files on the internet. Many early terrain sets, gaming tools, and miniatures were published here, making it a treasure trove of legacy designs that continue to be downloaded and remixed today.

The platform operates entirely through user uploads and community sharing. While quality can vary, Thingiverse remains valuable for those who want free access to thousands of printable models. For wargamers who enjoy kitbashing or modifying designs for personal use, it is still worth browsing. Even with newer platforms available, Thingiverse remains an important part of the 3D printing ecosystem.

Why it stands out:

• One of the biggest free STL libraries
• Good for older terrain kits and legacy uploads
• Great starting point for beginners


6. CGTrader

CGTrader front page

Best for: Professional printable and non printable 3D models.

CGTrader is another platform that blends the professional digital art world with the 3D printing community. It offers a large catalogue of both printable STLs and non printable models used for animation or design work. This mixed structure makes CGTrader a flexible space for designers who sell across industries.

For hobbyists, the site features plenty of high quality terrain pieces, miniatures, props, and printable scenery items. The platform also supports commercial licensing, making it useful for creators who run their own stores or produce printed products. CGTrader sits comfortably between the hobby world and the professional art market and continues to expand its range of printable designs.

Why it stands out:
• Wide mix of printable and non printable models
• Good selection of premium STLs
• A strong platform for designers


7. Yeggi

Yeggi front page

Best for: Finding STLs quickly through aggregated search results from multiple sites.

Yeggi is one of the most widely used 3D model search engines on the internet. Instead of hosting its own files, Yeggi aggregates content from major STL websites, including Thingiverse, Printables, Cults3D, MyMiniFactory, and many others. This makes it an invaluable tool for hobbyists who want to quickly compare results across multiple platforms without visiting each one individually.

For wargamers and terrain builders, Yeggi is especially helpful when searching for scattered bits, specific terrain themes, or obscure hobby tools. Because the search engine picks up results from so many sources, it often surfaces models you would never find while browsing a single platform. If you want a fast way to explore the entire landscape of printable files, Yeggi deserves a place among the best 3D printing websites, even if it is riddled with ads, make sure you have your adblocker switched on!

Why it stands out:
• Aggregates results from dozens of 3D printing websites
• Great for discovering models you would miss on individual platforms
• Fast way to compare terrain, miniatures, and hobby tools across the web
• Ideal for beginners who want a single search bar for everything
• Lightweight, simple interface that gets straight to results


8. MiniHoarder

Mini Hoarder front page

Best for: Tabletop miniature collectors and Patreon style STL bundles.

MiniHoarder is a platform built specifically for tabletop miniatures, making it a natural fit for wargamers, RPG players, and hobby painters. Many well known creators who run Patreons or Kickstarters use MiniHoarder as their main storefront because it offers clean organisation, fast downloads, and tools that support monthly subscription distribution. The site has become a central hub for indie sculptors and themed miniature lines.

The platform focuses heavily on fantasy, sci fi, and skirmish scale minis, but it also features terrain packs, bases, display pieces, and accessories. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants high quality miniature files without wading through general purpose model websites. If your hobby revolves around printable warbands, heroes, monsters, or dungeon scatter, MiniHoarder is one of the best 3D printing websites to explore.

Why it stands out:
• Dedicated entirely to tabletop miniatures and terrain
• Supports creators who run Patreons and monthly STL subscriptions
• Clean storefronts and easy organisation of large miniature ranges
• Excellent range of fantasy and sci fi themed files
• Perfect for wargamers who want curated, gaming focused content


9. Thangs

Thangs front page

Best for: Advanced 3D search tools and discovering similar models across platforms.

Thangs stands out as both a model hosting site and a powerful 3D search engine. It uses geometric search technology to identify similar shapes and designs across the internet, allowing you to upload a model and find files with matching geometry. This makes it extremely useful for kitbashers, designers, and makers who want to find compatible parts or track down hard to locate models.

The platform also hosts its own growing library of free and paid files, including terrain pieces, sci fi props, toys, gadgets, and functional prints. Its 3D viewer is one of the best available, offering smooth visualisation and detailed previews before you download. Whether you want to find a specific model or explore new ones through advanced search tools, Thangs is becoming an essential part of the modern 3D printing ecosystem.

Why it stands out:
• Advanced geometric search technology for finding similar models
• Hosts its own growing library of free and paid STL files
• One of the best 3D viewers for previewing models in detail
• Great tool for designers, kitbashers, and modellers
• Combines search engine features with a modern asset platform


10. Wargaming3D

Wargaming 3d front page

Best for: Historical wargaming miniatures, vehicles, and battlefield terrain.

Wargaming3D is a specialised STL marketplace dedicated entirely to historical tabletop wargaming. Instead of general hobby models, the platform focuses on tanks, aircraft, artillery, infantry, terrain, buildings, and battlefield accessories across many eras including World War II, modern combat, Vietnam, Cold War, Napoleonic, and more. Because it caters specifically to wargaming scales, the models are usually designed for 6 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 28 mm, and other standard tabletop formats.

The platform hosts many different creators, ranging from independent sculptors to small boutique studios, resulting in a wide variety of styles and detail levels. The curation is strong, and most models include scale options, printing tips, and clear categorisation by nation and time period. For historical gamers, diorama builders, and anyone printing tanks and battlefield terrain, Wargaming3D is one of the best 3D printing websites available today.

Why it stands out:
• Dedicated entirely to historical wargaming STLs
• Models designed for actual tabletop scales
• Strong creator diversity across eras and factions
• Excellent selection of vehicles, infantry, and buildings
• One of the only major platforms focused on historical tabletop gaming


11. Pinshape

Pinshape front page

Best for: Beginners looking for a clean, user friendly STL marketplace.

Pinshape is a long running STL marketplace that offers a large library of both free and paid printable models. It has a clean, modern interface that makes it especially welcoming for beginners who may find older or more chaotic platforms difficult to navigate. The categories are well organised and the search tools make it easy to browse terrain, miniatures, props, household tools, toys, and printer upgrades. While not as large as Cults3D or Thingiverse, Pinshape focuses on quality over volume, and its community tends to upload reliable, print tested files.

The platform appeals to hobbyists who prefer a marketplace feel without overwhelming clutter. Many indie designers upload their terrain packs and accessories here, and the site includes a strong catalogue of functional prints as well. For wargamers, Pinshape is a great option for small scatter pieces, hobby organisers, miniature bases, tokens, and useful tools for painting or modelling. It is a solid choice for anyone who wants a balanced, user friendly STL site with an active creator community.

Why it stands out:
• Beginner friendly interface with clean navigation
• Good balance of free and premium models
• Strong selection of hobby tools and functional prints
• Quality focused rather than volume focused
• Great option for discovering smaller terrain packs and accessories


12. TurboSquid

Turbosquid front page

Best for: High end 3D assets and advanced creators.

TurboSquid is a professional 3D asset marketplace used by studios, artists, and designers working in industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product visualisation. While it is not primarily focused on 3D printing, many of its models can be adapted with basic mesh adjustments. For creators who want extremely detailed meshes to convert into printable centrepieces, TurboSquid can be an incredible resource.

Because it caters to professional designers, the models are often high poly and very detailed. This can make TurboSquid ideal for artists who want to create their own wargame terrain, vehicles, or hero scale miniatures using advanced sculpting techniques. The pricing varies widely, but the quality is often unmatched. For experienced makers, it is one of the best 3D printing websites for premium design assets.

Why it stands out:

• Professional quality assets
• Excellent for designers who need detailed meshes
• Huge model library


13. Fab365

Fab365 front page

Best for: Innovative foldable, print in place models with clever engineering.

Fab365 is one of the most unique 3D printing websites thanks to its focus on beautifully engineered folding and no assembly models. Instead of traditional multi part prints, Fab365 designs print in place pieces that collapse, unfold, or transform directly off the print bed. These designs include vehicles, robots, buildings, characters, and functional gadgets, all created with incredible precision. The engineering quality is consistently high, and prints often require no glue, supports, or post processing beyond basic cleanup.

Although Fab365 is not primarily aimed at tabletop gamers, its designs often inspire terrain makers and hobbyists who appreciate clever mechanical design. Some of the folding buildings and structures also work well as sci fi or industrial scatter pieces. For display printers, toy makers, and anyone who loves innovative mechanical prints, Fab365 is one of the most creative and visually striking 3D printing platforms available.

Why it stands out:
• Specialises in foldable, print in place designs
• Incredible mechanical engineering and visual polish
• No glue or assembly required for most models
• Great source of inspiration for designers and terrain builders
• Unique niche that stands out from typical STL marketplaces


14. Gambody

Gambody front page

Best for: Detailed figurines and display models.

Gambody specialises in premium, high detail figurines, vehicles, and display models aimed at collectors and painters. While it is not primarily focused on wargame scale miniatures, the level of sculpting and detail is exceptional. Many models come with multi part construction, keyed assembly, and supported files tailored for resin printing.

For wargamers, Gambody is best suited for centrepiece models or large display pieces rather than gaming scale units. However, if you want to print a massive mech, a detailed sci fi hero, or a large creature for a diorama, Gambody is one of the best 3D printing websites for ultra high detail work. The platform also provides excellent support and detailed printing instructions.

Why it stands out:

• Outstanding high detail sculpts
• Great for centrepiece models
• Regularly updated collections


How to Choose the Best 3D Printing Website

Choosing the right platform depends on your needs as a hobbyist or creator. If you want curated quality for tabletop gaming, MyMiniFactory is ideal. If you prefer free models and a strong community, Printables or Thingyverse may be the best fit. Makers who want fast and reliable results with Bambu printers will get the most from MakerWorld. Professional designers may prefer CGTrader or TurboSquid.

Most people will come to prefer one over the others based on what they want to print, although there’s nothing to stop you from using all of the above and trawling them to find the right STLs. Always consider file quality, licensing options, creator support, and the type of projects you want to print, whether that’s scatter terrain, battlefield structures, or gameplay tokens. Exploring multiple platforms is often the best way to build a diverse and reliable model library and find new creators.

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