If you're new to the world of 3D printing, chances are you've become acquainted with the STL file format.

An STL file is like a set of instructions for 3D printing. A designer creates a model in a CAD program and then exports it as an STL file for printing.

When makers are itching to print something quickly, the right STL file can be a boon. Finding the perfect STL can even save you hours of hair-pulling design time. That's especially true if you're not exactly a CAD wizard.

The only issue is finding the best STL files isn't always easy. And finding free STLs can also be a challenge.

That's why we've made a list of 23 websites where you can find 3D print files-including free repositories, paid marketplaces, and 3d model search engines.

But wait, there's more! We've also found a new way to get 3D models that most people don't know about yet. We'll tell you about this cool trick later in the article!

At a Glance: 23 STL File Sites

Top 12 Sites For Free 3D Print Files

Here are the 12 best websites to find free 3D print files in 2025:

1. Thingiverse

Way back in 2008, a couple of influential makers in the MakerBot community launched Thingiverse. Today it is one of the oldest and most popular websites for downloading 3D models.

It's been around for a long time and has built up a huge collection of 3d models. Thingiverse says it has over 2.5 million models, but that number seems low. If you look at the model numbers in the website's URLs, you'll see they're close to 7 million by March 2025! And unlike newer platforms, Thingiverse lets you explore vintage 3D printer models from over a decade ago.

But Thingiverse isn't just for downloading 3d print files, it also offers Thingiverse Education to help beginners learn about 3d printing, and Thingiverse Groups where you can chat with other 3d printing fans.

While Thingiverse is great, it's not perfect. Sometimes the site can be a bit slow, and finding exactly what you want can take some digging. But with so many free 3d printer files to choose from, it's totally worth it. Thingiverse is still still one of the best places to get 3d models in 2025.

Explore 3D Print Files at Thingiverse

2. Printables

Printables is fast becoming one of the best sites for 3D print files. It used to be called PrusaPrinters, but got a new name in 2022 and has been growing rapidly ever since.

By March 2025, it has over 1.2 million free 3D models to choose from (as indicated by the model numbers in the URLs for their files). Need tools for your home? Costume parts for cosplay? Fun decorations? Printables keeps adding new stuff every day.

With all these models, Printables is now seen as the best alternative to Thingiverse for many people who love 3D printing.

What makes Printables special is how easy it is to use. The site looks clean and organised, and you can filter searches by file type or G-code filtration. The categories are clear too - fashion, household, art and more. This makes it easy to find the right 3D printer models.

If you want free 3D printer files without ads or confusing menus, this site is worth saving!

Explore 3D Print Files at Printables

3. Make It Real

You might not know about Make It Real yet, but we're excited to tell you about it. We've teamed up with makers and designers in the official Make It Real community to create a collection of STL files that we're sure you'll love.

Here's the key feature:

• Pre-made 3D models: You can easily find ready-to-print STL files for a wide range of projects, whether you need tools, miniatures, or artistic 3D designs.
• Integrated search engine: It's easy to find STL files from different sources. Just search for what you need, like gadgets or custom parts, and download them instantly.
• AI-powered design tools: The best thing about Make It Real is its 3D Paint and City Print tools, which let you turn 2D maps of cities into 3D models or even make mini versions of your favourite cities.If you don't find the right model, you can create your own.

Explore 3D Print Files at Make It Real

4. NIH 3D

Need 3D printer files for biology, medicine, or lab projects? NIH 3D is a free, easy-to-use site with over 13,900 science-focused models. Here, you'll find everything from detailed cells and viruses to printable DNA strands, artificial limbs, and lab tools.It's run by important groups like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This means you can trust the 3D models you find here.

Who will love NIH 3D?


• Students learning about biology and medicine

• Teachers looking for hands-on science tools

• Researchers needing specialized 3D models

• Anyone curious about seeing scientific ideas in 3D

One downside is that NIH 3D doesn't have fun or everyday 3D models. It's all about science. But if you're into biomedical topics, you'll find some 3D models here that you won't see anywhere else.

Explore 3D Print Files at NIH 3D

5. Smithsonian 3D

Ever wished you could hold a piece of history in your hands? Well, Smithsonian 3D might just make that dream come true. This unique website is part of the Smithsonian Institution, a famous museum and research center.

You can explore detailed scans of actual museum objects, from ancient fossils to space shuttles. And each model has a bunch of educational info to give you some background on the artifacts.

Key features of Smithsonian 3D:

• Free downloads of all 3D models
• High-quality scans of real museum objects
• Extensive educational content for each item
• Online 3D viewer for exploring objects without a 3D printer

Explore 3D Print Files at Smithsonian 3D

6. Free3D

Free3D offers a healthy chunk of printable STL files. It's like rummaging through your scrap filament box: you might have to search for a bit to find what you need, but once you do you'll be happy you put in the effort.

Explore 3D Print Files at Free3D

7. NASA 3d

NASA 3D is a cool website where you can get 3D models of space stuff for free. It's run by NASA, the people who explore space and send astronauts to the moon. Even if you don't know much about space, NASA 3D makes it easy to learn.

Here's what you can find on NASA 3D:

• Planets, moons, and asteroids
• Tools astronauts use in space
• Rockets and spaceships

Each model comes with info that explains what it is and why it's important. And many of these models come as STL files, this means you can actually 3D print them at home if you have a 3D printer.

Explore 3D Print Files at NASA 3D

8. 3DSky

If you're into architecture or interior design, you'll want to check out 3DSky. This Russian-born website has grown into a global favorite for 3D models, especially those related to buildings and interiors.

Unlike some other 3D model sites, 3DSky is great for architectural elements. You'll find everything from detailed building models to furniture and decorative items. It's not mainly for 3D printing, but many creative users have found ways to adapt these models for their printers.

Explore 3D Print Files at 3DSky

9. Pinshape

Next, we have a 3D design site that arguably doesn't get enough love. Pinshape might fly under the radar, but don't let that fool you. From fidget toys to larger-than-life video game replicas, this site's got a robust library of 3D designs for your enjoyment.

Explore 3D Print Files at Pinshape

10. Toymakr3D

Toymakr3D focuses on 3D printable toys and games, with both free and paid designs. You can find action figures, board game pieces, puzzles, and educational models, there's something here to delight hobbyists of all ages.

Explore 3D Print Files at Toymakr3D

11. MakerWorld

MakerWorld has a lot of the same characteristics as places like Make it Real and Printables. The site does offer both paid and free files, along with a number of models that you won't find anywhere else. If you want to find something interesting to print, prepare to be inspired by the sheer creativity of the users who create models for MakerWorld.

12. Creality Cloud

Creality Cloud was launched primarly as a place for Creality 3D printer owners. Don't worry, though, you don't need to exclusively own a Creality printer to be a part of the community. Everyone's invited. With a mix of free and paid STL files, Creality Cloud is another spot you should visit if you need to feel inspired.

Top STL Files Search Engines

13. Yeggi.com

More search engine than 3D printing file host, Yeggi is like Google of the 3D printing world. When you use its search function, it scours a broad database of 3D printing sites (many of which have already been mentioned) to find STLs for you.

There really isn't a downside to using Yeggi, though some models you find might be outdated. Still, having a search engine for 3D printing files is pretty cool from our perspective.

Explore 3D Print Files at Yeggi

14. SketchUp's 3D Warehouse

A big 3D printing library for architecture and interior design enthusiasts. Here, you'll find millions of 3D models created by the SketchUp community. It's perfect for anyone looking for detailed buildings or furniture. Get ready to explore a massive collection of over 5.2 million models and products!

Explore 3D Print Files at 3D Warehouse

15. Thangs

The new kid on the block, Thangs isn't just another 3D model search engine. This awesome database not only indexes uploaded models but also suggests similar designs based on your searches.

It also offers a subscription that increases daily downloads, as these are limited for non-members. Thangs is powerful, but since it limits downloads and requires payment, we recommend starting with free downloads first.

Explore 3D Print Files at Thangs

16. STL Finder

STL Finder is a meta-search engine that scrubs the depths of the internet to help you find some oh-so-unique-and-wonderful STL files. It's a lot like Yeggi.

One thing you will want to be aware of, however, is that this site isn't as kid-friendly as some of our other options. You'll probably want to be aware of that if you and your children print a lot of stuff together.

Explore 3D Print Files at STL Finder

Top 7 3D Model Marketplaces to Buy 3D Print Files

If you've explored free sites for STL files above and still need more options, it might be time to consider buying 3D models.

Free websites offer a lot, but paid marketplaces often have special, high-quality models you won't find anywhere else.

And if you're a designer, these sites are also great places to sell 3D models.

17. MyMiniFactory

Calling all tabletop warriors and mini lovers! MyMiniFactory is your one-stop-shop for all things tiny and printable. We figure you would have guessed that by the name, however.

One thing to know about MyMiniFactory is that it's a community-driven marketplace for 3D models, and some STL files may require payment. These paid designs are typically the highest quality, created by highly skilled makers.

Still, if you're pinching pennies, a lot of STLs won't cost you a dime.

Explore 3D Print Files at MyMiniFactory

18. Cults3D

Imagine a group of makers and 3D designers all coming together to sell their wares. That's Cults3D in a nutshell. Many of the files on Cults3D will require payment to access. Like MyMiniFactory, though, free STLs are available. You might just have to do a little digging to find them. The benefit Cults3D has over other sites is that you can often find rare prints for sale that no other site has.

Explore 3D Print Files at Cults3D

19. Turbosquid

TurboSquid is a popular 3D model marketplace founded in 2000 in New Orleans. It offers over 1 million 3D models, mostly paid, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds. Although not exclusively for 3D printing, many of its models can be used for this purpose.

Compared to free 3D printing sites, TurboSquid provides more detailed models and even official 3D models of real products from companies like Ford and General Motors. To ensure high-quality models, they've developed their own standard called CheckMate. Recently, they've also added an AI 3D generator for quick model creation.

TurboSquid may be particularly useful for:

• Professional 3D artists and designers
• Companies needing specific or high-quality 3D models
• Advanced 3D printing enthusiasts looking for detailed models
• Users needing models in specific file formats

Pro Tips: TurboSquid also has a cool feature called StemCell. This lets you convert 3d models to work with different 3D software. So, if you find a great model but it's not in the right format for your 3d printer, you might be able to change it.

Explore 3D Print Files at TurboSquid

20. CGTrader

If you're after some of the best 3D designs on the web, CGTrader is a fantastic site to explore. From mind-bending art to cutting-edge gadgets, this marketplace runs the gamut of 3D print designs.

Unfortunately, not everything on the site is free, so just be ready to part with a few bucks if your STL file can't be found anywhere else.

Explore 3D Print Files at CGTrader

21. Sketchfab

Sketchfab is a large online platform for 3D models. It was launched in Paris in 2012 to help 3D artists showcase their work in a more interactive way than using flat images. With over 6 million models to explore, it offers a huge collection of 3D creations.

You can rotate, zoom and examine the models in your web browser, without the need for special software. If you have the right equipment, Sketchfab supports VR and AR, so you can experience 3D art in a whole new way. For developers, Sketchfab provides APIs to add 3D model uploading and viewing to your own projects.

Whether you're looking for free models to play with or ready to pay for premium content, Sketchfab has options for everyone. Even if you don't make 3D stuff, Sketchfab is fun to explore.

Explore 3D Print Files at Sketchfab

22. YouMagine

YouMagine is known in the 3D printing world for its focus on RC (Remote Control) projects and construction models. It's a community where hobbyists and makers share their designs, both for free and for a price.

The site has a special Construction section where you can find 3D models of construction vehicles and equipment, like miniature bulldozers, cranes, and other large machines.

Although it doesn't have as many models as larger sites, YouMagine's focus makes it a top choice for RC and construction fans.

Explore 3D Print Files at YouMagine

23. Gambody

Gambody is like a 3D printing candy store for gamers and pop culture fanatics. Want to print your favorite video game character? How about that obscure movie prop you've been dreaming about? Gambody is the place you want to go. But be warned, the models on this site are not cheap. However, sales are frequent and discounts are generous.

Explore 3D Print Files at Gambody

A New Way to Get Your Own STL Files

Creating STL files for 3D printing used to be hard. In the past, AI tools couldn't generate good 3D models. The designs were often low quality, or they didn't look how you wanted them to.

But things have changed, AI technology has improved a lot. In 2025, it's easier than ever to make your own 3D models. Want to give it a try? Here are some AI tools to check out:

• Make it Real: You can just upload an image or pick a version of a city to get a 3D model that's ready to print. This tool lets you make your own STL files easily.
• Meshy AI: This tool can generate 3D models from text prompts or images.
• Tripo AI: Specializes in creating 3D assets for games and VR/AR applications.
• 3D AI Studio: Offers AI-powered 3D modeling and rendering.

What is the Best Website for STL Files?

Thingiverse is currently the largest 3D print repository. However, by 2025, Printables is catching up fast-Google Trends even shows search interest for Printables nearly matching Thingiverse. So, it's worth keeping an eye on both.

Besides these common choices, we also recommend Make It Real. It gives you three ways to get STL files. You can download ready-made 3D models, search for STL files from different websites, or use AI tools like 3D Paint and City Print to create your own.

What is Your Favorite Way to Find Free STL Files?

Well, there you have it, folks! Today, we discussed a feast of STL sources to feed your 3D printing habit. We've helped answer a host of questions about STL files, and we've hopefully given you some interesting ways to empty those last few spools of filament.

That said, we want to know: have you checked out any of these sites? If so, we're dying to know which one is your favorite?

Until next time, Happy Printing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you have a good idea of where to find the best STL files on the internet, your brain may be pulsing with questions about how to use those files.

Let's see if we can help answer some of the most commonly asked ones for you.

Is STL a 3D model?

An STL file isn't a 3D model itself-it's a file format that stores the shape of a 3D object. When you open an STL file in a 3D software, it shows the object's geometry, which you can then use for 3D printing or further editing.

Can You Edit an STL File?

Yes. But the process isn't straightforward, and you'll need special CAD software like Meshmixer, Blender, or TinkerCAD. These programs have a bit of a learning curve. But understanding CAD can make editing STLs much easier.

Can You Directly 3D Print an STL File?

No, you can't directly print an STL file. STL files need to go through a process called slicing before your printer can make sense of them. Your slicer software takes that STL and turns it into G-code, a set of instructions your printer can actually understand.