8 Best 3D Printing Apps
3D printing apps will help you design your own things and print them out on the 3D printer. There are many types that can optimize your entire process and give you newfound flexibility within your industry.
3D printing is an efficient way to make complex objects by using fewer materials. With these top-rated apps, you can create your own designs and get the most out of your 3D printer. You can also use them to share your work with others or to get feedback from them.
These apps are easy to use and provide an intuitive interface for designing your own 3D models using the latest CAD software. This type of software allows you to create advanced 3D models and designs and is used by many architects and engineers.
Below we have listed the 8 best 3D printing apps based on their functionality, ease of use, and operating system. There is an app available for every function and expertise level in the 3D printing space too.
1. Qlone
The Qlone app is a 3D scanning application for mobile devices. It has been designed to allow users to generate 3D models and use them on websites through scanning. You can do many different things with these scans too.
The scanning is possible by using an AR mat that is blank with black and white on the surface. You can aim the camera at this mat and it allows you to scan objects and it generates a preview for you to review.
This app is free to use and there are additional add-ons you can purchase to make it slightly more advanced for cheap. It also allows you to export your scans to integrate with other AR or 3D printing tools as well as share your designs on social media.
2. Polycam
Ploycam is a 3D printing scanning app that is available for iOS and Android operating systems. The app provides the user with a scanner that can be used to scan objects and save them into their library.
Users can also share their scans with others in the community, who will give feedback on how well the scan is done. This app is easy to use to scan an object and then export it for future use as well as upload it into the community scan library.
Beyond just the application, you can learn through the different workflows they have created to get the most from this software. The community also includes a Discord group where you can ask questions and connect with like-minded individuals.
Polycam is more than just a 3D printing app. It has so much to offer and should be a place you go if you are just getting started with 3D printing.
3. MakerBot Mobile
MakerBot Mobile is an app that you can use to monitor 3D printing workflows, connect equipment, and execute prints directly. The key to this app is setting everything up to work together wirelessly too.
The app is available for both iOS and Android. It allows you to monitor the status of your 3D printer remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can also use the app to queue print jobs on your MakerBot Replicator+ or Mini+, and even print from a tablet or phone with a MakerBot Print Service installed.
The app also allows you to use it as a remote control for the MakerBot Replicator line of products. This means that you can start and pause prints, as well as change print settings such as temperature, with just a few taps on your phone or tablet.
You can do just about everything within this app, including any necessary firmware or hardware updates.
4. AstroPrint
AstroPrint is a cloud management software and app for 3D printing. The app allows you to manage users, monitor analytics, and do 3D prints in the app. The most notable feature is the cloud 3D design library that can be accessed by all users.
You can start managing your 3D printers and print jobs right away. You can also monitor analytics with live monitoring to understand how things are running. Everything this app can offer is highly intuitive.
This app is best used by larger teams with multiple users because it has so much to offer. You also have a direct remote control to all of your connected 3D printers right from your phone, so you always know what is being run.
5. Morphi
Morphi is a 3D modeling and AR app for your phone. It allows you to create designs, save them, and gives access to many tools too. It is one of the easiest apps to learn how to operate with 3D modeling for beginners too.
The app has a simple interface that allows people of all ages to use it. The app also has a lot of features that make it easy for people to design and export their creations. The app includes tons of 3D drawing tools too.
You have full access to a library of different images and 3D shapes that can be included in your design process. The AR feature allows you to capture and preview any design ideas you come up with too.
6. MyMiniFactory
MyMiniFactory is a web-based, open-source platform that allows users to share STL files for their 3D print design needs. The website offers a wide variety of digital designs for both desktop use and mobile device use.
While the app may not be the most advanced, it is quite easy to use and the primary feature allows all 3D printable objects to be searchable right from your phone. This allows you to find what you like and save them into specific collections in your profile.
There is also a community aspect to the app because you can follow designers, share photos of your prints, and find new ideas all in the app. You can even link your printers to the app and control them with a simple click.
7. Printoid for OctoPrint
Printoid is a 3D printing app that gives you better control over your hardware. You can adjust all settings on your printers and it also has tutorials on how to use it which is a great help for new people who are just getting into 3D printing.
It provides you with the ability to adjust all the settings on your printers. This includes calibration, filament settings, and temperature control. It also allows you to do things like creating custom profiles for different types of filament and print jobs.
Another advanced feature of this app is its video streaming capabilities. You can set it up to take videos of your printing when you are not at the same location as your printer. This gives you better flexibility without losing control over the process.
8. Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a 3D design and printing app that is highly intuitive, allowing you to create designs, visualize the prints, and much more. It features a powerful set of tools that will allow you to create anything from simple models to complex shapes.
This app has an interface that is very easy to use; it has been designed with simplicity in mind. It also allows you to work on your designs offline which can be very useful for those who are working on the go.
You can use it in many different industries to get the job done too. They include a learning center with plenty of resources so you can learn how to run the app to its fullest potential while gaining some valuable knowledge about 3D printing.
How To Choose the Best 3D Printing App
The best 3D printing app is the one that will make your life easier. There are a lot of 3D printing apps available in the market and you can find them in different online stores.
There are many factors that will help you choose the best 3D printing app for your needs. The good thing about these apps is that they are available for both Android and iOS devices.
Consider some of these factors below to find the right app for you. The ideal 3D printing app provides lots of features at an affordable cost while matching your phone and the necessary operating system.
Features
The first thing to consider before downloading a 3D printing app is the type of app it is and the available features it can offer. For example, if you need a scanning app you want to find one that includes an AR view of your scan.
There are so many different things you can accomplish with a 3D printing app, so always take a look at the listed features before choosing the right one for you. This is especially true if it is a costly app to download.
Cost
The cost of a 3D printing app can vary depending on the features that it has to offer. For example, some apps may be free but lack the capabilities of others. There are also apps that include purchases made after downloading.
The cost of the 3D printing app should be considered before downloading or purchasing it because it may not be worth the money spent on it if there are other more suitable apps on the market.
Expertise Level
Depending on your experience and knowledge, you need to choose your app wisely. For example, many apps use STL files to build objects. These files use linked triangles to create the object and enhance the resolution.
If you have little expertise when it comes to STL files, you may struggle to get the most out of this specific app. It ultimately depends on what you know, but many apps provide community support and resources to learn more too.
Ease-Of-Use
Another thing you should look for when choosing a 3D printing app is how simple and easy it is to use. There are some apps that are so complex and difficult to use that they can be discouraging for beginners.
The best 3D printing app for beginners is one that has a simple interface and is easy to use. They tend to include plenty of online resources to learn how to run the app efficiently too.
Benefits Of Using 3D Printing Apps
3D printing is one of the most innovative technologies in the world today. It has provided a new way to produce and design products and with the expansion to apps, the benefits have only continued to grow.
Consider the benefits below when deciding whether using 3D printing apps is right for you and your specific needs.
Better Accessibility
There are many 3D printing apps available on smartphones and tablets, which give you better accessibility to designs, settings, and models. You can view designs, change settings and adjust models on the go with these apps.
This allows you to increase your capabilities because you always can make necessary changes or adjustments. You should consider whether the app you are using requires an internet connection too.
Minimal Hardware Needed
3D printing apps make 3D printing more accessible to everyone by lowering the cost of entry and allowing more users to learn. The app will allow users to design their own objects on the go, without any prior knowledge.
You don’t need fancy equipment or an expensive setup to download these apps. It allows you to gain some experience, browse design libraries, and learn more about the industry before making a bigger hardware purchase.
Easily Collaborate With Others
Another amazing feature of many 3D printing apps is the ability to collaborate with friends or coworkers seamlessly. This makes it easy to get feedback on designs or share insights and project details with a few simple clicks.
These apps will also provide a library of pre-made objects that anyone can download and print on their printer at home. This is a great way for people who are interested in designing things but don't have any training or experience with CAD or 3D modeling software.
