Overview
3D Manufacturing Format—ZIP-based 3D package with mesh, units, and print metadata; supported on many FDM slicers.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best for
- 3D · modern mesh
- Typical output
- 3MF
- Typical cost
- Free
Excellent for
- FDM 3D printing★★★★★
- Multi-material prints with metadata★★★★★
- Windows 3D pipeline handoffs★★★★★
Compatible with
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔FDM 3D printing
- ✔Multi-material prints with metadata
- ✔Windows 3D pipeline handoffs
Cons
- ✘Resin-only shops without 3MF support
- ✘2D print processes
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: 3MF
Resolution & export
- Export with millimeter units embedded.
- Use STL when the maker requests maximum compatibility.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Non-manifold geometry inside the package
- Unit metadata ignored by older slicers
- Mixing 3MF and STL scale assumptions
Best practices
- 1Export with millimeter units embedded.
- 2Verify manifold geometry before upload.
- 3Use STL when the maker requests maximum compatibility.
Common mistakes
Non
manifold geometry inside the package
Unit metadata ignored by older slicers
Unit metadata ignored by older slicers
Mixing 3MF and STL scale assumptions
Mixing 3MF and STL scale assumptions
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Non-manifold geometry inside the package | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Unit metadata ignored by older slicers | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Mixing 3MF and STL scale assumptions | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon