Dinosaurs are a classic part of popular culture. People learn about these giant reptiles at an early age through toys, cartoons, and beloved movies like Jurassic Park. While dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago and are long extinct, their popularity never seems to fade.
From triceratops to T-Rex, dino lovers have a wide variety of printable dinosaur-themed models to choose from. Here’s our selection of the best dinosaur designs for 3D printing.
If you see a ferocious T-Rex that you love but don’t have access to a printer, let Craftcloud by All3DP professionally print it for you! Life will find a way right to your doorstep.
Now, let’s discover some of the best dinosaur models to 3D print!
Display
Add some natural history to your decor with these displayable dinosaurs.
These detailed and realistic pieces not only can decorate a shelf, desk, or table but can also work for academic purposes.
T-Rex Skull
This T-Rex skull is an impressive and successful model from MakerBot Academy. We’ll check out the complete T-Rex skeleton below (spoiler alert!), but this model deserves attention due to the large number of makes.
Even with its organic and complex shape, it’s straightforward to print. The two parts of the skull are set to print without supports, and they print great with PLA. Due to the detail, it’s recommended to print with a low layer height between 0.1 mm and 0.15 mm. There’s a base to hold it, but it sits flat on a table without one.
Since this is an educational model, it comes with a lesson plan that explores the characteristics of this widely studied dinosaur.
- Who designed it? MakerBot
- How printable/popular is it? This model has more than 1,000 makes. It’s so popular that there are over 100 remixes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
T-Rex Skeleton
Here, we have the T-Rex Skull along with the rest of the body. This anatomically correct model presents the reptile king 20 times smaller than a real one, so it’s great for collectors and educators.
The design contains 19 files totaling 79 parts, making it a fairly big model that’ll take a minute to assemble. You can print it in several sessions, so a mistake won’t ruin all your work. Some parts are really thin, so it can be tricky to print.
There are several successful makes printed with a layer height of 0.2 mm, but there is no consensus if it prints well scaled down.
- Who designed it? MakerBot
- How printable/popular is it? A successful design that surpassed 700 makes and has over 30 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Triceratops Skull
As part of MyMiniFactory’s “Scan the World” initiative, this 3D scan reportedly comes from an actual Triceratops skull found in Colorado. The suffix “repair” on the file name suggests that some post-processing was done to make it more print-friendly.
That said, the model is categorized as “very easy” in terms of complexity, and this information is supported by several successful community makes.
- Who designed it? Scan The World
- How printable/popular is it? The model has more than 1,000 likes, has been downloaded over 12,000 times, and so far has 9 community prints.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Pteranodon Skull
The Pteranodon skull model offers a glimpse into the ancient world of pterosaurs, a genus of flying reptiles that soared through the Late Cretaceous skies of North America. Although not classified as dinosaurs, Pteranodon is often associated with them in pop culture and educational materials.
This intricately designed model consists of three parts: the skull, jaw, and base. Achieving optimal results requires careful consideration of printing parameters. For the skull and jaw use a 0.16-mm resolution and 10% infill, along with the use of supports.
To ensure a better finish, position the outer areas of the parts to avoid contact with the supports. That is to say, the skull should be oriented upwards while the jaw should be set upside down. The base is as straightforward to print as it gets: A 0.2-mm resolution with 20% infill and no supports will do the trick.
- Who designed it? RavenSkull
- How printable/popular is it? This realistic model has five impressive community prints.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Cute Baby Velociraptor
This cute baby velociraptor figurine blends charm with accuracy, capturing the essence of the velociraptor species while incorporating an irresistibly cute aesthetic. The thoughtful detail of the claw raised on its foot adds an endearing touch to the model’s design, showcasing the care taken in its crafting.
This is a print-friendly model with no special printing instructions required. Use a 0.16-mm resolution and 20% infill to achieve a nice detailing and sturdy enough print. No supports are needed, simplifying the process further.
- Who designed it? Macroglossum
- How printable/popular is it? This charming figurine has over 1,400 downloads, and more than 40 makes have been shared so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
Velociraptor Claw
Another 3D scan, this time a ferocious claw! This model is post-processed to be watertight. The updated version has a better printing position and built-in supports ready to print. Note that there’s no version without the supports.
Since the design is just the claw without a complete skull or skeleton, the file size is on a 1:1 scale with the feel of an authentic replica. It’s a small model that prints in under one hour with a 0.2-mm layer height.
- Who designed it? JulPal
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 80 makes and has been downloaded more than 25,000 times combined from all sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Thingiverse
Velociraptor Head
This model is a one-piece velociraptor head designed to hang on a wall with a wall mount or a nail. It’s a massive model that takes more than a day to print, so it’s recommended for more experienced users.
Keep in mind that the teeth may require supports, even though the designer claims the print can be successful without them. Make sure your printer is well-calibrated before trying it out. If you know how to handle long prints, you’ll end up with a dino-tastic piece!
- Who designed it? UWcharlie1983
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 80 makes shared on both sites and 2 remixes posted on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Tools
Want to show your love for dinos at all times? We’ve gathered some great models with functionality that you can take with you on the go.
Dino-Clip Mechanical CAM Chip-Clip
This dinosaur-themed bag clip is a fun design for kids and adults alike. It’s a remake of a non-dinosaur-themed bag clip featuring some improvements from the designer.
Keep in mind that it’s a print-in-place model, which means it’s ready to use after printing with no assembly required. It has a 0.2-mm gap between the parts, so you’ll need a well-calibrated printer to prevent pieces from sticking together.
The designer recommends a 0.2-mm layer height, 20% infill, and printing in PLA. Several files are available, including batch prints, mini versions, and multicolor assembly.
- Who designed it? Sneaks
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 18,000 downloads and 665 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Chubby T-Rex Dinosaur Pencil Holder
The Chubby T-Rex Dinosaur Pencil Holder presents a charming addition to any desk or workspace. Designed as an open-mouthed dinosaur sitting and looking up, it serves a dual purpose as a functional pencil holder and a whimsical decorative piece.
The hollow model is print-friendly with no supports required. You can try a 0.2-mm resolution with 8-15% infill. As it’s basically just an external wall, there’s little infill to print.
- Who designed it? IK3D
- How printable/popular is it? This chomping dino has been printed more than 2,500 times across all three sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, MakerWorld, Printables
Chrome Offline Dino Bookmark
The Chrome Offline Dinosaur game is always there to cheer us up when we lose internet connection. Therefore, it’s not surprising this pixelated dino has become widely popular. This useful bookmark design brings the character to the physical world.
This model lays flat on the printer table. It’s very easy to print unless you have problems with warping. If you have a glass bed, the smooth finish on the bottom is soothing for a bookmark this size. It’s recommended to print the file with a 0.2-mm layer height in PLA. Since it’s a thin model, 30% infill is suitable.
- Who designed it? akshay_d21
- How printable/popular is it? The Chrome Dino bookmark has over 1,000 likes and 13 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cell Phone Stand
This long-neck dinosaur-themed phone stand let’s you watch videos and make calls hands-free. Two designs are available, including one to keep your phone vertical and the other more reclined with a longer tail.
It’s a very straightforward model to print. The only relief details are the mouth and the eyes, on either side of the model. The material should bridge easily on the side facing the print bed due to the size of the details. That said, 20% infill will work fine, and there shouldn’t be any issues printing with PLA.
- Who designed it? bcrop
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 2,000 likes, more than 40 makes, and 5 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Ringosaurus Ring Holder
The Ringosaurus Ring Holder is a lovely – as its name indicates – dinosaur ring holder. This utility piece adds a dash of prehistoric elegance to any space, while efficiently storing your rings and earrings. Rings can be placed on the neck and tail, while earrings and other jewelry can be put on its back, so it offers both functionality and style.
This holder is very easy to print, requiring no supports. No extensive instructions to print are provided, but a 0.15-mm resolution and 20% infill should bring good results.
- Who designed it? Asphalt3D
- How printable/popular is it? Altogether, this lovely utility dino has been printed over 400 times.
- Where to find it? Printables, MakerWorld
3D Triceratops Cookie Cutter
This is a dinosaur-themed cookie cutter for the experienced baker! To help baking newbies, the maker provides a gingerbread recipe and detailed instructions for creating successful Triceratops cookies.
The design is composed of two legs, one head, and one tail for each cookie, which slot together for assembly. Files are available for printing one part at a time or all together.
Baking may not be your forte, but printing the models is easy enough. A 0.2-mm layer thickness and 20% infill should be fine. Also, be sure to read up on food-safe filaments.
- Who designed it? Isolt
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 2,000 likes and 18 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Brachiosaurus Cookie Cutter
If you like dinosaur cookies but assembling cookie parts isn’t really your thing, here’s a more straightforward baking project. This long-neck dinosaur design includes one part with a well-defined shape.
As with the former design, a 0.2-mm layer thickness and 20% infill are suitable. And again, keep materials and food safety in mind for this cookie cutter.
- Who designed it? mgigli
- How printable/popular is it? This dino-themed cookie cutter has over 1,800 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Toys
From a stackable dinosaur-themed game to an articulated T-Rex, this collection is for kids of all ages.
Flexi Rex
This extremely popular model is a trendsetter for articulated models. This version, which incorporates stronger links, is a robust toy that’s sure to be an instant hit with kids (and adults).
For best results, use a layer height of 0.2 mm and 15% infill. While the original model was printed in ABS, so many makes show that plenty of other filaments work well too.
- Who designed it? DrLex
- How printable/popular is it? With around 3,000 makes and over 170 remixes altogether, this design is a phenomenon.
- Where to find it? GitHub, Printables, Thingiverse
Flexi BabyDino
The Flexi BabyDino features a baby dino figure with gentle, delicate horns. This print-in-place model offers convenience and ease. Its flexible design enables the head, arms, legs, body, and tail to bend and twist in various ways, enhancing play and sparking fun adventures.
While being a multicolor model, some makers have also explored one-color prints. As an articulated print-in-place model no supports or brim should be used. A resolution of 0.2 mm, with 3-4 walls and 20% infill, might achieve an endurable enough toy.
- Who designed it? 3Ddesignshop
- How printable/popular is it? This delicate dino has been printed nearly 400 times. Three makers have uploaded their own print profiles, and eight have shared images of their baby dinos.
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Balance Game
This is an interesting game composed of little dinosaur figures. The goal is to stack as many dinosaurs as possible on the wobbly base. The first player with no dinosaurs left wins!
Files are available for the base and dino figures. Comments say that it’s a big challenge to balance them all up! Try to print with a layer height of 0.2 mm and 15% infill, and opt for as many colors as you can to add more fun!
- Who designed it? Dragon
- How printable/popular is it? This dino game has more than 3,000 downloads and over 100 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
T. Rex Easy Print & Glue
This nice and detailed T-Rex model is a remix designed to print in parts that you glue together. It worked so well that the remix became more popular than the original design.
There are supported files for the legs and head, but the file for these parts without built-in supports are also available. The author recommends a layer height of 0.1 mm or lower – because of the small details – and infill from 30% to 50% to make it strong enough, especially the thin arms. PLA might be too brittle, so use ABS for better results.
- Who designed it? QuickbeamX
- How printable/popular is it? This design has over 3,000 likes, more than 60 makes, and 6 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Flintstones
This is an extremely accurate model of the Flintstones’ pet. There are 17 parts in total, and the assembled Dino is about 24 cm tall. If you have the proper filament colors, no painting is necessary.
Some parts may require the use of supports and a raft. Due to slot connections between the parts, check if your printer tolerance is well-calibrated. A layer height of 0.2 mm and 10% infill is recommended.
- Who designed it? reddadsteve
- How printable/popular is it? Dino Flintstone has over 1,500 likes and more than 145 makes posted on the different sites combined.
- Where to find it? Cults, MyMiniFactory, Printables, Thingiverse
Dinosaur
This is a sweet little dinosaur design that many people like to print and paint. There’s just one file to print, and it’s a nice example of a model with a sloped overhang that you can print without supports.
For best results, print with a 0.2-mm layer height and 15% infill. PLA will work, but the neck or tail may break if you drop it due to the brittleness of the material. If you want it to work as a lamp as seen above, clear filament will help.
- Who designed it? ErikHK
- How printable/popular is it? This adorable model has over 1,000 likes and more than 50 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "Dinosaur 3D Print: The Best Models in 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.