While some maritime creatures may be 100% scary (hello, Kraken), an octopus is a bit more approachable. Especially when it’s 3D printed in dazzling colors and you can fidget with it.
If you’re nearby your 3D printer, why not try to 3D print some octopus models? Whether you’re searching for a cool desk ornament or useful octopus-themed objects, there are plenty of models to choose from.
For example, you can 3D print an octopus with wobbly legs or perhaps test different filaments, especially flexible ones, with an octopus model. Also, if you’re a fan of plants, there are even models of octopus-themed planters.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best 3D printable octopus models!
And if your 3D printer isn’t in the mood to bring to life any underwater creatures or you don’t have the exact filament you’d like for it, know that with Craftcloud, the octopod of your dreams will be delivered to your doorstep.
Decorative/Fun
Octopuses in this category are the ones that will look great on display. These include some adorable and extremely detailed models of this magnificent creature. Aside from these, we’ve included a few that can be used as toys.
Articulated
This is a very interesting 3D model of a small octopus. In the picture above, you can see that the tentacles are movable thanks to the chain-like design that’s printed all at once, also known as print-in-place. The best thing is, there’s no assembly required!
This model can be printed without supports, and we suggest printing it in PLA, although makers have posted successful makes in just about any filament out there (and even plenty of resins). After printing, just detach the model from the build surface, and it’s ready to roll!
Many makers have added their own twist to this octopus model; Vaderpus and an earring are two of the more interesting ones.
- Who designed it? McGybeer
- How printable/popular is it? With over 2,000 makes shared on both sites, you can definitely say it’s a popular model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Bucket O' Octopodes
This model is ideal for printing with ABS or testing different flexible filaments. Angus Deveson, the founder of Maker’s Muse YouTube channel, tried out six different flexible filaments using this model.
The design of the head allows you to see how flexible the filament is in real life conditions. Also, the tentacles serve as a great test for the structural rigidity offered to the model by the filament.
Printing it in PLA is only recommended if you’re opting for a decorative octopus, otherwise the tentacles could easily break.
- Who designed it? moleofproduction
- How printable/popular is it? Besides Angus Deveson from the Maker’s Muse, 105 Thingiverse users have successfully made this model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fidget
Are you fan of fidget toys? Then this is the toy for you. It’s a remix made by combining two fidget toys – a fidget ring and an articulated octopus.
The best part is that it’s completely print-in-place, which means it can be printed all at once. Although, you will need to ensure that your printer is adequately calibrated.
You can easily print this fidget with PLA at a 0.1-mm layer height and 20% infill, similar to a maker who has printed this piece on their machine.
- Who designed it? Imagine That
- How printable/popular is it? Over 20 makers have shared their fidget rings. Besides that, this model has more than 600 downloads!
- Where to find it? Printables
Mood Octopus
The Mood Octopus is a cute and customizable 3D printed octopus. The different models can display at least 16 individual moods and expressions. With all the different sizes and varying faces, these cute models can be a fun addition to your desk.
One of the interesting parts of this octopus’ design is that you can stack them one on top of another. You can find all the respective print settings and considerations for the main parts on Thingiverse. And if you want more customizations, the maker has already added a bunch of accessories and remixes for your Mood Octopus.
- Who designed it? leonardlee
- How printable/popular is it? With over 5,000 downloads, 4 makes shared on both sites, and 7 remixes this octopus is quite popular.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory
Detailed
This is a very nice octopus model made in ZBrush. ZBrush is known for being the go-to tool for making beautiful 3D sculptures and this octopus is no exception. Lots of details make this model impressive and beautiful to look at.
In its original form, the model measures 130 x 120 x 130 mm. However, feel free to scale it up as at least one maker has done.
Supports are not required for this model. We suggest printing it using PLA and with a 0.1 mm layer height, to ensure the best results possible.
- Who designed it? 4theswarm
- How printable/popular is it? MyMiniFactory reports over 3,830 of its users have downloaded this model, and a few prints have been shared.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Complexity
If you’re the kind of person who likes challenges, this model could be a great choice for you. Why? Well, as you can tell by looking at the picture above, this is a rather complex model. The bottom is not flat, which makes it tricky to 3D print.
However, with a bit of work and a healthy amount of support material, we’re sure you’ll manage to do it. Choice of filament is up to you, but remember, you can’t go wrong with PLA.
A few makers have painted the octopus in different styles. One of them has attached hooks and repurposed it as a key holder and another has modified it be a hair clip.
- Who designed it? Nihlton
- How printable/popular is it? At least 80 users have printed this model, as can be seen on both sites.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Functional
Octopuses’ tentacles have a phenomenal grip, perfect for holding and grabbing things. These functional models are helpful in everyday life because they can store and support items. Overall, having more than two limbs is surely helpful.
Planter
Love plants? Give your plants a new home with this cool 3D printed octopus planter. It doesn’t require any supports and the suggested layer height is 0.25 mm.
Naturally, there are no rules for which filament to choose, but we reckon PLA or PETG would work nicely here. Although this model is primarily for plants, you can also use it as a storage container.
- Who designed it? Chaolinx
- How printable/popular is it? 92 Thingiverse users have successfully made this model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Egg Holder
Who said 3D prints aren’t useful? This 3D printed egg holder features a cool design with tentacles above sea level. There are nice details on this print, which is why we recommend printing with a 0.1-mm layer height. Filament-wise, we recommend printing with PLA.
However, since this will be used in the kitchen, printing with flexible filament might be an even better choice. It’s totally up to you! And if you’re worried about food-safe filaments, there’s plenty to read about them.
- Who designed it? Philip Kubicka
- How printable/popular is it? There aren’t any published makes on Pinshape. Still, that doesn’t mean the model isn’t good!
- Where to find it? Pinshape
SD Card Holder
Losing SD cards is a stressful experience, especially if there are important files on them.
With this cute 3D printed octopus SD card holder, you’ll never lose your SD cards again. With the flat bottom, it’s perfect as a useful desk ornament.
This model doesn’t require supports and it can be printed using lots of different filaments. The choice of material and color is up to you!
- Who designed it? tjstroker
- How printable/popular is it? With over 22,000 downloads and 3,000 likes this model has over 100 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Tablet
Tablet stands always come in handy, so why not print one? This one’s in the shape of an octopus’s tentacles and looks cool. The intended scale for the model is 210 x 132 x 69 mm.
Supports are required since the tentacles form a large overhang. Regarding the filament, we think that PLA would definitely serve the purpose. However, printing this in rubber-like filaments may also make sense.
- Who designed it? notcolinforreal
- How printable/popular is it? This tablet stand has been downloaded almost 105,000 times and 247 makers have shared their printed tablets.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Bookends
Bookends help keep your books upright while also adding flair to your shelves. This 3D printed bookend is an octopus that grabs the books using its tentacles.
The tentacles that “pass through” the books (it’s an illusion) are the most fascinating aspect of this bookend. You can create this by placing the two separate tentacle pieces between the books.
A maker has printed the octopus in rainbow PLA, which adds to the dazzling look of the model.
- Who designed it? o4saken
- How printable/popular is it? These bookends have nearly 425 likes and more than 1,300 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Sand Tools
Going to the beach and building sandcastles is an exciting and fun activity. If you visited the beach frequently as a kid, you almost certainly had a sand toy kit. This octopus-themed sand tools kit is a unique take on these classic toys, ideal for a sunny day at the sea!
The main body is a bucket and the tentacles are all of the different tools. Even though this octopus only has six arms (tools), this kit contains all the essentials. Some of these include a mold, a scoop, and a sifter.
You shouldn’t face any difficulty printing these tools as there are a couple of successful makes that indicate the model’s printability.
- Who designed it? Jonathan_K1906
- How printable/popular is it? These tools have over 1,500 downloads with nearly 200 likes and 2 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Octopus: The Best STL Files" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.