While shadow boxes are often used to display items, they can also be a unique art form all on their own. Shadow boxes were originally used by sailors to store their belongings while at sea. From there, shadow boxes became a staple in the military, with members keeping shadow boxes filled with medals, ribbons, and other items of significance from across their careers. From there, shadow boxes continued to evolve into a modern-day form of storage, display, and even art.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best shadow box models that you can 3D print. Shadow boxes are the perfect way to decorate for a holiday, celebrate your favorite movie, or show off treasured items. Let’s get started!
Beauty and the Beast
This first entry is a tale as old as time. Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, this shadow box is designed of several plates that can fit into an existing photo frame to create a layered effect. These plates can be printed in any color to match different decor.
Although the designer doesn’t include specific print settings, many of the makers use PLA and 20% infill. One maker added two back plates in different colors in order to use LED lights without color.
- Who designed it? zorroronoa
- How printable/popular is it? This sweet design has around 860 likes, over 6,000 downloads, 4 shared makes, and 2 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Winter
Stuck inside during the winter months? Try printing this next entry. This winter-themed shadow box model features a fully printable frame and plates. The small size makes it a good introduction to printing your own shadow box.
Makers have used white PLA for the layer plates and a brown color for the frame to make this shadow box come to life. As for the print settings, PLA with 20% infill should work well.
- Who designed it? Clipper
- How printable/popular is it? With around 450 likes, nearly 7,000 downloads, and 3 posted makes, plenty of people are living in a winter wonderland.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Stranger Things
Are you looking forward to the fifth season of Stranger Things? If so, this shadow box might be just the thing to tide you over until it premieres. The design includes six plates, four of which are divided in half to achieve the dual color. You’ll also need to print eight clips to hold the plates, the logo, and the box.
The designer kindly posted print settings, filament details, and color options to help you complete the project.
- Who designed it? TheCraftyMaker
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 11 likes and over 40 downloads so far.
- Where to find it? Cults
Bird
Simple and sweet, this next shadow box is perfect for all you bird lovers out there! The pretty design features leafy tree branches and a bird perched on top.
Makers printed this design in different color combinations, including white, green, orange, and magenta. The designer printed this model PLA using 18% infill and no rafts or supports.
- Who designed it? tigerklaue
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 226 likes, around 2,000 downloads, and 3 colorful makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Star Wars
It’s over. This shadow box has the high ground. The black foreground of the characters, with lightsabers held high, and the colorful background, detailing the lava world of Mustafar, make this design pop.
The designer notes that they swapped between colors on every plate at the start of the sixth layer to achieve the desired look, so this design may be a bit trickier to print. In addition, they used 100% infill for the plates and supports to print the logo.
- Who designed it? TheCraftyMaker
- How printable/popular is it? This epic model has over 750 downloads and 4 shared makes across both sites.
- Where to find it? Cults, Printables
DnD Dice
Want to show your love for DnD? This next model provides a way to preserve memories of games gone by. There’s space inside the box to store your old dice and honor the times (and victories) you shared together.
The designer printed this shadow box using PLA with a brim for the frame, a 0.16-mm layer height, and 10% infill.
- Who designed it? BeckerThorne
- How printable/popular is it? This design has 47 likes, 86 downloads, 4 makes, and 8 remixes where users added names and designs from their favorite games.
- Where to find it? Printables
Rick and Morty
I turned myself into a shadow box, Morty! I’m shadow box Rick!
Ready for your next intergalactic adventure with Rick and Morty? This shadow box set consists of five plates and two pieces for the logo. The designer specifies a 0.2-mm layer height and 0.4-mm nozzle size for best results. You can choose to print the box with lights or without.
- Who designed it? QuimiCafeina
- How printable/popular is it? This shadow box has 70 downloads and 1 shared make so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
Sim City 2000
In this next entry on our list, we see another example of someone using a shadow box to display something near and dear to the heart. The designer decided to create this box after stumbling across their old Sim City floppy disks from 1994. However, you don’t need to have vintage Sim City memorabilia to make this project for yourself!
To create the box, the designer cut MDF to size using a table saw. A channel in the box holds a Neopixel strip that acts like a sun moving across the 3D printable buildings. The final element is the printable title sign. The designer has published a blog post with specific print settings and assembly details so you can follow along.
- Who designed it? skimbal
- How printable/popular is it? This design has around 140 likes, over 900 downloads, and 1 make.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Red Dead Redemption 2
If you loved being a virtual cowboy and need a way to commemorate the experiences you had as part of the Van der Linde gang, you’ll definitely want to check out this shadow box. The simplicity of the background plates mean this design is easily printable.
The designer notes that if your bed adhesion is poor, the detail in the characters on the foreground plate may be a bit difficult to recreate. However, the rest of the design holds no surprises, and the designer was able to successfully print this model with a 0.6-mm nozzle. You’ll need supports to print the logo.
- Who designed it? uncletacitus
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 20 likes, nearly 30 downloads, and 1 posted make. There is also a remix of the design from the creator that adds more detail.
- Where to find it? Printables
Dune
Dune: Part Two may have been delayed, but you don’t have to wait to print this shadow box. The designer was able to use the same colors in the print that the publisher used on the cover of the Dune novel. If you like the book or you’re looking forward to seeing the next film, this print is for you.
The designer notes that the print can be accomplished using PLA, a 0.4-mm nozzle, and a 0.15-mm layer height. To achieve a smooth surface, ironing or printing face down on a smooth plate may be required.
- Who designed it? Majo
- How printable/popular is it? This sci-fi design has 30 likes and 25 downloads, and counting!
- Where to find it? Printables
License: The text of "3D Printed Shadow Boxes: The Best STL Files of 2023" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.