People have always been fascinated with mortality, from superstitiously fearing the grim unknown to philosophically pondering the meaning of life. From a historical perspective, the skull has always been at the, uh, heart of the matter, representing both physical reality and ominous symbolism.
Whether you’re interested in scientific aspects or cultural inspirations, this article offers a healthy variety of skull-based designs. From Pokémon keychains to spooky planters, we’re sure you’ll find something you like.
In the unfortunate case that you find yourself without a suitable printer when you finally do utter, “I must have this model,” remember that there’s always Craftcloud by All3DP. Fine details and small tolerances are peanuts to our verified professional partners.
Without further ado, let’s head over to the list…
No Frills
Though they’re not all human skulls, our first few models are meant to be accurate representations. Apart from being useful educational props, they’re also handy for remixing.
Human
This is a standard model of the human skull. A closer look shows that the skull is actually quite detailed, equipped with roots for the teeth and a separate jaw bone.
Based on the comments, it seems like it’s possible to print this model without supports. But you might want to add them just to be safe.
- Who designed it? LeFabShop
- How printable/popular is it? This is an extremely popular model. A whopping 390 Thingiverse users have posted their makes, and there are 50 remixes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Neanderthal
The Anatomical Museum at the University of Edinburgh has started making highly-detailed printable 3D scans of a variety of artifacts from their museum, including the skull of a Homo neanderthalensis that lived in Eurasia 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. This is a great option if you want to get your hands on “real” artifacts right in your own home or classroom.
- Who designed it? AnatomicalMuseum
- How printable/popular is it? We can’t say for certain, as no one apart from the museum has posted a make. That said, we’re pretty confident a number of these skulls exist given the more than 4,300 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
T-Rex
This is a T-Rex skull that was published by MakerBot as part of a classroom lesson for students. That means, alongside this highly-detailed model, there’s also an accompanying educational package.
Of course, you don’t have to be a teacher to admire this offering. Thanks to the stand, it’s also a fantastic display piece. Just don’t scale it down too far; some of the components are already quite small.
- Who designed it? MakerBot
- How printable/popular is it? If you thought the human skull was popular, get a load of this model’s 1,333 makes and 111 remixes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Decorative
Okay, we’re back to human skulls. Kinda.
The next models offer some fancy takes on one of the most recognizable (and spooky) shapes known to humanity.
Windchime
If you’re interested in skull-themed decor, this spooky windchime may be the perfect addition to your home. Each line of skulls features a print-in-place design, meaning there is little-to-no assembly after printing. The designer even included a holder you can print out as well. You can expect these plastic bones to rattle and make plenty of noise in the wind.
The designer has left clear instructions on how to get the best results with this print. They recommend planning your supports carefully in Cura by raising the build plate by 3 mm and then adding tree supports underneath.
- Who designed it? DaveMakesStuff
- How printable/popular is it? This is a pretty popular model, with over 7,500 downloads and 9 makes across both platforms.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Thangs
Dragon
Resembling dinosaur skulls with their horns and spikes, dragon skulls are quite fascinating. They appear in myths, fantasies, and even pop culture, as seen in popular shows like Game of Thrones.
This dragon skull looks unique, as it’s an original design by the maker. Printing it in a novelty filament will make it stand out even more and look great however you decide to display it. If you orient the model with the tip of the nose on the build plate, you can save on the number of supports that will be necessary to print this design.
- Who designed it? PrintedIntoEx
- How printable/popular is it? Even though the maker is a beginner in 3D modeling and printing, this skull has become popular and has been downloaded many times over, with 160 makes shared.
- Where to find it? Printables
Low-Poly
Here’s a model that dials down the detail if you want to go for a simpler design. This skull belongs to the vast array of low-poly prints, a popular style in the maker community.
Given the nature of low-poly models, we don’t envision you having much difficulty printing this one. Extreme scaling should also be fairly forgiving.
- Who designed it? RubixDesign
- How printable/popular is it? Around 180 makes have been shared on both sites and 72 remixes have been posted on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Celtic
This is a hollow 3D skull decorated with Celtic patterns both on the surface and inside the eye sockets. Though the above image doesn’t show it, an inserted light can give this model a glowing jack-o-lantern feel.
Helpfully, the creator has provided a version of the model with easy-to-remove supports. If you use this file, make sure to deactivate supports in your slicer.
- Who designed it? 3DWP, (remixed from artec3d)
- How printable/popular is it? So far, not a single person has printed this model. Nah, just kidding. It’s got over 130 makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Voronoi
In case you’re not familiar with it, a Voronoi diagram is one where a plane or surface is divided into sections according to specific rules. But that’s just math talk, as it’s also inspired a ton of art and design.
This remixed lamp is one example, combining the spookiness of a skull with the elegance of mathematical art. If you’re wondering how easy this one will be to print, the creator has kindly provided a number of starting settings, including a 0.2-mm layer height and 0% infill.
- Who designed it? shiuan
- How printable/popular is it? The number of posted makes currently rests at 316. Beat that, Celtic skull.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Characters
Now we get to the good stuff.
Holding such an important spot in our collective imagination, it’s no surprise that the skull has inspired many pop culture characters. Here are a few designs that celebrate these heroes and baddies.
Sans Undertale Mask
We can’t forget one of the most iconic skull-themed video game characters, Sans! Whether you’re a fan of the Undertale series or not, you may have heard of Sans from his famous theme song, Megalovania.
This full-scale mask is the perfect weekend project. It prints in multiple pieces, which you can then assemble into quite the cosplay piece. The designer includes a link to a face shield to complete the eyes, giving you a useable helmet that you can wear around comfortably.
- Who designed it? amarkin
- How printable/popular is it? This model is currently sitting at just over 1,000 downloads and 2 shared makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Venom
One of Spider-Man‘s greatest foes, Venom has a huge fan base. He has easily recognizable features, including razor-sharp teeth that make him “lethal” and elongated eyes. These are all on display with this skull.
Along with the skull, you can also print a symbiote base. This is used as a stand and is the place where the tongue gets attached. The skull alone is creepy, but the tongue definitely takes it up a notch!
- Who designed it? JS-Studio
- How printable/popular is it? Symbiotes might be difficult to work with, but this skull can be printed easily because 64 others have already done so.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Terminator
This skull belongs to the deadly Terminator, specifically the “T-800”. Even though T-800 eventually becomes a protagonist, the robotic face with the glowing red eyes will always be spine-chilling!
The creator has designed the model such that the chin is well-supported, which lets you print the entire model without supports. Many have chosen to print the model in metallic filament or spray paint it and paint the eyes red. Some overachievers have even inserted LEDs for glowing eyes!
- Who designed it? ToScH
- How printable/popular is it? With 96 successful makes and 9 remixes, this cyborg is quite popular!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Jack Skellington
What’s this? Why, it’s the Pumpkin King, of course. Tim Burton fans will rejoice at this fearsome collectible, which by the looks of it, captures Jack at his prime.
In fact, this version is a remix, and if you’re looking for something a little less busty, check out SergioSR’s full-body model over on MyMiniFactory.
- Who designed it? RetroPixels (remixed from 3DCustomizationCo)
- How printable/popular is it? At least 33 other Thingiverse users were kind enough to share their makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Red Skull
Although many of us may know him as Johann Schmidt from the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger, the Red Skull is actually the alias of several characters in the Marvel universe. That said, we think it’s pretty safe to say that all of them were pretty bad guys.
As you can probably tell, the model in the image was printed using a resin 3D printer. We recommend following suit, as the detail in this design is insane.
- Who designed it? jpsmith00
- How printable/popular is it? Based on the shared community prints, at least 15 people have printed and painted this model.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Skeletor
Here’s another famous baddie, this time coming from Masters of the Universe. Non-fans will recognize him as a perhaps ridiculous figure appearing in memes, but make no mistake, his bid for the throne of Eternia is serious business.
While there’s an impressive multicolor remix of the featured model, if you’re into painting, stick to the original.
- Who designed it? MustangDave
- How printable/popular is it? So far, there are 23 makes and 3 remixes posted on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Containers
If you do some searching for skull-themed models, you may be surprised at how many are intended to be containers. It’s not like actual skulls are holding anything important. Oh, wait…
Skull Box
While this skull may seem complex at first, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that it was designed to print in place, requiring no supports or assembly, for a fast and easy-to-print model. It even comes with an optional brain, which is a perfect glow-in-the-dark print.
If you forgo printing the brain, you’ll be left with an empty container that you can use however you wish. The designer has some other fun skull-themed prints available as well.
- Who designed it? Quincy_Of_3DKitbash
- How printable/popular is it? With over 4,000 downloads and 9 shared makes, you can rest assured that many have successfully printed this skull.
- Where to find it? Cults
Bowl
We’ve all heard the stories of Vikings drinking from skulls, and whether or not that’s true is another matter. At least with this model, it’s theoretically possible!
This masterful design blends form and function, allowing you to add a grim association to whatever you need to collect. At the very least, you should be using it to hold your Halloween treats before the trick-or-treaters arrive.
- Who designed it? Shapespeare
- How printable/popular is it? This model has a respectable 73 makes and 15 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory
Glasses Holder
This minimalistic skull design will give your glasses a safe new home. You can either print one as a desk decoration or print the included screw support plug to hang your new glasses holder on the wall.
Keep in mind that the print does require a fair bit of support. Tree supports are recommended but not required. There are plenty of makes to browse if you need color recommendations. Many makers are enjoying printing their holders in marble filaments to give it a statue-esque finish.
- Who designed it? 3DinPlastic
- How printable/popular is it? You’ll find that this print has been downloaded over 1,200 times, with 16 shared makes. There are plenty of comments from other makers as well.
- Where to find it? Printables
Pencil Holder
This skull is highly abstracted and hollow with an opening on top, so it can be filled with pencils and other office supplies. In fact, this is a remix of a model by Thingiverse user garygeo, and it’s not hard to see what was added.
If you’re unsure of how to go about printing this design, check out what makers have written. There should be at least a few tidbits of helpful information in the 332 comments…
- Who designed it? philnelson
- How printable/popular is it? Alright, this is getting ridiculous. 936 makes? Is that even possible?
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Pot
Having seen a bowl and a pen holder, you were probably expecting this planter. After all, 3D printed planters seem to be a thing.
This model is a remix of LeFabShop’s skull, and the creator mentions having printed at 70% scale.
- Who designed it? carloscampos
- How printable/popular is it? It seems people favor pens over plants. This design has 66 makes, and the variety of materials, colors, and plants is beautiful!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Props
Our final category features six designs that serve some sort of non-container-like function. But it’s definitely not a miscellaneous category. It’s props.
Hair Pin
This 3D printed hair accessory features a small animal skull and a bone as a hairpin passing through its eyes. The designer recommends printing the models with 20% infill and the skull portion with supports enabled. You can even find a dragon skull remix of this model; it has a 3D printed sword as the hairpin.
- Who designed it? Tomman204
- How printable/popular is it? 48 makers are rocking this design in their hair.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Sea of Thieves
You thought that we would leave Sea of Thieves off of this list? Think again! You may have spotted this skull in a recent voyage to the Forgotten Strong Hold. Now, you can memorialize your journeys with a personalized Bounty Skull.
The model splits the skull down the middle, printing it in two halves that are joined together with glue. This means minimal support is required for the teeth. While the leather straps are not included in the model, there is a small cavity for adding LEDs to make your skull glow.
- Who designed it? GarrettsArtsNWhatNots
- How printable/popular is it? We’ve struck buried treasure with this model! You’ll find that over 15,000 makers have downloaded this skull, 18 of which shared their makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mythosaur
In the Star Wars universe, mythosaurs were once used for riding and transport but have gone extinct. Now, they remain as the symbol donned by Mandalorians, and one place it’s easily recognizable is on Boba Fett’s armor.
You can choose to print this skull at life size and mount it on your walls like a collector of antiquities. On the other hand, you can also wear this skull as an accessory. The creator included a scaled-down version of the model so it can be worn as a pendant.
- Who designed it? Jelzic
- How printable/popular is it? 49 makers are proudly displaying their solidarity with the Mandalorians.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cubone Keychain
Pokémon fans are bound to feel some measure of nostalgia when they see this model. And if that’s the case, they should absolutely print it. It’s simple, symbolic, and a great way to add a bit of personality to your keys.
The creator claims to have activated both supports and a raft, and he also set a layer height of 0.3 mm. That said, given the small size and high detail of the model, we wouldn’t be surprised if better results came from a layer height smaller than 0.2 mm.
And if you can’t get enough Cubone, check out this adorable dog mask from aeolesin.
- Who designed it? sotenck
- How printable/popular is it? Based on the makes, there are at least 161 Pokémon lovers on Thingiverse (but we’re pretty sure there are more).
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mask
This model has been around for a while, having originally gained popularity for an easy-to-print dress-up prop. Everyone likes a model they can print without supports!
- Who designed it? aaskedall
- How printable/popular is it? There are 89 makes showcasing masks of all sizes, materials, and colors. There’s even one with glowing eyes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mad Max Shifter
We’ve now seen a way to decorate your pens, your plants, your keys, and yourself, so why not your car? Depending on how well you execute this design, you may find yourself riding eternal – shiny and chrome.
The designer (along with the layer lines in the picture above) suggests printing so that the skull faces up. You may also want to measure your vehicle’s gearshift to ensure you get the scaling right.
- Who designed it? questpact
- How printable/popular is it? Between the two sites, 46 makes have been shared.
- Where to find it? Cults, Thingiverse
Bonus: Desert's Kiss
We couldn’t end this article without this design. Dice towers have been around for centuries, giving every player a fair shot. As you can imagine, there are many unique 3D printable designs in the makerverse.
Desert’s Kiss is an unusual dice tower that features a skull as the tower. The designer says it prints without any supports. Many have posted their makes and lauded the design, though a few warn of stringing. If you want to take it to the next level, there’s a LED mod that will undoubtedly make the tower more lively during game night!
- Who designed it? ArsMoriendi3D
- How printable/popular is it? On Printables, 339 makers have shared their dice towers in all sorts of filaments and colors, while 157 Thingiverse users have shared theirs.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
License: The text of "The 25 Best 3D Printed Skulls & Skull-Themed Models" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.