Basics Archives

Featured image of PLA Smoothing: How to Smooth 3D Prints

Layer lines are a fact of FDM 3D printing. Check out our simple guide on PLA smoothing to learn how to smooth 3D prints and hide the lines!

Printy Gonzales

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) Print Speed Settings

To get the most out of your Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1), print speed is a key factor. Read on to discover the perfect Ender 3 print speed settings!

Infillin' Like a Villain

Cura Guide to the Best Infill Patterns

Infill can look cool, add strength, and save money, but it all depends on the print. Find the best Cura infill pattern for your application.

Getting an A in PLA

The Best PLA Bed & Print Temperature Settings

Figuring out the best PLA print and bed temperature can be tricky. Check out this quick guide to learn all you need to know.

The Silence of the Fans

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) Fan Upgrades of 2022

If noise is the problem with your Ender 3, a fan upgrade might be the solution. Learn all about the best replacements!

Two of a Kind

Blender: Merge Objects – Simply Explained

Using Blender to merge objects is sometimes the easiest way to design a complex model. See how to add objects and join them in Blender 3.0.

Get a Grip!

3D Print Warping: PLA, PETG, ABS – 3 Easy Fixes

If 3D prints cool unevenly, they can curl away from the build plate. Check out three easy ways to fix 3D print warping with PLA, PETG, & ABS.

Free to Print

Top 10: The Best Free CAD Software for 3D Printing

Check out our guide to the best free CAD software for 3D printing, including picks for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users.

Background Becomes Foreground

How to 3D Print Your Own Lithophane

Lithophanes offer a unique way to add some sophistication to your photos. Check out how to make your own lithophane 3D print!

Support Your Supports

How to Optimize Cura Support Settings

Cura offers a powerful range of settings to play with. Learn about the main Cura support settings and how to best support your prints.

See It to Believe It

Blender Texture: How to Add Textures in Blender

Textures show us an object's appearance independently of its shape. Learn about Blender add texture features!

The Right Side of the Bed

Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Bed Leveling: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to level your Ender 3 bed with this easy step-by-step Ender 3 bed leveling guide to ensure that the first layer is solid.

No Boots Required

Ender 3 V2 Firmware Update (Marlin): 6 Simple Steps

You can do Ender 3 V2 firmware updates using just a microSD card! Read on for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to install Marlin.

Fragile: Keep Dry

How to Dry Filament: PLA, ABS & Nylon

Moisture from the air can easily ruin your 3D printer filament, meaning it can also ruin your prints! Here's how to dry filament.

Save Money on Pro CAD Software

SketchUp 2023: Free Download of the Full Version

Looking for a full version of SketchUp 2023 to download for free? Check out our article to see what your options are.

Get an A in G-code

3D Printer G-code Commands: Main List & Quick Tutorial

Understanding G-code commands will unlock the next level of 3D printing. Read on to quickly learn the basics of this code!

Choose Your Own CADventure

The Best AutoCAD Alternatives of 2022 (3 Are Free)

AutoCAD is a great program, but there are plenty of similar CAD tools out there. Check out our picks for the best AutoCAD alternatives.

Free Software for Makers, Students, and Professionals

SolidWorks 2023: Free Download of the Full Version

Looking for a full version of SolidWorks 2023 to download for free? Check out our article to see what your options are.

A Heated Discussion

The Best 3D Printing Temperatures for PLA, TPU, ABS, PETG, Nylon

3D printer temperature is an essential setting for success. Read on for the best temperatures for PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, and TPU!

Think Inside the Box

The Best DIY 3D Printer Enclosures for Small Budgets

3D printer enclosures protect your printer, improve printing quality, and reduce noise and odors. Check out the best DIY, low-cost options!