Basics Archives

Microsoft 3D Viewer: All You Need to Know

Microsoft 3D Viewer is a simple application with some powerful functionality. Read on to learn if this tool is right for you!

No End in Sight

Ender 3 Extender Kit: What Is It & How to Install It?

The Ender 3 Extender kit can increase your print area to 400 x 400 mm! If you're running out of room, read on to learn how to upgrade.

To the Point

Ender 5 Direct Drive: Upgrade Options & How To

If you're having trouble printing exotic or flexible material with the stock Bowden extruder, upgrade your Ender 5 with direct drive!

Pi to the Power of 10

Raspberry Pi & Windows 10: How to Get Started

There are two main ways to use a Raspberry Pi for Windows 10. Read on to learn how to get started running a full PC from your SBC!

The Perfect Purge

3D Printer Cleaning Filament: What You Need to Know

Clogged nozzles are painful. Read on to find out what exactly makes 3D printer cleaning filament special, and how to use it!

Oldie but Goodie

Stereolithography: SLA 3D Printing Simply Explained

What is stereolithography? How does it work? Where does the name come from? We cover it all in this guide to SLA 3D printing.

A File Smoothie

Blender File Format: Which Files Are Supported?

Blender supports a huge range of file formats to match its versatile uses. Learn more about Blender and the file format options available.

Added A8 Protection

Anet A8 Firmware: Which to Choose & How to Change It

The saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Does that apply to the old Anet A8 firmware? Should you "mess" with the new firmware? We say yes, and for good reason.

3-D-P, Easy as 1-2-3

3D Printing Terminology: All Important 3D Printing Terms

The world of 3D printing is full of acronyms and unusual words. Read on to learn about and understand more than 30 common 3D printing terms!

Feel the Tension

Ender 3 (Pro) Belt Tensioner: How to Install It & Use it

Tightening belts by hand can be a pain, even on great printers like the Ender 3s. Belt tensioners make it easy; read on to learn more!

TLC for Your 3DP

3D Printer Maintenance: 10 Tips to Maintain Your FDM Printer

Proper 3D printer maintenance is essential for keeping your running and performing. Find out what's required and why.

Dream Big

The Best 3D Home Design Software of 2022

If you're looking for 3D home design software, check out our top picks and design the home of your dreams!

Judging Blocks by Their Covers

Free 3D Textures for 3D Modeling: The Best Sites of 2022

If you're looking for free 3D textures to improve your renderings, check out our selection of the best sites where you can get them for free.

Web Slicing

Kiri:Moto: Get Started with this Browser-Based 3D Slicer

Kiri:Moto is a browser-based 3D model slicer with many features for different manufacturing technologies. Read on to learn all about it!

The Cloud Is the Limit

Onshape (CAD): All You Need to Know

Step up your CAD game with Onshape. Learn all you need to know to get started with this professional CAD software today!

Dive into DWG

How to Open DWG Files: Best Online & Offline Options

DWG files have a range of uses but not every program can open them. Check out our list of easy ways to open a DWG file!

Logo to Print

PNG to EPS: How to Convert PNG Files to EPS

PNG files are for the screen, while EPS files are best on paper. Read on to learn a few ways to convert PNG to EPS!

'Cause We Are Living In A Material World

3D Printing Materials – The Ultimate Guide

Check out our 3D printing materials guide to learn about all the consumer materials commonly used for home 3D printing today.

Octo-Printing

How to Install OctoPrint for a Prusa 3D Printer

With OctoPrint, Prusa 3D printers can be controlled remotely. Read on to learn how to install OctoPrint for the Prusa MK3S and more!

2D + 3D = Infinite Creativity!

3D Printed Stencil: How to Make Your Own

Stenciling fans rejoice! Learn how to make a 3D printed stencil, including designing your own, with our step-by-step guide.