Basics Archives

Featured image of Klipper vs Marlin: The Main Differences

When choosing 3D printer firmware, you might be looking at Klipper vs. Marlin. Check out the differences and see what suits your setup!

It's What's Inside That Counts

The Best 3D Printer Controller Boards of 2022

The controller board is the heart of any 3D printer. Check out our selection of the best 3D printer controller boards available!

(S)PiCam

OctoPrint Webcam Setup: How to Set Up Your Camera

OctoPrint with a camera lets you monitor your 3D prints remotely. Find out how to optimize your OctoPrint webcam setup!

Sketching Out Solutions

SketchUp to Blender: How to Import SKP Files in Blender

SketchUp is a popular and user-friendly tool, but it lacks good renders. Read on to get your files from SketchUp to Blender!

Digitalize Your World

Kinect as a 3D Scanner: An Easy Beginner’s Tutorial

Wondering if the Kinect can be used as a 3D scanner? It (s)can! Learn how to build your own Kinect 3D scanner without breaking the bank.

Laser Focus

Wood Laser Cutter: The Best Ways to Laser Cut Wood

Wood is great for many projects, but hand-cutting is difficult and time-consuming. Learn how laser cutters can cut wood easily and quickly!

Just Add One

JPG/PNG to STL: How to Convert Images to STL

Converting an image to the STL file format (for 3D printing) is easier than you might think! Learn how to convert JPG or PNG to STL!

Slice & Dice

Creality Slicer: The Best Slicers for Creality 3D Printers

Creality 3D printers ship with Creality Slicer, but that's far from the only option! Check out the best slicers for Creality printers.

Defy Gravity

3D Printing Overhang: How to 3D Print Overhangs

A necessary evil of 3D prints is overhangs. Learn all of our tips and tricks for mastering extreme 3D printing overhangs!

Printing to a Creali-T

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) Test Print Files

See how your Ender 3 really performs! Try one of these Creality Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) test print files today to tune your printer's settings!

Step by Step

The Best STEP File Viewers of 2021 (Online & Offline)

STEP files are one of the most universal means of sharing 3D information. Check out the best STEP file viewers (online & offline)!

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 3D printer temperatures for PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, and TPU.

Blurring Lines

Z Seam (Cura): How to Hide It

A Z seam is a visible line of imperfections running down the side of a print. With Cura, Z seams can be no more! Read on to learn how.

Filaments that Can Bench

The Strongest 3D Printer Filament of 2021

If you're curious about the toughest materials to print with, read on to learn the strongest 3D printer filament types out there!

There's an App for That!

The 18 Best 3D Printing Apps of 2022 (Android & iOS)

Check out the best 3D printing apps for Android & iOS. Includes apps for 3D printer control, 3D modeling, file repositories, and 3D scanning.

The KISS Approach

How to Use the Esp32-Cam with Arduino IDE

With the Esp32-Cam, Arduino is the perfect match! Learn about how to get started running your Esp32-Cam with Arduino IDE.

A Dry Sense of Security

3D Printer Filament Storage: How to Store Filament

How to store PLA and other filaments correctly? Check out the best 3D printer filament storage solutions to build or buy!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Enclosures: 8 Simple Solutions

Expand the printing options of your Ender 3! Whether you build or buy it, read on to see the best Ender 3 (V2/Pro) enclosures.

Pushing the Edges

Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Bed Size: What Is It Really?

Like other low-price printers, the Ender 3s make compromises to print volume. Read on to find out the real Ender 3 (V2/Pro) bed size!

No Slice, Just Level

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Bed Leveling G-code

Leveling G-code can be used to aid and test the bed leveling process. Read on for some great Ender 3 (V2/Pro) bed leveling G-code!