12 Best Thingiverse Alternatives For STL Files in 2024

Here’s our picks for the best Thingiverse alternatives if you’re looking for more advanced models, a faster site, or a more secure repository.

Top Picks

Quick Overview

MyMiniFactory
Cults3D
Printables
CGTrader
TurboSquid
Pinshape
Thangs
YouMagine
GrabCAD
Zortrax
Yeggi
3DExport

Thingiverse is probably the most well-known 3D printing file repository, featuring an easy-to-use search engine, a large number of free projects and files, and a useful set of filters to find what you’re looking for.

For example, searching “vintage Star Wars” turns up four pages of results – more than any other.

However…

Reasons NOT To Use Thingiverse

Thingiverse has suffered a large number of setbacks recently. The most obvious change even to a relative beginner is that the combined zip file downloads, once a boon for complicated projects listed on the site, no longer function. Repeated data breaches have made it clear to most that Thingiverse is not exactly safe.

Some creators are pulling files from the Thingiverse due to its unsafe image. This leaves users in the unfortunate position of being aware a file was there once, but is no longer present. A frustrating situation at best.

As well as these security issues, Thingiverse is known for being slow – largely due to having so many ads. Even with a good ad blocker, you’ll have trouble navigating the site as it loads background ads before showing you the file you want to see.

While Thingiverse has become popular being the largest site with 100% free files, this comes with a number of caveats. They often still lack commercial restrictions, particularly for anything that might be used in any commercial capacity.

Fortunately, there are several alternative sites with hundreds of thousands of 3D files – depending on what you are looking for.

A Thingiverse Alternative Needs:

A large assortment of available project files.
A large selection of free files.
A functional and fairly easy-to-use search function.
A straightforward functionality that doesn’t hide the files or function.
The ability for creators to include recommendations about printing their files.
Files available in STL, OBJ, or other 3D printing compatible formats.

This last is arguably the most flexible, as programs like Spin3D and GreenToken allow users to convert between file types with what is usually high accuracy. Still, for those without an understanding of file conversion, the right file type is a necessity.

1. MyMiniFactory

Free or Paid: Paid
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: Yes

MyMiniFactory has a variety of files, although with a main focus on gaming miniatures.

For gaming miniatures, and even other types of miniatures, MyMiniFactory is second to none. Featuring not only a variety of creators, but batch purchases and crowdfunding-style campaigns, there are myriad options for miniature 28mm enthusiasts.

These paid options include a large number of available files and projects like articulated animals and recognizable figures from popular franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy.

MyMiniFactory mainly deals in miniatures for gaming, and while there are exceptions, they are few and far between.

There are also promoted premium files for sale. These promoted results include some nice items, but may not work for you if you’re only looking for free 3D printing files.

2. Cults3D

Free or Paid: Both
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: Yes

Cults by contrast to some options like MyMiniFactory has a much wider assortment of material with less of a focus on miniatures.

Cults requires a login for downloads, and as a result age limitation on accounts is little problem, as it does host NSFW content (this can be toggled off if you’d prefer to steer clear of such models, or are planning on perusing the site with your kids).

That being said, Cults3D has a much wider variety of projects on offer than MyMiniFactory, with prints ranging from this Aku Aku bust to the ever-popular low-poly fox. You can even use Cults to find seasonal decorations for your home or garden.

While some might bristle at the added step, in the process Cults manages to save all downloads previously selected on an account.

3. Printables.com

Free or Paid: Free
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: No

Printables.com is run by PRUSA, makers of some of the most popular DIY 3D printer kits of all time. The search interface is someone unusual in structure – the most noticeable difference, although not in itself a bad thing, is including a list of users with names relating to your search at the end.

Printables is similar to Thingiverse in that all files found on it are free, and there are a lot to choose from, like action figures, practical prints, and even wearables items like jewelry. And because Prusa themselves sell 3D printers, they have no need for the obnoxious ads that plague Thingiverse users.

There is an unusual similarity to Thingiverse at its prime, namely that Printables.com allows one to pick individual files from a set, as well as having a download option for the entirety of each project. This is wonderful for those who want a particular miniature out of a set, a single upgrade part for a game or machine, or single variation among a selection of STL files.

4. CGTrader

Free or Paid: Paid
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: No

CGTrader is well known in amateur animation circles, but is also useful for makers interested in 3D printing. Available file formats are listed clearly, making it much easier for someone to confirm their slicer software is compatible, as not all files on this site are specifically designed with 3D printing in mind.

The search functionality includes the ability to filter by file type, and license – useful to anyone worried about commercial applications or getting caught up with IP issues, so we recommend you take a look at the licensing rules and laws for each model before committing to downloading it. Furthermore, the detailed and active comment sections are a wonderful addition, usually including fantastic tips on any difficulties one might run into with a file. The files are generally of very high quality, like this cat model and this spacecraft.

5. TurboSquid

Free or Paid: Paid
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: Yes

Turbosquid makes itself user-friendly right from the front page. In addition to the search panel, several nice icons indicate the ability to check for various types of 3D file, from those commonly used for printing to those designed to work with various animation and game engines.

It is worth noting that many of the files are not cheap, some costing hundreds of dollars. This wolf, for example, is just shy of $1,000, but this collection of standard people figures is only $72.

This is because it is a broad site with many different files available. This can range from items for use by hobbyists and amateurs, all the way to detailed files designed for use in high-budget projects.

6. PinShape

Free or Paid: Free
Available Files: 70,000+
Mandatory Signup: Yes

Pinshape is a smaller name in the 3D file repository game, but one with clear structural similarities to the bigger players. Pinshape has a nice search function, and makes it easy to filter to only view free files with a couple of clicks or swipes. It didn’t take long for me to find the excellent and free lightsaber model and this sound box, for example.

Pinshape specializes in STL files intended for 3D printing, unlike many services. For those uncomfortable with file conversion, or simply unsure about compatibility for those models intended originally for another purpose, that will be greatly appreciated.

Pinshape has a smaller library than most, so more specific searches will yield few if any results, so it’s better used for general 3D printing project ideas if you don’t have anything particular in mind.

7. Thangs.com

Free or Paid: Both
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: Yes

Thangs.com is a relatively new and curious case. In addition to being a search engine for multiple different 3D printing and 3D file sites, it also hosts many files itself.

The search provides a wide variety of results, whether used to find files directly uploaded to the site, or on any of the others that can be checked – although the results are occasionally rather broad in interpretation. As with most such sites, there are nice toggles to choose from if one wants to see only free or also paid options, giving an easy way to handle the matter. There are a lot of files to chose from like Christmas Baby Yoda, cosplay Pikachu, and this adorable German shepherd wall art.

8. YouMagine

Free or Paid: Free
Available Files: 20,000+
Mandatory Signup: No

YouMagine is an entirely open-source library where creators are urged to share their imaginative designs with fellow designers free of charge. While you have the option to sign up, there’s no obligation to, and you’re even encouraged to review the various files and prints to help your fellow 3D printing enthusiasts learn and grow.
YouMagine is designed for any 3D printer user of any experience level, featuring complex car designs and creative home decor to name just a couple. If you’re new to 3D printing, you can peruse their quick prints collections like this one, designed for newcomers who are looking for an easy learning curve.

9. GrabCAD

Free or Paid: Free
Available Files: 5 million+
Mandatory Signup: No

GrabCAD is a community-driven space for engineers and other 3D modeling professionals to share and update their designs with colleagues and like-minded creators. With plentiful news updates and challenges with actual awards and prizes, they encourage active participation while not strictly forcing you to create an account.

The community is one of the largest on the net, with over 12 million members and an impossibly large library of files to choose from, model boats and plane files can be found alongside animal puzzles, so there should be something for everyone.

Just be warned that, while GrabCAD does offer tutorials and help to newcomers, it’s not a place for the uninitiated, so it’s mainly only worth a look if you’re a professional (or at least experienced) in 3D modeling.

10. Zortrax

Free or Paid: Free
Available Files: 100+
Mandatory Signup: No

Zortrax is less a dedicated library for CAD files and more a 3D printer and 3D printing services company. Though their relatively small library is still worth a look for anyone looking to cut their teeth in 3D printing with useful prints like filament holders or more fun projects like South Park characters or this adorable Ferris wheel.

Zortrax offers a variety of services, software, and hardware alongside their collection of free CAD files, so it’s a good first stop for anyone looking to get an idea of what they can expect from 3D printing, as well as get some novel ideas for what to print first or next.

11. Yeggi

Free or Paid: Both
Available Files: Unknown
Mandatory Signup: No

Yeggi is my personal favorite and go-to when writing project articles. It is not a library in and of itself, but rather a collection of STL files from all over the internet from trustworthy and notable sites like Cults3D, Gambody, CGTrader, MyMiniFactory, Printables, and – of course – Thingiverse just to name a few.

This means that the quality and price of each model varies depending on the designer and platform, though if you’re looking for a wealth of different models, files, and ideas with a simple click of the search bar, then Yeggi is the jack-of-all-trades site for you.

12. 3DExport

Free or Paid: Paid
Available Files: 273,000+
Mandatory Signup: Yes

3DExport is a great place to find 3D models, but it’s worth noting that not all of them are designed for 3D printing. Like CGTrader, 3DExport specializes in putting up 3D models for sale for a variety of uses, including animation, videogame design, and interior decoration blueprinting alongside 3D printing.

You will either have to make sure the model you are about to buy is optimized for 3D printing by coming in a usable file for your slicer software, or ensure you have the know-how and resources to reformat them yourself.