What Should I 3D Print First? 25 Beginner Projects

You’ve set up your first 3D printer and you’re wondering: What should I 3D print first? Every 3D printing beginner asks this question - and the answer is crucial for your success.

The wrong first projects lead to frustration and wasted material. The right projects teach you the basics, test your printer, and deliver useful results.

Here are 25 perfect first 3D prints, sorted by difficulty - from your first test print to impressive projects.

Level 1: Test Prints (Start Here!)

Before you get creative, you should calibrate and test your printer. These prints help you do that.

1. 3D Benchy - The Ultimate Test Print

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~15g | Difficulty: Easy

The 3D Benchy is THE standard test model of the community. The little boat tests:

• Overhangs and bridges
• Detail accuracy
• Stringing behavior
• Dimensional accuracy

Download: Printables - 3D Benchy

Tip: Compare your Benchy with reference images online to identify problems.

2. Calibration Cube (XYZ Cube)

Print time: 30 minutes | Filament: ~5g | Difficulty: Very easy

A 20x20x20mm cube to check dimensional accuracy. Measure it with calipers - it should be exactly 20mm in each direction.

Download: Printables - XYZ Calibration Cube

3. Temperature Tower

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Medium

Prints different temperature segments stacked on top of each other. Helps you find the optimal print temperature for your filament.

Download: Printables - Temperature Tower

Level 2: Simple Practical Prints

Now it gets practical! These objects are easy to print and immediately useful.

4. Cable Clips and Cable Holders

Print time: 15-30 minutes | Filament: ~5g | Difficulty: Very easy

Bring order to your desk with self-printed cable holders. Perfect as your first “real” project after test prints.

Download: Printables - Cable Clips Collection

5. Phone Stand

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Easy

A practical phone stand for your desk or nightstand. Functional and shows what 3D printing can do.

Download: Printables - Phone Stand

6. Shopping Cart Token

Print time: 20 minutes | Filament: ~5g | Difficulty: Very easy

Never search for coins again! The shopping cart token is small, quick, and extremely practical.

Download: Printables - Shopping Cart Token

7. Headphone Holder

Print time: 2-3 hours | Filament: ~50g | Difficulty: Easy

Hang your headphones neatly on your desk or shelf. A nice functional object.

Download: Printables - Headphone Stand

8. Key Holder

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~40g | Difficulty: Easy

A practical key holder for your entryway. Can be screwed to the wall.

Download: Printables - Key Holder

Level 3: Household Items

These prints show the practical value of 3D printing in everyday life.

9. Soap Dish

Print time: 2-3 hours | Filament: ~40g | Difficulty: Easy

A soap dish with drainage. Print it in PETG for better water resistance.

Download: Printables - Soap Dish

10. Toothbrush Holder

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Easy

Practical holder for electric or regular toothbrushes.

Download: Printables - Toothbrush Holder

11. Plant Pot with Drainage

Print time: 3-4 hours | Filament: ~60g | Difficulty: Medium

Small plant pots for succulents or herbs. With integrated drainage and saucer.

Download: Printables - Plant Pot

12. Spice Rack Organizer

Print time: 2-3 hours | Filament: ~50g | Difficulty: Medium

Brings order to your spice shelf. Stackable and labelable.

Download: Printables - Spice Rack

Level 4: Desk Accessories

Upgrade your workspace with self-printed accessories.

13. Pen Holder

Print time: 2-3 hours | Filament: ~50g | Difficulty: Easy

A classic pen holder in various designs. Functional and decorative.

Download: Printables - Pen Holder

14. SD Card Holder

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Easy

Perfect for photographers and makers - keeps your SD cards organized.

Download: Printables - SD Card Holder

15. Laptop Stand

Print time: 4-6 hours | Filament: ~100g | Difficulty: Medium

Ergonomic laptop stand for better posture at your desk.

Download: Printables - Laptop Stand

16. Cable Management Box

Print time: 3-4 hours | Filament: ~80g | Difficulty: Medium

Hide the cable chaos under your desk.

Download: Printables - Cable Box

Level 5: Creative Projects

Now you can get creative! These projects will impress friends and family.

17. Lithophane (Photo as 3D Print)

Print time: 2-4 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Medium

Turn a photo into a 3D printed image that reveals the subject when backlit. An impressive gift!

Tools: Lithophane Maker

Tip: Print vertically in white PLA with 100% infill.

18. Vase Mode Vase

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~50g | Difficulty: Easy

“Vase mode” prints continuously in a spiral. The result is a smooth, watertight vase.

Download: Printables - Spiral Vase

19. Flexi Animals (Print-in-Place)

Print time: 1-2 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Medium

Flexible animals that come out of the printer already articulated. Perfect as gifts.

Download: Printables - Flexi Rex

20. Fidget Toys

Print time: 1-3 hours | Filament: ~30g | Difficulty: Medium

Spinners, cubes, and other fidget toys. Perfect for meetings and waiting times.

Download: Printables - Fidget Collection

Level 6: Advanced Projects

You’ve got some successful prints under your belt? Then try these more challenging projects.

21. Gridfinity System

Print time: Variable | Filament: Variable | Difficulty: Medium

The modular organization system for workshop and desk. Once started, you’ll print endless modules.

Download: Printables - Gridfinity

22. Print Replacement Parts

Print time: Variable | Difficulty: Medium-Hard

Measure broken plastic parts, recreate them in TinkerCAD, and print. THIS is the real value of 3D printing.

Tools: TinkerCAD (free)

23. Knife Block

Print time: 6-10 hours | Filament: ~150g | Difficulty: Medium

A custom knife block matching your kitchen knives.

Download: Printables - Knife Block

24. Lamps and Lighting

Print time: 4-8 hours | Filament: ~100g | Difficulty: Medium-Hard

From lampshades to LED housings - lighting projects look impressive.

Download: Printables - Lamps Collection

25. Toys and Puzzles

Print time: Variable | Difficulty: Medium

From building blocks to puzzle cubes - perfect for kids or as gifts.

Download: Printables - Toys Collection

Where Can I Find More 3D Models?

These platforms offer millions of free models for your next 3D print:

Top 3 Platforms for Beginners

1. Printables.com - Best quality, curated by Prusa
2. Thingiverse.com - Largest selection, classic marketplace
3. MyMiniFactory.com - High-quality, tested designs

Specialized Platforms

• Cults3D.com - Mix of free and paid
• YouMagine.com - Open source community
• STLFinder.com - Search engine for all platforms

Tips for Successful First Prints

Choosing the Right Model

1. Start without supports - Search for “no supports needed”
2. Small objects first - Under 2 hours print time
3. Read reviews - Choose models with many downloads and positive ratings

Slicer Settings for Beginners

• Layer height: 0.2mm (standard)
• Infill: 15-20% for most objects
• Speed: Reduce initially (70-80%)
• Support: Only when really necessary

Avoiding Mistakes

• Always watch the first layer
• Clean print bed before every print
• If problems occur: Cancel and restart

Your Action Plan for First Prints

1. Day 1: Print 3D Benchy, analyze, calibrate if needed
2. Day 2-3: Calibration cube and temperature tower
3. Day 4-7: 3-5 practical objects (cable clips, phone stand, etc.)
4. Week 2: Larger projects and first creative prints
5. Month 1: First custom design in TinkerCAD

Conclusion: Just Start!

The most important tip for your first 3D prints: Just start. Begin with the Benchy, then print practical small items and gradually work your way up.

Every failed print is a learning opportunity. With each project, you’ll better understand how your printer works and which settings work best.

In a month of regular printing, you’ll master projects that seem impossible today.

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Having trouble printing? Check out our guide to the 10 most common 3D printing beginner mistakes.