Introduction
Ever wondered what to print on 3D printer when you’re looking for your next interesting project? The beauty of 3D printing is that it transforms digital designs into real, tangible objects. With the right idea, your printer can create anything: functional tools for everyday life, adorable accessories for kids, or even sci-fi models that bring your imagination to life.
RealityMAX users already know how exciting it feels to explore materials, formats, and creativity. Each project is a chance to learn new skills, experiment with design, and add something cool to your desk, wall, or even your fashion look. In this guide, you’ll find 20 amazing projects explained step by step — complete with recommended materials, finishing tips, and variations.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your 3D printing journey, looking for fun stuff to play with, or aiming to produce functional accessories for businesses, this article is packed with inspiration.
Why print practical items: mixing creativity with function
One of the best parts of 3D printing is its versatility. You can print a detailed dragon model for display one day, and the next day, design a replacement part that saves your computer setup from breaking. By turning your printer into both a tool for life hacks and a source of creativity, you get the best of both worlds.
Printing functional objects like holders, hinges, or kitchen gadgets makes your life easier while giving you practice with tolerances and assembly. Printing art pieces or fashion accessories lets you show off your skills, explore colors, or even try clear resin prints that look amazing under light. Each project is not just about making an object — it’s about inspiration, wonder, and progress.
How to use this list: pick projects that match your skills
This list of 20 creative ideas is organized to help you choose based on your skills, equipment, and goals.
- Beginners: Start with small objects like phone stands, cable clips, or cookie cutters. They’re quick to print and help you master settings like bed adhesion and support removal.
- Intermediate makers: Try storage boxes, wearable jewelry, or articulated hinges. These teach you how to assemble parts, measure tolerances, and explore custom designs.
- Advanced users: Tackle robotics parts, modular systems, or sci-fi inspired models in clear resin. These projects let you practice detailed finishing, paint techniques, and multi-material printing.
Whichever project you choose, remember: print, paint, practice, and progress. That’s how your creativity turns into real-world results.
20 creative and practical ideas of what to print on 3D printer
1) Custom phone stand
A phone stand is a fun, functional project for beginners. Whether you use it for video calls, gaming, or recipes on your kitchen table, this print adds daily convenience. Use PLA for quick results or PETG for durability. Add a custom design — from a dragon head base for fantasy lovers to a minimalist fashion look for your desk. Finish with a coat of paint for style.
2) Cable clips and organizers
If your desk or computer setup is full of tangled cords, cable clips are the perfect solution. They’re quick to print, practical, and can be customized in cool colors. PLA works for most, but flexible TPU makes adorable strain-relief clips. Print a group of them in one go and surprise your friends or kids with a neater, safer workspace.
3) Custom keycaps and key organizers
Why settle for boring keyboards? Print custom keycaps to give your setup character. From sci-fi themed sets to adorable rings of color, the possibilities are endless. Print in clear resin for a glowing backlit effect, or in strong PETG for everyday use. Add a key organizer to keep spare keys accessible. A project that blends fashion, function, and creativity.
4) Tool holders and pegboard hooks
Turn your wall into an organized station with pegboard hooks and holders. These functional prints save time, reduce clutter, and give your tools a permanent home. They’re also great practice in design and assembly, since you can customize shapes to fit your exact tools. Print in PETG or ASA for durability, then paint for an inspired workshop look.
5) Replacement parts and adapters
A broken knob, a missing clip, or a discontinued adapter? Print your own. These projects highlight how 3D printing is not just fun stuff — it’s a practical tool for extending product life. Use calipers to measure precisely, then design in CAD. PETG and nylon are ideal materials here. With some patience, you’ll create parts that work better than the originals.
6) Custom planters and cable-through pots
Add some life to your desk or wall with custom planters. Print simple pots or amazing designs with integrated cable channels, so plants and devices coexist beautifully. Kids love adorable animal planters, while designers can experiment with geometric art. PLA is fine for most, but seal it with epoxy if you grow edible herbs. A great mix of practical and decorative design.
7) Hinged boxes and storage containers
Organize jewelry, electronics, or gaming tokens with custom storage boxes. These projects help you practice assembly and snap-fit design. Hinged lids, magnetic closures, or even adorable mini treasure chests make them both useful and stylish. PETG adds toughness, while TPU lets you experiment with flexible hinges.
8) Camera mounts and rigs
Want cinematic shots without expensive gear? Print custom camera rigs and mounts. From tripod accessories to phone holders for vlogging, these projects are perfect for creators. Reinforce screw points with metal inserts and print in strong PETG. Add a layer of paint for a professional look. Whether you’re shooting a sci-fi short film or just TikTok content, these mounts unlock creativity.
9) Desk organizers with QR or NFC slots
Perfect for businesses and designers, these desk organizers double as smart accessories. Print compartments for pens, cards, and QR slots that link to your portfolio. PLA works great and prints quickly. Add a company logo, paint, or custom branding. A mix of practical function and professional inspiration.
10) Headphone stands and cable wraps
A stylish headphone stand keeps your gear safe and your desk clean. Add cable wraps for extra organization. Print in cool colors to match your setup or try clear resin for a futuristic look. For a fashion twist, design a sculpted stand that doubles as art.
11) Game accessories: dice, tokens, card stands
If you love tabletop games, 3D printing lets you create custom dice, token holders, and card stands. Print dragon-shaped dice towers, sci-fi tokens, or modular terrain for campaigns. Resin printing produces sharp details; PLA is perfect for bulk pieces. Paint them for extra flair. This is a fun project for friends, kids, or your gaming group.
12) Wearable accessories and jewelry
Want to wear your creativity? Print custom rings, pendants, and bracelets. Use resin for detailed art, or TPU for flexible bands. You can even add NFC chips inside for futuristic accessories. Finish with metallic paints for an amazing fashion effect. Great for gifts or small businesses selling custom jewelry.
13) Kitchen gadgets and cookie cutters
From measuring spoons to adorable cookie cutters, the kitchen is full of print opportunities. Create custom shapes for holidays or design cutters in the form of animals, logos, or sci-fi ships. PLA works for dry-use, but always check food safety. A project that combines practical life tools with family fun.
14) Plant supports and trellises
Help your plants grow with custom clips, stakes, and trellises. Print modular connectors and assemble frames for any pot size. Kids love building these too, making it a great summer project. PETG or ASA handle outdoor use. Paint them green for a natural look, or keep them raw for a cool industrial vibe.
15) Functional hinges and snap-fit parts
Snap-fit parts are perfect to practice tolerances. From toy joints to functional latches for equipment, these prints are highly educational. Use PETG or nylon for durability. Try printing a mini box with a custom snap hinge, then progress to more detailed designs. A great beginning-to-advanced practice path.
16) Robotics parts and sensor mounts
For makers into tech, printing robotics parts is a dream. Custom brackets, housings, and sensor pods let you explore IoT ideas at home or school. PETG, ABS, and nylon are the best materials. These projects are functional, detailed, and inspiring, especially for students learning engineering.
17) Lampshades and light diffusers
Light up your world with custom lampshades. Print lattice designs, tessellated patterns, or clear resin shades for a soft glow. Always use LED bulbs to avoid heat issues. A cool project for anyone interested in home décor or experimenting with art and design ideas.
18) Bicycle accessories
Print bottle cages, reflectors, and mounts tailored to your bike. Add a phone holder for GPS or a custom tool kit clip. PETG and nylon provide strength. Test carefully before long rides. A practical project that combines life, sport, and 3D creativity.
19) Educational models and teaching aids
3D printing makes abstract concepts tangible. Print molecules, anatomy models, or mechanical assemblies for school projects. Resin prints offer sharp details for detailed displays. Add labels, paint, or magnets for versatility. A wonderful tool for teachers, parents, and kids.
20) Modular desk and wall systems
Imagine a wall that grows with your needs: modular tiles for tools, plants, or displays. These systems are functional, customizable, and versatile. Use PETG for durability, and experiment with patterns that double as art. From a business display to a home office wall organizer, the possibilities are endless.
Post-processing: make prints look amazing
A bit of sanding, primer, and paint can turn a simple object into a polished piece. PLA benefits from sanding and spray paint. ABS can be vapor-smoothed for a glossy finish. Try experimenting with clear coats, metallic paints, or even glow-in-the-dark details. If you’re into art projects, finishing is where you can really show off your skills.
Filament guide: choosing the right materials
Different materials unlock different possibilities. PLA is great for beginners, PETG adds toughness, ABS handles heat, TPU is flexible, and resin gives you detailed, clear results. Always pick the right filament for the idea or project you’re working on — whether it’s a fun toy for kids or a functional part for equipment.
Troubleshooting: when prints break or fail
Everyone has setbacks: a warped base, clogged nozzle, or bad support. The key is to learn from each break. Clean your bed, dry your filament, and search for tips in the community. Keep a log of your progress and settings. Each challenge improves your skills and creativity.
Conclusion
Now you have 20 amazing ideas of what to print on 3D printer — a mix of fun, practical, detailed, and inspired projects. Whether you print a custom phone stand for your desk, an adorable planter for your wall, or a dragon model to paint with friends, each creation reflects your imagination.
3D printing is about more than objects. It’s about inspiration, wonder, and creativity — turning digital ideas into real-life models that you can hold, wear, display, or share. So pick your next project, hit print, and keep building the world of your dreams.