So, you got a 3D printer for the holidays, and you’re excited to dive in. Chances are, you’re not sure where to begin. What can you print? What’s fun? What’s useful?

Are you looking for 3D printer files for cool things to 3D print? Free 3D models of useful and practical (and some whimsical) 3D printable objects? Here are my favorites.

The best way to simplify a complex model for 3D printing is to reduce its triangle mesh. Sometimes called decimating, this process takes away a lot of the complex geometry that is great to have ...

How do you 3D-print without a 3D printer? If you don't own a 3D printer, you can still 3D print any 3D model you found through a database or designed through a software tool.

3D Design Tools to Create Your Own Models Of course, the magic thing about 3D printing is that you can create something from scratch that’s never existed before.

Homo naledi fossil scans are now available to 3D print at home. But what other hominin fossils can you download for your collection?

Quick note on legality: If you choose to rip 3D models from your video games and print them, make sure you’re just printing them for yourself, not to sell.

Some readers may consider that a revolting oversimplification, but it is a helpful one to make a point about how 3D scanning, 3D printing, and CAD work do (and don’t) work together.