How CommunityCAD works

CommunityCAD is a place to share and find CAD models: the files people actually design, print and machine with. Think STEP and STL files, 3MF projects, DXF and SVG for laser and CNC, and full projects in a ZIP, each with documentation and a license so you know what you're getting and what you're allowed to do with it.

It's for makers and engineers: hobbyists with a 3D printer, people building robots and machines, and companies that publish parts for their products.

What you can do#

Without an account:

• Find models by text or by meaning, browse what's trending, and follow the community feed.
• Read model pages: pictures, documentation, files, versions, license, ratings and prints.
• Download up to 5 models a day and 20 a week.

With a free account (sign in with Google or GitHub):

• Upload your own models, with documentation, images and a license, and publish new versions as you improve them.
• Comment, like, follow creators, and rate models on how accurate and usable they are.
• Donate to creators, and receive donations for your own work.
• Link your printer with CommunityCAD for Klipper to send models straight to it and share your prints.
• Claim models we imported from your public GitHub repositories.

How the pieces fit together#

• Models are the heart of the site. Each one has files (one upload, or a ZIP with a folder layout), a description or README, images, a license, and optionally datasheets and versions. We generate preview images automatically.
• Creators are the people who upload. Their profile collects their models, and they can receive donations.
• Companies have their own pages for the models they publish. Some pages hold models we imported from public GitHub repositories, credited to their original authors, until the authors claim them.
• Ratings, comments and prints are how the community says whether a model is any good: an accuracy rating across five dimensions, discussion, and real prints with the settings that worked.
• Memberships raise your download limits and remove ads. You can pay for one, or earn one by uploading or by supporting creators.

What CommunityCAD is not#

• Not a file checker. Models are made by other people. We don't test them, and a model or G-code file can be wrong, or unsuitable for your machine. Check before you print or machine anything. See Rules, reports and takedowns.
• Not a store. Every public model can be downloaded on the Free tier; creators are supported by donations, not sales.
• Not the owner of your work. You keep the rights to what you upload and choose its license. See the Creator Terms.

Where to go next#

• New here? Find a model, then download it.
• Sharing your work? Start with Uploading models and Organising your files.
• Running Klipper? See the CommunityCAD for Klipper docs.