CommunityCAD
Uploading models
Single and batch uploads, every form field, supported formats and size limits, and what happens after.
Anyone with an account can upload. Choose + Upload at the top of the page (you need to be signed in).
Supported files#
| Kind | Extensions |
|---|---|
| CAD (exact geometry) | .step, .stp |
| 3D printing (meshes and projects) | .stl, .obj, .3mf |
| 2D (laser, CNC, drawings) | .dxf, .svg |
| Native CAD | SolidWorks .sldprt .sldasm .slddrw, Fusion 360 .f3d, FreeCAD .fcstd |
| Machine and CAM files | .gcode, .nc, .tap, .cnc, Carbide Create .c2d |
| A whole project | .zip |
Maximum size: 50 MB per file. For a project with several parts, drawings or source files, upload a ZIP. See Organising your files.
Uploading one model#
The upload form has:
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File | Yes | One CAD file or ZIP, up to 50 MB |
| Title | Yes | 3 to 255 characters. Filled in from the file name; change it to something people would search for. |
| Description | No | What it is, what it's for, how to make it. Markdown works. A README in a ZIP replaces it (see Documenting your model). |
| Tags | No | Comma-separated, e.g. 3d print, raspberry pi, enclosure. Suggestions appear as you type. Tags are stored in lowercase. Category filters in search (3D Print, CNC, Laser Cut, Electronics, Robotics…) are tags too. |
| Images | No | Up to 20 PNG, JPEG, GIF or WebP images, 5 MB each. Drag to reorder; the first image is the thumbnail. |
| Documents | No | PDF datasheets (up to 20 MB, made searchable by meaning) and Markdown, text or Word documents (up to 50 MB). They go in the model's docs/ folder. |
| License | No, but please choose one | See Choosing a license. With no license, others have no permission to reuse your work beyond what the Terms allow. |
| Visibility | — | Public (default) or Private (only you can see it) |
| 18+ content | When it applies | Adults only. Required for adult content, firearms and firearm parts, and graphic content. See Age and 18+ content. |
| Upload on behalf of my company | — | Shown only if you belong to a company. The model appears on the company's page. |
Choose Upload. When it finishes, you're taken to your new model.
Photos: images and avatars are currently stored as uploaded, including any embedded location data. Remove it first if your photos might contain it.
Uploading several models at once#
Batch upload uploads up to 10 files at once, each becoming its own model. For each file you can set the title, description, tags, whether it's private and whether it's 18+, and choose Upload as company models for all of them.
Batch uploads have no license, images or documents; add those afterwards with Edit model (images and datasheets). Tags and license can't be changed after upload yet, so use the single upload when you need them.
Each file shows its own progress; failed ones can be retried.
What happens after you upload#
Your model is live straight away (if public). In the background, usually within a few minutes, we:
- Render preview images of STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, DXF and SVG files (for a ZIP, up to 10 of its CAD files, largest first, preferring
cad/), and add them to the gallery after your own images. The first gallery image is the thumbnail. Formats we can't render (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, FreeCAD, G-code) get a placeholder unless you add images. - Make an STL from each STEP file, under
exports/, so people can print it directly. - Read your ZIP: list its files, and pick up its README and LICENSE.
- Make datasheets readable: PDFs in
docs/get text recognition, so their content helps semantic search. - Add the model to search.
There's no progress indicator yet; refresh the page after a few minutes to see renders.
Good uploads get used#
- A clear title with what it is and what it fits ("Raspberry Pi 5 case with 40 mm fan").
- Real photos of the made thing, first in the gallery.
- A description that answers: what is it, what do I need, how do I make it, what settings worked.
- STEP as well as STL, so others can modify it.
- A license, so people know what they can do with it.
What you can't upload#
Anything you don't have the right to share, and anything against the Community Guidelines. By uploading you confirm you have the rights and agree to the Creator Terms.
Moderators can restrict uploads from an account that breaks the rules.