Many of our Library patrons know that the Galena Branch has a 3D Printer! It lives in our MakerSpace and we see all kinds of fun 3D objects made on it. When we teach people how to use the 3D printer, we send them to a handy website called Thingiverse.com. It is a website where you can find all kinds of neat 3D print files already designed and uploaded for free use, like this artichoke inspired lampshade!
What we don’t typically teach is how to make your own 3D designs from start to finish. It can be a bit overwhelming to try and transform an idea from your head into a design that the 3D printer can read and make. If you look at the different design software that professionals use, 3D designing can seem like an impossible task.
But, don’t worry! There is a very beginner friendly software out there that makes building any 3D object possible! It is called Tinkercad. There are several reasons why we love it, and encourage people new to 3D designing to give it a try! 
This software is compatible with computers or tablets, and you can make some prototypes at home before coming to the Library to print them out! Tinkercad gives you a bunch of shapes that can be combined to make all kinds of designs.
Tinkercad designs can be as simple or as complex as you want. The more comfortable you get with manipulating the shapes, the more complex your designs will become.
Tinkercad makes designing pain free, and kids enjoy playing with the different versions like Lego or Minecraft mode.
Check out their social media page for ideas and projects!
