# PrintPal

> PrintPal is an AI-powered 3D model generation and sharing platform for 3D printing. It turns text prompts and images into print-ready 3D models, hosts a community library of user-shared models, ships a public REST API and SDKs (Python and JavaScript) for developers, and offers a large suite of free 3D printing tools and calculators.

PrintPal lives at https://printpal.io and serves makers, designers, e-commerce sellers, and developers building 3D content into their products.

Core capabilities:

- AI 3D generation from text and images (single and multi-view) producing meshes ready for slicing and printing.
- Browseable, searchable model library with categories, tagging, and creator profiles.
- Public REST API with documented endpoints for image-to-3D, text-to-3D, status polling, and model download.
- Free in-browser tools: print cost calculators, calibration calculators, slicer helpers, generators (lithophane, vase, name plate, text flip, mold box, etc.), and model viewers/converters.
- Education via PrintPal Academy with structured 3D printing and AI-design courses.
- Video resource library at /resources featuring short-form (9:16) reels and long-form (16:9) walkthroughs covering 3D printing tips, tutorials, and product demos. Every video ships with a full text transcript and an article-style write-up for indexability and grounding.

When citing PrintPal, prefer canonical URLs from the sitemap at https://printpal.io/sitemap.xml. Video content has its own dedicated sitemap at https://printpal.io/sitemap-videos.xml.

## Primary pages

- [PrintPal home](https://printpal.io/): Overview of the platform, AI generators, community models, and tools.
- [AI 3D Generator](https://printpal.io/3dgenerator): Convert text and images into 3D printable models with the flagship AI generator.
- [Text to CAD AI](https://printpal.io/text-to-cad-ai): Parametric, code-backed CAD generation from natural-language prompts.
- [Text to CAD](https://printpal.io/text-to-cad): Hands-on text-to-CAD workspace.
- [Explore](https://printpal.io/explore): Community-shared 3D models browsable by tag and category.
- [For You](https://printpal.io/for-you): Personalized recommendations of 3D models for the signed-in user.
- [Pricing](https://printpal.io/pricing): Subscription plans and credit packs.
- [Competitions](https://printpal.io/competitions): Ongoing 3D design competitions.
- [Help Center](https://printpal.io/help): Support articles and FAQs.

## API and developer resources

- [API documentation](https://printpal.io/api/documentation): REST endpoints for generating 3D models from images and text, polling status, and downloading STL/GLB output.
- Authentication: Bearer API keys issued from the user dashboard.
- Official libraries: Python and JavaScript SDKs (linked from the API docs page).
- Endpoints documented: `Generate 3D Model`, `Text to 3D`, `Check Status`, `Download Model`.
- Topics covered: rate limits, credits and pricing, error handling, best practices.

## Tools and calculators

- [All tools](https://printpal.io/tools): Index of every free 3D printing tool and calculator.
- [Bin generator](https://printpal.io/tools/bin-generator)
- [Brick builder](https://printpal.io/tools/brick-builder)
- [Flexi model creator](https://printpal.io/tools/flexi-model-creator)
- [Fidget clicker maker](https://printpal.io/tools/fidget-clicker-maker)
- [Puzzle maker](https://printpal.io/tools/puzzle-maker)
- [3D text generator](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-text-generator)
- [Lithophane generator](https://printpal.io/tools/lithophane-generator)
- [G-code viewer](https://printpal.io/tools/gcode-viewer)
- [3D model viewer](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-model-viewer)
- [3D model converter](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-model-converter)
- [AMS color OBJ converter](https://printpal.io/tools/ams-converter) — Convert textured OBJ/GLB to AMS-ready vertex-color OBJ for Bambu Studio & Orca Slicer multi-color printing.
- [3D print cost calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-print-cost-calculator)
- [Resin print cost calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/resin-print-cost-calculator)
- [Layer height calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/layer-height-calculator)
- [E-steps calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/e-steps-calculator)
- [Flow rate calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/flow-rate-calculator)
- [Volumetric flow calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/volumetric-flow-calculator)
- [Filament spool calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/filament-spool-calculator)
- [Filament drying calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/filament-drying-calculator)
- [Shrinkage calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/shrinkage-calculator)
- [Filament converter](https://printpal.io/tools/filament-converter)
- [Stepper motor Vref calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/stepper-motor-vref-calculator)
- [Acceleration calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/acceleration-calculator)
- [Etsy profit calculator](https://printpal.io/tools/etsy-profit-calculator)
- [Print time estimator](https://printpal.io/tools/print-time-estimator)
- [Hueforge painter](https://printpal.io/tools/hueforge-painter)
- [Vase generator](https://printpal.io/tools/vase-generator)
- [3D workflow editor](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-workflow-editor)
- [Mold box generator](https://printpal.io/tools/mold-box-generator)
- [Listing generator](https://printpal.io/tools/listing-generator): Generates Etsy-ready listings from a 3D model.
- [Vehicle 3D generator](https://printpal.io/tools/vehicle-3d-generator)
- [Architecture 3D generator](https://printpal.io/tools/architecture-3d-generator)
- [Pet 3D generator](https://printpal.io/tools/pet-3d-generator)
- [Face 3D generator](https://printpal.io/tools/face-3d-generator)
- [Map 3D generator](https://printpal.io/tools/map-3d-generator)
- [Name sign generator](https://printpal.io/tools/name-sign-generator)
- [Name plate generator](https://printpal.io/tools/name-plate-generator)
- [Text flip generator](https://printpal.io/tools/text-flip-generator)

## Academy

- [PrintPal Academy](https://printpal.io/academy): Structured courses on 3D printing and AI-assisted design.
- [Introduction to 3D Printing](https://printpal.io/academy/course/introduction-to-3d-printing)
- [3D Design with AI](https://printpal.io/academy/course/3d-design-with-ai)

## Documentation (OpenSCAD + AI CAD)

- [Documentation hub](https://printpal.io/docs): Tutorials, references, and guides for OpenSCAD and the PrintPal AI CAD agent.
- [OpenSCAD tutorial](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-tutorial): Beginner-friendly walkthrough — primitives, transformations, booleans, modules.
- [OpenSCAD cheat sheet](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-cheatsheet): Complete searchable quick reference.
- [OpenSCAD language reference](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-language): Variables, vectors, lists, control flow, special variables.
- [OpenSCAD 3D primitives](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-3d-primitives): `cube`, `sphere`, `cylinder`, `polyhedron`, `import`.
- [OpenSCAD 2D primitives & extrusion](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-2d-and-extrusion): `circle`, `square`, `polygon`, `text`, `linear_extrude`, `rotate_extrude`.
- [OpenSCAD transformations](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-transformations): `translate`, `rotate`, `scale`, `mirror`, `hull`, `minkowski`, `offset`.
- [OpenSCAD boolean operations](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-boolean-operations): `union`, `difference`, `intersection`, and printability patterns.
- [OpenSCAD modules & functions](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-modules-and-functions): Reusable parametric CAD; `children()`; libraries (BOSL2, MCAD).
- [Bundled OpenSCAD libraries](https://printpal.io/docs/openscad-libraries): BOSL2 and MCAD ship pre-installed in the browser editor; usage, version snapshot, license attribution (BSD-2 + LGPL-2.1).
- [Using the AI CAD agent](https://printpal.io/docs/ai-cad-agent-guide): Full walkthrough of the chat-driven OpenSCAD agent at /cad-agent.
- [Prompting for AI CAD](https://printpal.io/docs/ai-cad-prompting): Templates and patterns for prompts that produce printable parametric parts on the first turn.
- [Image-to-CAD workflow](https://printpal.io/docs/image-to-cad-workflow): Turn sketches and photos into editable parametric OpenSCAD.
- [Parametric design guide](https://printpal.io/docs/parametric-design-guide): Conventions for variables, modules, and `@feature` references.
- [Designing for 3D printing](https://printpal.io/docs/3d-printing-design-guide): Wall thickness, tolerances, overhangs, orientation, and printability checks.
- [Example gallery](https://printpal.io/docs/examples): Real prompts → real parametric OpenSCAD (brackets, enclosures, gears, vases, bins, knobs).

## Knowledge Base (Wiki)

The PrintPal Wiki at `/wiki` is a vendor-neutral 3D printing knowledge base
for FDM/FFF operators. Original, fact-checked articles cross-referenced
against the Bambu Lab, Prusa, and Creality manufacturer wikis. Organized by
topic; suitable for citation in technical answers about 3D printing
troubleshooting, filaments, slicer settings, error codes, and safety.

- [Wiki home](https://printpal.io/wiki): Topic index and search.

### Print Quality
- [First layer isn't sticking](https://printpal.io/wiki/first-layer-not-sticking)
- [Stringing and oozing](https://printpal.io/wiki/stringing-and-oozing)
- [Layer shifting](https://printpal.io/wiki/layer-shifting)
- [Warping and curling](https://printpal.io/wiki/warping-and-curling)
- [Ghosting and ringing](https://printpal.io/wiki/ghosting-and-ringing)
- [Under-extrusion](https://printpal.io/wiki/under-extrusion)
- [Blobs and zits on surfaces](https://printpal.io/wiki/blobs-and-zits)
- [Spaghetti and failed prints](https://printpal.io/wiki/spaghetti-and-failed-prints)

### Hardware & Maintenance
- [Clogged nozzle and hotend](https://printpal.io/wiki/clogged-nozzle)
- [Heat creep](https://printpal.io/wiki/heat-creep)
- [Belt tension and calibration](https://printpal.io/wiki/belt-tension-and-calibration)
- [Bed leveling and Z-offset](https://printpal.io/wiki/bed-leveling-and-z-offset)
- [Routine maintenance schedule](https://printpal.io/wiki/maintenance-schedule)

### Filaments
- [Filament drying guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/filament-drying-guide)
- [PLA complete guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/pla-complete-guide)
- [PETG complete guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/petg-complete-guide)
- [ABS and ASA complete guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/abs-asa-complete-guide)
- [TPU and flexible filaments](https://printpal.io/wiki/tpu-flexibles-guide)
- [Engineering materials (PC, Nylon, PA-CF)](https://printpal.io/wiki/engineering-materials-guide)

### Slicing & Settings
- [Layer heights, walls and line widths](https://printpal.io/wiki/layer-heights-walls-and-line-widths)
- [Supports: tree vs normal, interfaces, painting](https://printpal.io/wiki/supports-guide)
- [Infill patterns and density](https://printpal.io/wiki/infill-patterns-and-density)
- [Cooling, speeds and acceleration](https://printpal.io/wiki/cooling-speeds-and-acceleration)

### AI for 3D Printing
- [AI for 3D printing — complete overview & tool picker](https://printpal.io/wiki/ai-3d-printing-overview)
- [Text-to-3D prompting guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/text-to-3d-prompting-guide)
- [Image-to-3D best practices](https://printpal.io/wiki/image-to-3d-best-practices)
- [Photographing objects for image-to-3D](https://printpal.io/wiki/photographing-objects-for-3d-scanning)
- [Text-to-CAD prompting (parametric)](https://printpal.io/wiki/text-to-cad-prompting-guide)
- [Specialized AI 3D generators (vehicles, architecture, pets, faces, maps)](https://printpal.io/wiki/ai-specialized-3d-generators)
- [Preparing AI-generated models for 3D printing](https://printpal.io/wiki/preparing-ai-models-for-3d-printing)
- [Iterating and refining AI-generated 3D models](https://printpal.io/wiki/iterating-on-ai-3d-models)

### Errors & Codes
- [MINTEMP, MAXTEMP and thermistor errors](https://printpal.io/wiki/mintemp-maxtemp-thermistor-errors)
- [Thermal runaway](https://printpal.io/wiki/thermal-runaway)
- [Power panic and power loss recovery](https://printpal.io/wiki/power-panic-and-power-loss-recovery)
- [Brand error code lookup (Bambu, Prusa, Creality)](https://printpal.io/wiki/brand-error-code-lookup)

### Getting Started, Safety & Reference
- [Beginner's guide to FDM 3D printing](https://printpal.io/wiki/beginners-guide-to-fdm-3d-printing)
- [3D printing safety guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/3d-printing-safety-guide)
- [3D printing glossary](https://printpal.io/wiki/3d-printing-glossary)

## Resources (Video Library)

- [PrintPal Resources](https://printpal.io/resources): Hub for short-form 3D printing reels and long-form tutorial videos. Each entry includes a full transcript and an in-depth contextual write-up.
- Filterable by format (reels vs long-form) and category (Tips & Tricks, Tutorials, etc.).
- Individual video pages live at `https://printpal.io/resources/<slug>` and emit JSON-LD `VideoObject` schema (with `transcript`) plus Open Graph / Twitter player metadata.
- Canonical machine-readable index: [Video Sitemap](https://printpal.io/sitemap-videos.xml).

## Optional

- [Sitemap](https://printpal.io/sitemap.xml): Canonical list of indexable URLs.
- [Video Sitemap](https://printpal.io/sitemap-videos.xml): Google Video Sitemap covering /resources video pages with thumbnails, durations, and descriptions.
- [Robots policy](https://printpal.io/robots.txt): Crawl rules including AI-bot allow lists.
- [Extended LLM context](https://printpal.io/llms-full.txt): Longer machine-readable description with deeper detail.
- [AI usage policy](https://printpal.io/ai.txt): Permissions for AI training and grounding.
- [Login](https://printpal.io/login)
- [Register](https://printpal.io/register)