Microsoft 3D Builder: Instructions for beginners

In this guide, we give you a first introduction to the CAD software "3D Builder" from Microsoft.

To start the instructions: Start 3D Builder

First of all, you have to start the app on your computer.

If you have not yet installed 3D Builder, you can download the program for free.
First click on "New Scene" to start.

On the "Insert" tab you can add various standard objects such as cubes, cylinders or pyramids to your scene.

You can also drag and drop more complex models into your scene. It is recommended that these objects be in STL format. But other file types can also be processed.
You can select one or more objects by clicking. At the bottom center you can move the object, rotate it or scale it. A small lock is normally activated when scaling, which means that the ratio is maintained from all sides.
You can also group or select multiple objects on the right side of the screen.

On the "Objects" tab, you can duplicate, copy, cut, paste, and delete 3D models - everything you can do with files on your desktop.

You also have the option of placing an object. Placing means that you can simultaneously rotate and move the object by holding down the left mouse button, the object following gravity again when released.
You can also mirror objects or measure the distance between two points.

The next tab is the "Edit" tab. Here you can, for example, use the "Simplify" function to reduce the number of areas.

You can also cut an object with the "Split" function, or make a square model look "rounder" with the "Smooth" function.
Furthermore, you can emboss an embossing, such as add text, extrude an object downwards, merge several objects, only view their intersection, subtract them from one another, or hollow out an object inside.

You have a little less functions in the "Coloring" tab.

As you know, you can rotate the view with the left mouse button pressed, move the view with the right mouse button and zoom with the mouse wheel.

Further functions can be found under the "View" tab. Here you can, for example, center the view or have the wireframe displayed.

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When you are finished with your model, you can call up the sidebar in the top left and save it.

Make sure to use "* .stl" as the format so that you can print the object more easily.

In the next practical tip, we will give you a first introduction to the professional CAD program Solid Egde.