Likewise, there\u2019s an incredibly diverse group of fans out there producing high-quality models based on these shows. Below, we\u2019ve rounded up a list of some of the best places to look for anime 3D models, and what you can expect from each site. We\u2019ll first be looking at sites that are in English, then a few in Japanese. \u306f\u3058\u3081\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046 (Let\u2019s start)!<\/p>\n
What We’re Looking For<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/2c40b69dcaebd78b.png\")
There are many good options for anime models, both paid and free (Source: juliooka via CGTrader)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhen searching for sites to include on this list, we focused on a few considerations:<\/p>\n
\n- Ease of searching<\/strong>: Finding the exact model you\u2019re looking for can be tough. We kept an eye out for anything that makes that process more straightforward, like useful categories and search filters.<\/li>\n
- High-quality and authentic:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s nothing wrong with taking some creative license, but we wanted to make sure models stayed true to their original look.<\/li>\n
- Reasonable pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Reasonable pricing is good, and free is even better. We\u2019ll be highlighting what you can expect to pay at various sites.<\/li>\n
- Ease of printing:\u00a0<\/strong>If your goal is to 3D print a particular anime model, we paid attention to the reliability of the site for 3D printable models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If one of these sites inspires you to get something 3D printed, try\u00a0Craftcloud by All3DP<\/a>. There\u2019s a wide variety of materials and finishes available, so you\u2019ll be able to get your favorite characters printed just as you imagine them.<\/p>\nAnd now, let\u2019s get to the sites!<\/p>\n
\nCATEGORY: ENGLISH SITES<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nMost fan content of anime models, surprisingly, doesn\u2019t come from Japan. We\u2019ll shed a little more light on that later in our Japanese site section, but for now, let\u2019s take a look at the incredible offerings from these English-language sites!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
TurboSquid<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/ec48abddadbafcb0.png\")
There’s a huge choice of models on TurboSquid with a similar variance in quality (Source: Dannan via TurboSquid)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTurboSquid<\/a>\u00a0is a site that delivers industry-ready content and where art students\u2019 test projects go to die. Just kidding! Safe to say, as a famous and long-running site, the models on TurboSquid can get pretty varied.<\/p>\nAfter checking out models for series like\u00a0Naruto<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Dragon Ball<\/a><\/em>, we found that while there are plenty of models floating around, printability is a big issue here. It\u2019s no surprise, as TurboSquid doesn\u2019t cater to 3D printing beyond providing an STL file filter. Get ready to judge for yourself if a model is worth the attempt to print it.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0There\u2019s a tag system that might be useful depending on your search but little focus on printability.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>You can find a wide variety of models, as there\u2019s everything from professional works to students\u2019 first attempts at 3D modeling.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>We saw models ranging from free to $300. TurboSquid serves a lot of markets, so you might end up paying for things you don\u2019t need, like rigging and texturing.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>It could take some extra work to make models printable, but you might get lucky and find the odd model intended for printing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
CGTrader<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/a85d169fcc0da6a2.png\")
There are lots of great models on CGTrader, but all at a cost (Source: zeroswat via CGTrader)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCGTrader<\/a>, as the name suggests, is a paid website showcasing impressive-looking models. While it provides 3D models for a variety of uses, it has a search toggle for 3D printable content specifically.<\/p>\nIt also has a very strong selection of models, with\u00a0Dragon Ball<\/a><\/em>\u00a0being a particular highlight! You can also find models from\u00a0Ranma \u00bd<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0Darling in the Franxx<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0One Piece<\/a><\/em>, and a very intense\u00a0Motoko from\u00a0Ghost in the Shell<\/em><\/a>!<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0The \u201c3D Print\u201d filter is very helpful for getting results quickly.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>CGTrader generally gave us the highest quality models out of everything we looked at. But no doubt that\u2019s because all are for a cost.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Expect to pay for everything on CGTrader. While prices can get into the hundreds, you\u2019re more often looking at between $5 and $50 for models.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Toggle on \u201c3D Print\u201d under attributes when searching and you\u2019re good to go. You won\u2019t feel like you\u2019re suddenly dealing with a very limited collection. But if you\u2019re feeling brave, you can search for everything and try your luck printing it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Thingiverse<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/ee7b2ff3cf042f76.png\")
Thingiverse has a range of anime models with a focus on 3D printing (Source: Thingiverse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHome of the truly free and 3D printable,\u00a0Thingiverse<\/a>\u00a0has models from a wide variety of shows and movies. It has a ton of\u00a0Pok\u00e9mon<\/em>\u00a0models from the\u00a0authentic<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0geometric<\/a>. You can find an impressive\u00a0Tachikoma<\/a>\u00a0from\u00a0Ghost in the Shell\u00a0<\/em>or try your hand at a \u201cGunpla\u201d with various\u00a0Gundam<\/a><\/em>\u00a0kits<\/a>.<\/p>\nThingiverse also has lots of anime-inspired objects, like this\u00a0Sailor Moon<\/em>\u00a0jewelry<\/a>. Search for your favorite series and add a little anime flare to your workshop or home!<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It can be a bit hit or miss, but keep an eye out for tags that might help you find a collection of models that you\u2019re interested in.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s quite the variety here. Some models have amazing attention to detail, while others are from amateurs who just wanted to try their hand at making something they love.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>All models are free! Very occasionally you can find someone linking off-site to paid versions of their works.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Thingiverse is totally focused on 3D printing, and the community is active in posting Makes of popular models. Occasionally, you\u2019ll find a 3D model that\u2019s been uploaded without consideration for printing, but it\u2019s not common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cults<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/a12b5441d3161f35.png\")
Cults includes both free and paid models but prioritizes printability (Source: Cults)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCults<\/a>\u00a0is both a free and paid marketplace for various 3D models. With a range of designs,\u00a0Studio Ghibli<\/a>\u00a0seems to be pretty popular, and you can even find whole dioramas\u00a0based on scenes from\u00a0Evangelion<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s worth keeping an eye on the printing technique that a model requires, as some more complex stuff has been designed for\u00a0resin printers<\/a>\u00a0rather than\u00a0FDM<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Cults doesn\u2019t provide any features specific to anime, but its search is pretty solid in directing you to the most relevant results.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models are generally of high quality, though searching through you\u2019ll find the odd model that\u2019s a bit more stylistic.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Cults pricing can vary a lot, from free all the way up to $150. Generally expect to pay $20 to $30 for high-quality models.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Cults is focused on 3D printing and especially paid models should be printable right off the bat. Quality designers provide \u201cexploded\u201d views of all the components in a figure, allowing you to see how it all goes together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Thangs<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/2893a05f0fc56cc1.png\")
A new tool for the box. Or should we say katana? (Source: Thangs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThangs<\/a>\u00a0is the new kid on the block. Born not too long ago, Thangs acts as a 3D printable file repository (just like Thingiverse), but what makes it interesting is its cross-platform search function. This way, it can find the desired model looking across different websites at the same time, though this inevitably leads to some repetition, of course.<\/p>\nIn terms of sheer numbers of models, being relatively new, Thangs falls behind other entries on this list. But that doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s not worth a look. We were able to find this\u00a0MewTwo in the charging pose<\/a>\u00a0and this\u00a0Hunter License<\/a>\u00a0from the popular series\u00a0Hunter x Hunter<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Keywords like \u201canime\u201d return poor results, so the best way to find what you\u2019re looking for is to search for something more specific. There are no dedicated categories or tags. Helpful, but far from complete (so far).<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is generally mediocre, offering mostly user designs. We didn\u2019t spot any professional artists\u2019 work.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Thangs offers all of its catalog for free.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Without infamy or praise: Some models are published for the sake of doing so, without any attention to printability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Etsy<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/26715bf6001341c2.png\")
If only we could print with multicolor resin (Source: Resin Dungeon via Etsy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEtsy<\/a>\u00a0has always been a 3D print-friendly platform. It\u2019s the go-to for small businesses that want to sell printed parts to those who don\u2019t own a printer. If interested, you might want to consider\u00a0starting a 3D printing business<\/a>.<\/p>\nAlongside small-scale operations, Etsy hosts a variety of modelers and designers, and the choice of models is quite impressive. Among the many, we were able to find a cute Totoro Family\u00a0and diorama of\u00a0Tanjiro and Nezuko\u00a0from\u00a0Demon Slayer<\/em>. However, being pretty unregulated, there are many models offered for sale without the permission of the author, and it can be difficult to spot the difference between legitimate artists and those selling stolen art. So, proceed with caution and only purchase from Etsy shops that you\u2019re confident are selling lawfully.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Etsy has a surprisingly intuitive search for such a huge site. Keywords like .stl anime show results that are pertinent.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is more than decent. The variety of the characters portrayed is great too.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>When the pricing is too low, around $3 to $6, it probably means that it\u2019s stolen. If it\u2019s too good to be true, it\u2019s probably not true. A genuine creation usually goes for $15 or higher.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Many models are perfected for 3D printing, with a few exceptions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sketchfab<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/7a9a00ca64f76da8.png\")
Sketchfab has models for printing and design (Source: Bruno Lucidi via Sketchfab)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSketchfab<\/a>\u00a0serves multiple roles, as a marketplace and download directory but also as a general artist showcase. This means not all models you find on Sketchfab will be downloadable, but we found plenty of great stuff to check out. Sketchfab also isn\u2019t aimed at 3D printing, but sticking \u201cprintable\u201d in your search will turn up various models ready to go. For paid models, pricing generally varies between $5 and $30.<\/p>\nWhen looking around, we found a great\u00a0Ryuk from\u00a0Death Note<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0Kogoro Mouri\u2019s office from\u00a0Detective Conan<\/em><\/a>, and even a cute pixelated series of\u00a0Sailor Moon<\/em>\u00a0characters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s what you\u2019d expect, and it gets the results you want. However, there isn\u2019t a \u201cprintable\u201d filter or tag.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality bar seems to be set pretty high on Sketchfab. We only saw a handful of submissions that truly looked low effort or amateur.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Paid models were priced somewhere between $5 and $50, but most of our search results didn\u2019t have a price tag attached.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Printability varies depending on the model, but it\u2019s easy to find models specifically for 3D printing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Gambody<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/c03337401400b677.png\")
Every inch of detail is reflected in the price (Source: Gambody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGambody<\/a>\u00a0is the dream of every figurine collector come to life. It only offers models that are designed and perfected for 3D printing. Every pack includes a different version of the same model, optimized specifically for FDM or resin machines. Each file comes with a dedicated printing guide, as well as a detailed description for assembly.<\/p>\nThe anime section isn\u2019t enormous but has some terrific designs, like a\u00a0Charizard vs. Pikachu Diorama<\/a>\u00a0and this model of\u00a0Ryuk from\u00a0Death Note<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Assuming that it exists on the website, it can be found easily. There\u2019s also a dedicated anime subsection.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The attention to detail is remarkable, and all the models are unique pieces of art. However, it does somewhat lack variety.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>The pricing varies between $16 and $40 per model. Considering the amount of work that goes into preparing and testing the model for printing, we think the cost is justified.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>The included instructions detail every setting to use in the slicer, simplifying the process for new users. Huge models are cut to fit most printers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Patreon<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/8bf3255bbdd0a375.png\")
It’s easy to get in touch with the creators themselves (Source: Inaki Scuplts via Patreon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs the name suggests,\u00a0Patreon<\/a>\u00a0allows users to support artists and creators of all kinds (with a varying monthly subscription). Usually, the designer uploads a few models each month that can be downloaded by patrons. Depending on the tier and price paid, the patron is entitled to different perks, like access to all the previously released models or sign-in bonuses.<\/p>\nWith the focus being on modelers rather than the models, it\u2019s hard to pinpoint a precise figure that we liked. While searching, we came across talented creators like\u00a0AnimuAnimu<\/a>,\u00a0Sekai 3D Models<\/a>,\u00a0Inaki Sculpts<\/a>, and\u00a0Nomnom<\/a>. Overall, it\u2019s common to find artists that prepare their creations for 3D printing, pre-supporting and orienting them.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s almost impossible to discover a new creator or find a specific model with the search function. Word of mouth is the fastest way.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is great, and close contact with the artist makes troubleshooting easier. All the models are unique and portray a vast array of characters.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>It can vary depending on the creator. Usually, it\u2019s between $4 and $15 per month.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Many modelers sculpt specifically for 3D printing, both for resin and FDM machines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Gumroad<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/efd5ebad30278d4c.png\")
The choice of models is quite small, but intense nevertheless (Source: Mike’s Niche Gaming Files via Gumroad)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGumroad<\/a>\u00a0is a generic marketplace that sells a bit of everything. It\u2019s not specifically meant for 3D models, so just like Patreon and Etsy, it doesn\u2019t feature 3D previews or similar tools. In terms of anime creations, the offer is rather limited, though we did find this\u00a0Megumin<\/a>\u00a0model and this quite elaborate\u00a0Renamom<\/a>\u00a0from the\u00a0Digimon<\/em>\u00a0series.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s not unusual to find Patreon creators listing single models for sale on Gumroad, so it might be a good alternative for those interested in an artist\u2019s work without a monthly obligation.<\/p>\n
\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s quite hard to source models using keywords like \u201canime\u201d, \u201c3D model\u201d or \u201c3D printing\u201d. Ironically, it\u2019s easier to use \u201cstl\u201d and deep dive into the thousands of results. Definitely far from optimal, but if you enjoy the search, there\u2019s gold to be mined!<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is pretty high overall, but the sheer numbers and the unicity of the models simply aren\u2019t there.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Price is contained, with most models going for less than $15.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Some of them are perfected for 3D printing, others aren\u2019t. Overall, they\u2019ll require a bit of pre-processing in the slicer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MyMiniFactory<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/f1c15eac616310ab.png\")
There’s a special section for fan art models (Source: Mag-Net via MyMiniFactory)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMyMiniFactory<\/a>\u00a0is notable, as it has a specific section for\u00a0fan art models<\/a>. A quick glance will leave you feeling that it\u2019s pretty Western-focused, but, on a deeper dive, you can find a lot of anime models.<\/p>\nAmong the many options, you can download both\u00a0terrifying<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0somewhat cute<\/a>\u00a0Attack on Titan<\/em>\u00a0figures. They also have a variety of\u00a0Sword Art Online<\/em>\u00a0weapons<\/a>\u00a0to scale!<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0The fan art category helps you drill down to what you\u2019re looking for pretty quickly.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>MyMiniFactory doesn\u2019t provide the best selection, and there\u2019s a wide variety when it comes to authenticity. However, there are some true gems to be found!<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s both free and paid content, but the paid models tend to be for original creations. Most of the time, fan art doesn\u2019t attract a price tag.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>MyMiniFactory focuses on 3D printing, so everything should be printable without too many hurdles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Models Resource<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/e03d7d3b1f2435c6.png\")
This site has a lot of good anime characters from mobile games (Source: Models Resource)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nModels Resource<\/a>, a sister site of the infamous\u00a0Spriters Resource<\/a>, provides 3D assets from various video games. As it\u2019s pretty common for anime characters to appear in tie-in games, lots of models can be found here. Digging around, we saw characters from the worlds of\u00a0Haruhi Suzumiya<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0Detective Conan<\/em>,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Love Live<\/a><\/em>. You can also find endless models from popular Japanese video games!<\/p>\nThe big caveat is that these were never intended to be printed or even be seen on a screen bigger than four inches. As such, get ready for low-poly geometry, T-posed characters, and structural issues. It\u2019s not all bad though, this could be a great stepping-off point for your own custom project! Some in the Models Resource community create their own custom designs, which can be pretty interesting and printable.<\/p>\n
\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0You can search by game, character, prop name, and more!<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models Resource sources directly from games, so they\u2019re definitely authentic, but they can need a bit of work as they\u2019re often pretty low poly.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>As a community project put together by video game enthusiasts, all models are free.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>The printability is very poor \u201cas is\u201d. Expect to put in some work to get these ready for your printer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
CATEGORY: JAPANESE SITES<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nIronically, it\u2019s a lot harder to find anime models on Japanese sites, as Japanese fans are generally a lot more cautious than overseas fans when it comes to creating something around owned IP.<\/p>\n
This is largely due to major Japanese companies being quite heavy-handed in the past when it came to protecting their brands. What might be considered fandom and brand engagement overseas has, at times, earned the ire of various companies in Japan. Many fan creators feel it\u2019s not worth the risk or choose to post their creations under pseudonyms to avoid any potential repercussions.<\/p>\n
Times are changing, though, and several companies are offering more clarity about what\u2019s okay and providing routes to licensed low-key fan works. Below, we\u2019ll highlight a few websites that are focused on original content and what they offer. So get out your Google Translate and let\u2019s take a look!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Modelabo<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/12\/08\/aec4671c7a155944.png\")
Modelabo has a huge variety of original models (Source: Modelabo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nModelabo<\/a>\u00a0is similar to Thingiverse and offers a wide range of models for various uses. While there\u2019s only a handful of models based on existing IP, lots of\u00a0original character designs<\/a>\u00a0can be found here. These vary in style, so you might need to spend some time to find something you like.<\/p>\n\n- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s what you would expect, assuming you can type in Japanese! If not, Google Translate is your friend here.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The site doesn\u2019t deal in fan work too much, but what\u2019s there can look pretty good.<\/li>\n
When searching for sites to include on this list, we focused on a few considerations:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Ease of searching<\/strong>: Finding the exact model you\u2019re looking for can be tough. We kept an eye out for anything that makes that process more straightforward, like useful categories and search filters.<\/li>\n
- High-quality and authentic:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s nothing wrong with taking some creative license, but we wanted to make sure models stayed true to their original look.<\/li>\n
- Reasonable pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Reasonable pricing is good, and free is even better. We\u2019ll be highlighting what you can expect to pay at various sites.<\/li>\n
- Ease of printing:\u00a0<\/strong>If your goal is to 3D print a particular anime model, we paid attention to the reliability of the site for 3D printable models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If one of these sites inspires you to get something 3D printed, try\u00a0Craftcloud by All3DP<\/a>. There\u2019s a wide variety of materials and finishes available, so you\u2019ll be able to get your favorite characters printed just as you imagine them.<\/p>\n
And now, let\u2019s get to the sites!<\/p>\n
\nCATEGORY: ENGLISH SITES<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nMost fan content of anime models, surprisingly, doesn\u2019t come from Japan. We\u2019ll shed a little more light on that later in our Japanese site section, but for now, let\u2019s take a look at the incredible offerings from these English-language sites!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
TurboSquid<\/h3>\n
There’s a huge choice of models on TurboSquid with a similar variance in quality (Source: Dannan via TurboSquid)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n TurboSquid<\/a>\u00a0is a site that delivers industry-ready content and where art students\u2019 test projects go to die. Just kidding! Safe to say, as a famous and long-running site, the models on TurboSquid can get pretty varied.<\/p>\n
After checking out models for series like\u00a0Naruto<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Dragon Ball<\/a><\/em>, we found that while there are plenty of models floating around, printability is a big issue here. It\u2019s no surprise, as TurboSquid doesn\u2019t cater to 3D printing beyond providing an STL file filter. Get ready to judge for yourself if a model is worth the attempt to print it.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0There\u2019s a tag system that might be useful depending on your search but little focus on printability.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>You can find a wide variety of models, as there\u2019s everything from professional works to students\u2019 first attempts at 3D modeling.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>We saw models ranging from free to $300. TurboSquid serves a lot of markets, so you might end up paying for things you don\u2019t need, like rigging and texturing.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>It could take some extra work to make models printable, but you might get lucky and find the odd model intended for printing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
CGTrader<\/h3>\n
There are lots of great models on CGTrader, but all at a cost (Source: zeroswat via CGTrader)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n CGTrader<\/a>, as the name suggests, is a paid website showcasing impressive-looking models. While it provides 3D models for a variety of uses, it has a search toggle for 3D printable content specifically.<\/p>\n
It also has a very strong selection of models, with\u00a0Dragon Ball<\/a><\/em>\u00a0being a particular highlight! You can also find models from\u00a0Ranma \u00bd<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0Darling in the Franxx<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0One Piece<\/a><\/em>, and a very intense\u00a0Motoko from\u00a0Ghost in the Shell<\/em><\/a>!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0The \u201c3D Print\u201d filter is very helpful for getting results quickly.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>CGTrader generally gave us the highest quality models out of everything we looked at. But no doubt that\u2019s because all are for a cost.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Expect to pay for everything on CGTrader. While prices can get into the hundreds, you\u2019re more often looking at between $5 and $50 for models.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Toggle on \u201c3D Print\u201d under attributes when searching and you\u2019re good to go. You won\u2019t feel like you\u2019re suddenly dealing with a very limited collection. But if you\u2019re feeling brave, you can search for everything and try your luck printing it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Thingiverse<\/h3>\n
Thingiverse has a range of anime models with a focus on 3D printing (Source: Thingiverse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Home of the truly free and 3D printable,\u00a0Thingiverse<\/a>\u00a0has models from a wide variety of shows and movies. It has a ton of\u00a0Pok\u00e9mon<\/em>\u00a0models from the\u00a0authentic<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0geometric<\/a>. You can find an impressive\u00a0Tachikoma<\/a>\u00a0from\u00a0Ghost in the Shell\u00a0<\/em>or try your hand at a \u201cGunpla\u201d with various\u00a0Gundam<\/a><\/em>\u00a0kits<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Thingiverse also has lots of anime-inspired objects, like this\u00a0Sailor Moon<\/em>\u00a0jewelry<\/a>. Search for your favorite series and add a little anime flare to your workshop or home!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It can be a bit hit or miss, but keep an eye out for tags that might help you find a collection of models that you\u2019re interested in.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s quite the variety here. Some models have amazing attention to detail, while others are from amateurs who just wanted to try their hand at making something they love.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>All models are free! Very occasionally you can find someone linking off-site to paid versions of their works.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Thingiverse is totally focused on 3D printing, and the community is active in posting Makes of popular models. Occasionally, you\u2019ll find a 3D model that\u2019s been uploaded without consideration for printing, but it\u2019s not common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cults<\/h3>\n
Cults includes both free and paid models but prioritizes printability (Source: Cults)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Cults<\/a>\u00a0is both a free and paid marketplace for various 3D models. With a range of designs,\u00a0Studio Ghibli<\/a>\u00a0seems to be pretty popular, and you can even find whole dioramas\u00a0based on scenes from\u00a0Evangelion<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worth keeping an eye on the printing technique that a model requires, as some more complex stuff has been designed for\u00a0resin printers<\/a>\u00a0rather than\u00a0FDM<\/a>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Cults doesn\u2019t provide any features specific to anime, but its search is pretty solid in directing you to the most relevant results.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models are generally of high quality, though searching through you\u2019ll find the odd model that\u2019s a bit more stylistic.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Cults pricing can vary a lot, from free all the way up to $150. Generally expect to pay $20 to $30 for high-quality models.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Cults is focused on 3D printing and especially paid models should be printable right off the bat. Quality designers provide \u201cexploded\u201d views of all the components in a figure, allowing you to see how it all goes together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Thangs<\/h3>\n
A new tool for the box. Or should we say katana? (Source: Thangs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Thangs<\/a>\u00a0is the new kid on the block. Born not too long ago, Thangs acts as a 3D printable file repository (just like Thingiverse), but what makes it interesting is its cross-platform search function. This way, it can find the desired model looking across different websites at the same time, though this inevitably leads to some repetition, of course.<\/p>\n
In terms of sheer numbers of models, being relatively new, Thangs falls behind other entries on this list. But that doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s not worth a look. We were able to find this\u00a0MewTwo in the charging pose<\/a>\u00a0and this\u00a0Hunter License<\/a>\u00a0from the popular series\u00a0Hunter x Hunter<\/em>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Keywords like \u201canime\u201d return poor results, so the best way to find what you\u2019re looking for is to search for something more specific. There are no dedicated categories or tags. Helpful, but far from complete (so far).<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is generally mediocre, offering mostly user designs. We didn\u2019t spot any professional artists\u2019 work.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Thangs offers all of its catalog for free.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Without infamy or praise: Some models are published for the sake of doing so, without any attention to printability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Etsy<\/h3>\n
If only we could print with multicolor resin (Source: Resin Dungeon via Etsy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Etsy<\/a>\u00a0has always been a 3D print-friendly platform. It\u2019s the go-to for small businesses that want to sell printed parts to those who don\u2019t own a printer. If interested, you might want to consider\u00a0starting a 3D printing business<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Alongside small-scale operations, Etsy hosts a variety of modelers and designers, and the choice of models is quite impressive. Among the many, we were able to find a cute Totoro Family\u00a0and diorama of\u00a0Tanjiro and Nezuko\u00a0from\u00a0Demon Slayer<\/em>. However, being pretty unregulated, there are many models offered for sale without the permission of the author, and it can be difficult to spot the difference between legitimate artists and those selling stolen art. So, proceed with caution and only purchase from Etsy shops that you\u2019re confident are selling lawfully.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Etsy has a surprisingly intuitive search for such a huge site. Keywords like .stl anime show results that are pertinent.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is more than decent. The variety of the characters portrayed is great too.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>When the pricing is too low, around $3 to $6, it probably means that it\u2019s stolen. If it\u2019s too good to be true, it\u2019s probably not true. A genuine creation usually goes for $15 or higher.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Many models are perfected for 3D printing, with a few exceptions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sketchfab<\/h3>\n
Sketchfab has models for printing and design (Source: Bruno Lucidi via Sketchfab)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Sketchfab<\/a>\u00a0serves multiple roles, as a marketplace and download directory but also as a general artist showcase. This means not all models you find on Sketchfab will be downloadable, but we found plenty of great stuff to check out. Sketchfab also isn\u2019t aimed at 3D printing, but sticking \u201cprintable\u201d in your search will turn up various models ready to go. For paid models, pricing generally varies between $5 and $30.<\/p>\n
When looking around, we found a great\u00a0Ryuk from\u00a0Death Note<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0Kogoro Mouri\u2019s office from\u00a0Detective Conan<\/em><\/a>, and even a cute pixelated series of\u00a0Sailor Moon<\/em>\u00a0characters<\/a>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s what you\u2019d expect, and it gets the results you want. However, there isn\u2019t a \u201cprintable\u201d filter or tag.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality bar seems to be set pretty high on Sketchfab. We only saw a handful of submissions that truly looked low effort or amateur.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Paid models were priced somewhere between $5 and $50, but most of our search results didn\u2019t have a price tag attached.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Printability varies depending on the model, but it\u2019s easy to find models specifically for 3D printing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Gambody<\/h3>\n
Every inch of detail is reflected in the price (Source: Gambody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Gambody<\/a>\u00a0is the dream of every figurine collector come to life. It only offers models that are designed and perfected for 3D printing. Every pack includes a different version of the same model, optimized specifically for FDM or resin machines. Each file comes with a dedicated printing guide, as well as a detailed description for assembly.<\/p>\n
The anime section isn\u2019t enormous but has some terrific designs, like a\u00a0Charizard vs. Pikachu Diorama<\/a>\u00a0and this model of\u00a0Ryuk from\u00a0Death Note<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0Assuming that it exists on the website, it can be found easily. There\u2019s also a dedicated anime subsection.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The attention to detail is remarkable, and all the models are unique pieces of art. However, it does somewhat lack variety.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>The pricing varies between $16 and $40 per model. Considering the amount of work that goes into preparing and testing the model for printing, we think the cost is justified.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>The included instructions detail every setting to use in the slicer, simplifying the process for new users. Huge models are cut to fit most printers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Patreon<\/h3>\n
It’s easy to get in touch with the creators themselves (Source: Inaki Scuplts via Patreon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n As the name suggests,\u00a0Patreon<\/a>\u00a0allows users to support artists and creators of all kinds (with a varying monthly subscription). Usually, the designer uploads a few models each month that can be downloaded by patrons. Depending on the tier and price paid, the patron is entitled to different perks, like access to all the previously released models or sign-in bonuses.<\/p>\n
With the focus being on modelers rather than the models, it\u2019s hard to pinpoint a precise figure that we liked. While searching, we came across talented creators like\u00a0AnimuAnimu<\/a>,\u00a0Sekai 3D Models<\/a>,\u00a0Inaki Sculpts<\/a>, and\u00a0Nomnom<\/a>. Overall, it\u2019s common to find artists that prepare their creations for 3D printing, pre-supporting and orienting them.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s almost impossible to discover a new creator or find a specific model with the search function. Word of mouth is the fastest way.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is great, and close contact with the artist makes troubleshooting easier. All the models are unique and portray a vast array of characters.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>It can vary depending on the creator. Usually, it\u2019s between $4 and $15 per month.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Many modelers sculpt specifically for 3D printing, both for resin and FDM machines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Gumroad<\/h3>\n
The choice of models is quite small, but intense nevertheless (Source: Mike’s Niche Gaming Files via Gumroad)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Gumroad<\/a>\u00a0is a generic marketplace that sells a bit of everything. It\u2019s not specifically meant for 3D models, so just like Patreon and Etsy, it doesn\u2019t feature 3D previews or similar tools. In terms of anime creations, the offer is rather limited, though we did find this\u00a0Megumin<\/a>\u00a0model and this quite elaborate\u00a0Renamom<\/a>\u00a0from the\u00a0Digimon<\/em>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not unusual to find Patreon creators listing single models for sale on Gumroad, so it might be a good alternative for those interested in an artist\u2019s work without a monthly obligation.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s quite hard to source models using keywords like \u201canime\u201d, \u201c3D model\u201d or \u201c3D printing\u201d. Ironically, it\u2019s easier to use \u201cstl\u201d and deep dive into the thousands of results. Definitely far from optimal, but if you enjoy the search, there\u2019s gold to be mined!<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is pretty high overall, but the sheer numbers and the unicity of the models simply aren\u2019t there.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>Price is contained, with most models going for less than $15.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>Some of them are perfected for 3D printing, others aren\u2019t. Overall, they\u2019ll require a bit of pre-processing in the slicer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MyMiniFactory<\/h3>\n
There’s a special section for fan art models (Source: Mag-Net via MyMiniFactory)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n MyMiniFactory<\/a>\u00a0is notable, as it has a specific section for\u00a0fan art models<\/a>. A quick glance will leave you feeling that it\u2019s pretty Western-focused, but, on a deeper dive, you can find a lot of anime models.<\/p>\n
Among the many options, you can download both\u00a0terrifying<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0somewhat cute<\/a>\u00a0Attack on Titan<\/em>\u00a0figures. They also have a variety of\u00a0Sword Art Online<\/em>\u00a0weapons<\/a>\u00a0to scale!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0The fan art category helps you drill down to what you\u2019re looking for pretty quickly.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>MyMiniFactory doesn\u2019t provide the best selection, and there\u2019s a wide variety when it comes to authenticity. However, there are some true gems to be found!<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s both free and paid content, but the paid models tend to be for original creations. Most of the time, fan art doesn\u2019t attract a price tag.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>MyMiniFactory focuses on 3D printing, so everything should be printable without too many hurdles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Models Resource<\/h3>\n
This site has a lot of good anime characters from mobile games (Source: Models Resource)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Models Resource<\/a>, a sister site of the infamous\u00a0Spriters Resource<\/a>, provides 3D assets from various video games. As it\u2019s pretty common for anime characters to appear in tie-in games, lots of models can be found here. Digging around, we saw characters from the worlds of\u00a0Haruhi Suzumiya<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0Detective Conan<\/em>,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Love Live<\/a><\/em>. You can also find endless models from popular Japanese video games!<\/p>\n
The big caveat is that these were never intended to be printed or even be seen on a screen bigger than four inches. As such, get ready for low-poly geometry, T-posed characters, and structural issues. It\u2019s not all bad though, this could be a great stepping-off point for your own custom project! Some in the Models Resource community create their own custom designs, which can be pretty interesting and printable.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0You can search by game, character, prop name, and more!<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models Resource sources directly from games, so they\u2019re definitely authentic, but they can need a bit of work as they\u2019re often pretty low poly.<\/li>\n
- Pricing:\u00a0<\/strong>As a community project put together by video game enthusiasts, all models are free.<\/li>\n
- Printing:\u00a0<\/strong>The printability is very poor \u201cas is\u201d. Expect to put in some work to get these ready for your printer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nCATEGORY: JAPANESE SITES<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\nIronically, it\u2019s a lot harder to find anime models on Japanese sites, as Japanese fans are generally a lot more cautious than overseas fans when it comes to creating something around owned IP.<\/p>\n
This is largely due to major Japanese companies being quite heavy-handed in the past when it came to protecting their brands. What might be considered fandom and brand engagement overseas has, at times, earned the ire of various companies in Japan. Many fan creators feel it\u2019s not worth the risk or choose to post their creations under pseudonyms to avoid any potential repercussions.<\/p>\n
Times are changing, though, and several companies are offering more clarity about what\u2019s okay and providing routes to licensed low-key fan works. Below, we\u2019ll highlight a few websites that are focused on original content and what they offer. So get out your Google Translate and let\u2019s take a look!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Modelabo<\/h3>\n
Modelabo has a huge variety of original models (Source: Modelabo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Modelabo<\/a>\u00a0is similar to Thingiverse and offers a wide range of models for various uses. While there\u2019s only a handful of models based on existing IP, lots of\u00a0original character designs<\/a>\u00a0can be found here. These vary in style, so you might need to spend some time to find something you like.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Search:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s what you would expect, assuming you can type in Japanese! If not, Google Translate is your friend here.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The site doesn\u2019t deal in fan work too much, but what\u2019s there can look pretty good.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models Resource sources directly from games, so they\u2019re definitely authentic, but they can need a bit of work as they\u2019re often pretty low poly.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>MyMiniFactory doesn\u2019t provide the best selection, and there\u2019s a wide variety when it comes to authenticity. However, there are some true gems to be found!<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is pretty high overall, but the sheer numbers and the unicity of the models simply aren\u2019t there.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is great, and close contact with the artist makes troubleshooting easier. All the models are unique and portray a vast array of characters.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The attention to detail is remarkable, and all the models are unique pieces of art. However, it does somewhat lack variety.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality bar seems to be set pretty high on Sketchfab. We only saw a handful of submissions that truly looked low effort or amateur.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is more than decent. The variety of the characters portrayed is great too.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>The quality is generally mediocre, offering mostly user designs. We didn\u2019t spot any professional artists\u2019 work.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>Models are generally of high quality, though searching through you\u2019ll find the odd model that\u2019s a bit more stylistic.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s quite the variety here. Some models have amazing attention to detail, while others are from amateurs who just wanted to try their hand at making something they love.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>CGTrader generally gave us the highest quality models out of everything we looked at. But no doubt that\u2019s because all are for a cost.<\/li>\n
- Quality and authenticity:\u00a0<\/strong>You can find a wide variety of models, as there\u2019s everything from professional works to students\u2019 first attempts at 3D modeling.<\/li>\n
- High-quality and authentic:\u00a0<\/strong>There\u2019s nothing wrong with taking some creative license, but we wanted to make sure models stayed true to their original look.<\/li>\n