New to 3d printing

Where is the best place to learn the in’s and out’s of 3d printing. I want to be able to learn how to make and edit my own 3d files, but not sure where to start? Any Ideas would be appreciated. Thank you -Kris-

It is always need-driven. So what do you want to print?
I would recommend to start with existing models. Thingiverse, makerworld and 3dcult have huge inventory.
Later on the creating and editing will maybe come, or not. You can Go different ways there. My brother is just using some App on his iPad and is able to do some stuff there, but as soon as you reach patterns or model variables or something, you will end up in Fusion. I started to create stuff in freecad, but ended also in Fusion. And then you have tons of possibilities. You will get the Basic stuff fast, but for the details you will need some time. And designing good printable parts need printing knowledge. So start at hust printing stuff. :victory_hand:

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There are a ton of tools, paid and free. But as @Wyphorn says, come up with a project, then figure out the tools.

Fusion and Blender are both very powerful, but they take a while to learn. They’re both rooted in CAD / drafting mindsets, so they’re very detail oriented.

TinkerCAD is what I call more a Lego builder mindset. You start with a bunch of shapes, and assemble them into the thing you want.

I’ve also seen tools that work like virtual modeling clay, some even supporting 3D interfaces like a Leap Motion controller.

Different tools a better for different goals. I do most of my work in TinkerCAD, but I’d want something like the modeling clay if I was trying to make something organic, like a plant or animal.

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I appreciate all the fee back. Ill start with premade files and go from there.