TinkerCAD for Beginners is a simple and basic tutorial by Red Rocking Bird. In this video tutorial, you will learn how to use TinkerCAD, a free 3D design tool, to create items for printing on a 3D printer. The tutorial starts with the basics, such as selecting and dragging basic shapes onto the workspace, and then progresses to more advanced features like adding and adjusting dimensions, zooming in and out, and aligning objects. The tutorial also demonstrates how to create a hollow design, and provides tips for checking and refining your design. If you’re new to TinkerCAD and want to learn the fundamentals of 3D design, this tutorial is a great place to start.

TinkerCAD.com provides UK and US supplies for your 3D printing needs. The video tutorial is presented by Sarah, also known as Red Rocking Bird, who shares her passion for TinkerCAD and crafting projects. Whether you’re interested in creating an egg cup with chicken feet or exploring other creative possibilities, this tutorial will help you get started and inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of TinkerCAD. So jump in, learn the basics, and let your creativity soar with TinkerCAD and Red Rocking Bird.

Getting Started with Tinkercad

Introduction to Tinkercad

If you’re interested in 3D design and printing, Tinkercad is a fantastic and free tool to help you bring your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with 3D design, Tinkercad offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and modify digital designs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Tinkercad, from creating an account to navigating the interface. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to start exploring the world of 3D design.

Creating an Account

Before you can start using Tinkercad, you’ll need to create an account. Thankfully, the process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Simply visit the Tinkercad website and click on the “Sign Up” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your email address and create a password. Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you’ll have access to all of Tinkercad’s features and can begin designing right away.

Navigating the Tinkercad Interface

Once you’ve created an account and logged in to Tinkercad, you’ll be greeted with the user-friendly interface. The main workspace is where you’ll design and manipulate your 3D objects. On the left side of the screen, you’ll find a toolbar containing various tools and options for creating and modifying shapes. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a menu with different options, including the ability to save, export, and import designs. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different elements of the interface, as it will make navigating and using Tinkercad much easier.

Basic Shapes

Using Basic Shapes in Tinkercad

One of the best places to start in Tinkercad is with basic shapes. These shapes serve as the building blocks for more complex designs and allow you to create a wide range of objects. To access the basic shapes, simply click on the “Basic Shapes” button in the toolbar. This will open a menu where you can scroll through and select the shape you want to use. Once you’ve selected a shape, you can click, hold, and drag it onto the workspace. These basic shapes can be adjusted in size and dimensions to fit your design.

Selecting and Dragging Shapes

In Tinkercad, selecting and dragging shapes is a fundamental skill that you’ll use often. To select a shape, simply click on it. Once selected, you can move the shape by clicking, holding, and dragging it to the desired location on the workspace. This allows you to position shapes exactly where you want them in your design. Remember to experiment with different arrangements and placements to create unique and visually appealing designs.

Adjusting Dimensions of Shapes

To truly customize your designs, it’s important to be able to adjust the dimensions of shapes in Tinkercad. After selecting a shape, you’ll notice that it has small blue squares or circles on its corners. These control points allow you to resize the shape. To adjust the dimensions, click and drag one of these control points. You can make the shape larger or smaller in any direction, allowing you to create objects of different sizes and proportions. Take some time to practice adjusting the dimensions of shapes and see how it affects your designs.

Exploring More Shapes

Using the Search Function to Find Specific Shapes

Tinkercad offers a wide range of shapes beyond just the basic ones. If you’re looking for a specific shape or object, you can use the search function to quickly find it. Click on the search button in the toolbar and enter a keyword related to the shape you’re looking for. Tinkercad will then display a list of shapes that match your search criteria. This makes it easy to find and incorporate specific shapes into your designs, saving you time and effort.

Adding Shapes to Your Workspace

Once you’ve found the shape you want to add to your design, simply click on it and drag it onto the workspace. Like with the basic shapes, you can then adjust the dimensions and position of the shape to fit your design. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different shapes and combinations to create interesting and unique designs.

Modifying and Resizing Shapes

After adding a shape to your workspace, you may want to modify or resize it further. Fortunately, Tinkercad offers plenty of options for doing just that. By selecting a shape and using the control points, you can resize and reshape it to your liking. Additionally, you can use the toolbar to access more advanced tools, such as the ability to add rounded edges or modify specific parameters of the shape. Play around with these tools to see how they can enhance your designs.

Adding Details to Designs

Using Characters Library to Add Details

Beyond basic shapes, Tinkercad also offers a library of characters that you can use to add intricate details to your designs. From animals to humans and everything in between, these characters can bring your creations to life. To access the character library, click on the “Characters” button in the toolbar. This will open a menu where you can choose the character you want to add. Once added, you can adjust the dimensions and position of the character to fit your design.

Modifying Dimensions of Character Parts

When using characters in Tinkercad, you’re not limited to the default dimensions. In fact, you can modify the dimensions of specific parts of the character to create unique and customized designs. After adding a character to your workspace, select it and look for control points or sliders that allow you to adjust the dimensions of individual parts. By experimenting with these adjustments, you can create characters that perfectly complement your overall design.

Working with Complex Shapes and Objects

Tinkercad isn’t just limited to simple shapes and characters. You can also work with more complex shapes and objects to create intricate designs. By combining and manipulating basic shapes, you can build complex structures, mechanical parts, or even architectural models. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different shapes and arrangements. Tinkercad provides the tools and flexibility to bring your most ambitious ideas to life.

Navigating the Workspace

Zooming In and Out

To view your designs in more detail or get a broader overview of your workspace, Tinkercad allows you to zoom in and out. You can do this using the plus and minus buttons on the toolbar or by scrolling up and down with your mouse scroll wheel. Zooming in allows you to see finer details and make precise adjustments, while zooming out provides a better perspective of your overall design. Use these zooming capabilities to your advantage as you work on your projects.

Rotating and Moving Objects

In addition to zooming, Tinkercad allows you to rotate and move objects within your workspace. This is particularly useful when you need to view your designs from different angles or align objects in a specific way. To rotate an object, click, hold, and move your mouse. This will allow you to spin the object around its axis and see it from all sides. Similarly, you can move objects by clicking, holding, and dragging them to a new location. Experiment with these rotation and movement functions to find the best angles and arrangements for your designs.

Viewing Designs from Different Angles

To get a better sense of how your designs will look from various angles, Tinkercad allows you to view them from different perspectives. By clicking and holding the left mouse button, you can adjust your view of the workspace. Move the mouse to rotate the view and see your objects from different angles. This is particularly helpful when working on complex designs or when fine-tuning the placement of objects. Take your time to explore your designs from different angles and ensure they look great from every viewpoint.

Aligning Objects

Aligning Shapes and Objects

When working with multiple shapes or objects, it’s important to align them properly to achieve a cohesive and balanced design. Tinkercad offers a convenient align function that makes this task easy. To align shapes or objects, select all the ones you want to align. Then, click on the “Align” button in the toolbar. This will open a menu with options to align the objects to each other or align them to a specific reference point. Choose the alignment option that suits your design goals and watch as Tinkercad automatically adjusts the position of your objects.

Using the Align Function

The align function in Tinkercad is a powerful tool that allows you to precisely position and arrange objects in your designs. Once you’ve selected the objects you want to align, click on the “Align” button in the toolbar. This will open a menu with different alignment options, such as aligning the objects to the left, right, center, or top. Choose the alignment that best suits your design, and Tinkercad will automatically adjust the positions of the selected objects accordingly. Using the align function can save you time and effort when working on complex designs with multiple objects.

Aligning Objects to a Master Shape

Sometimes, you may want to align objects to a specific reference point or master shape in your design. Tinkercad makes this task simple and efficient. First, select the objects you want to align. Then, choose one object to be the master shape or reference point. With the master shape selected, click on the “Align” button in the toolbar and choose the appropriate alignment option. Tinkercad will align the remaining objects relative to the master shape, ensuring they are perfectly positioned. Aligning objects to a master shape is especially useful when creating symmetrical designs or when you want to maintain a consistent layout throughout your design.

Creating Holes and Hollow Shapes

Making Objects Hollow

In Tinkercad, you have the option to create hollow objects by making use of the hole function. To make an object hollow, duplicate the shape you want to hollow out. Select the duplicate shape and resize it to the desired dimensions. With both shapes selected, click on the “Align” button in the toolbar and choose the option to align and center them. The two shapes will then align and overlap, creating a hollow space. Next, select both shapes and click on the “Group” button. This will combine the shapes and create a hollow object. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to create unique hollow designs.

Using the Duplicate Function

The duplicate function in Tinkercad can save you time when creating designs with repetitive elements. To duplicate an object, select it and press “Ctrl + C” on your keyboard. Then, place your cursor where you want to duplicate the object and press “Ctrl + V”. This will create an exact copy of the original object at the cursor location. You can then move, rotate, or modify the duplicated object to fit your design. The duplicate function is especially useful when working on designs that require multiple instances of the same shape or object.

Grouping Shapes to Create Holes

Another way to create holes in Tinkercad is by grouping shapes together. To do this, start by selecting the shape you want to create a hole in and resize it to the desired dimensions. Next, select the shape or shapes that you want to cut the hole into. With both sets of shapes selected, click on the “Group” button in the toolbar. Tinkercad will then combine the shapes, subtracting the overlapping area to create a hole. This technique is particularly useful when you want to create complex designs with intricate cutouts or patterns. Remember to experiment and try different combinations of grouped shapes to achieve the desired effect.

Saving and Exporting Designs

Saving Designs in Tinkercad

Regularly saving your designs in Tinkercad is crucial to ensure that you don’t lose any progress. To save your design, click on the “Design” menu at the top of the screen and select “Save”. Tinkercad will prompt you to enter a name for your design and choose a location to save it. Once saved, you can easily access and continue working on your design at any time. Remember to save your designs frequently, especially after making significant changes or additions.

Exporting Designs as STL Files

Once you’re satisfied with your Tinkercad design, you can export it as an STL file. STL files are widely used in 3D printing and can be imported into slicing software for further processing. To export your design as an STL file, click on the “Design” menu and select “Export as STL”. Choose a location to save the file, and Tinkercad will generate the STL file for you. This exported file can then be used with various 3D printing software and hardware to bring your design to life.

Importing Designs into 3D Printer Software

After exporting your Tinkercad design as an STL file, you can import it into your 3D printer software for printing. The specific process of importing will depend on the software you’re using, but generally, you’ll look for an import or open option within the software. Locate the exported STL file on your computer and select it to import it into the software. Once imported, you can further adjust the settings before sending the design to your 3D printer for printing. Refer to your printer’s user manual or software documentation for detailed instructions on importing designs.

Slicing Designs for 3D Printing

Introduction to Slicing

Slicing is an essential step in the 3D printing process that prepares your digital design for printing. Slicing software takes your 3D model and converts it into a series of thin layers that the printer can understand. This process involves adjusting various settings, such as layer height, infill density, and print speed, to achieve the desired print quality. Slicing software also generates a file known as the G-code, which contains instructions for the printer to follow during the printing process. Understanding and using slicing software is crucial for successful 3D printing.

Importing Designs into Slicing Software

To begin the slicing process, you’ll need to import your Tinkercad design into slicing software. The specific method of importing will vary depending on the software you’re using, but generally, you’ll look for an import or open option within the software. Locate the STL file exported from Tinkercad and select it to import the design into the slicer. The software will then analyze the model and present you with various options and settings for customization.

Adjusting Settings and Saving Sliced Files

Once your Tinkercad design is imported into the slicing software, you’ll have the opportunity to adjust various settings before generating the final sliced file. These settings may include layer height, print speed, infill density, support structures, and more. Take some time to explore and experiment with these settings to achieve the desired print quality and characteristics. After adjusting the settings, you can then click on the “Slice” or “Generate” button to create the sliced file. The software will process the design, generate the necessary G-code, and provide you with a file that is ready to be sent to your 3D printer.

Conclusion

Summary of Tinkercad Tutorial

In this comprehensive tutorial, we covered the basics of Tinkercad, from creating an account to designing and exporting 3D models. We explored how to use basic and complex shapes, add details to designs, manipulate objects in the workspace, align shapes, create holes and hollow shapes, save and export designs, slice designs for 3D printing, and more. By following these steps and experimenting with Tinkercad, you can unlock your creativity and bring your design ideas to life.

Encouragement to Explore and Experiment

Tinkercad offers a vast array of tools and features for you to explore and experiment with. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, combinations, and techniques. The more you use Tinkercad, the more comfortable you’ll become, and the more ambitious your designs will become. Embrace the iterative process of design, learn from each attempt, and continue to improve your skills. Tinkercad is a fantastic platform for both beginners and more experienced designers, and there’s always something new to discover.

Ideas for 3D Printing Projects

Now that you’re familiar with the fundamental concepts of Tinkercad, it’s time to put your new skills to use. There are countless 3D printing projects you can undertake, from practical objects to artistic creations. Consider designing and printing objects such as keychains, figurines, functional prototypes, replacement parts, or customized accessories. Let your imagination run wild and start bringing your ideas to life with Tinkercad and your 3D printer. The possibilities are endless, and your next exciting project awaits!

In conclusion, Tinkercad is a powerful and intuitive tool that opens up a world of possibilities for 3D design and printing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, Tinkercad provides the tools and features needed to bring your ideas to life. By following this tutorial and exploring the various functions of Tinkercad, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create stunning and innovative designs. So, what are you waiting for? Start tinkering with Tinkercad today and unleash your creativity!

I want to introduce you to TinkerCAD, a great tool for designing items to print on your 3D printer. It’s really user-friendly and perfect for beginners. If you’re interested, you can check it out at Tinkercad.com.

For those in the UK, here are some supplies you might need:

• 3D Printer: Get it with a discount code NNNUKS1PRCR at this link: UK 3D Printer
• Printer material: You can find it here
• Resin: You can find it here

If you’re in the US, here are the supplies you’ll need:

• 3D Printer: Get it from this link: US 3D Printer
• Printer material: You can find it here
• Resin: You can find it here
• Silicone Mold KIT: You can find it here

If you want to connect with me, you can find me on Instagram at redrockingbird. Additionally, I have a pattern shop where you can browse and purchase my designs: Pattern Shop. If you enjoy my content and would like to support me, you can donate a coffee to me here.

Please note that some of the links provided are affiliate links.

Thanks for watching, Sarah – Red Rocking Bird