# Forma3D — full site content > Forma3D is a 3D mesh editor for iPhone and iPad: STL/3MF editing, per-face color painting for multi-filament printing, LiDAR scanning on supported devices, STL/3MF/USDZ export. Site: https://forma3d.app — app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429 This file concatenates the site's Markdown content. Each section = one page; `source:` URLs are canonical. --- ## Page: Forma3D — 3D Modeling & Printing App for iPhone and iPad Source: https://forma3d.app/ Current App Store release · v2.1.1 # Create 3D models on the go Edit STL & 3MF, paint faces, scan objects with LiDAR — on iPhone and iPad. [No desktop required](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop). [Get Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) [Explore Features](https://forma3d.app/#features) ## Step-by-step guides Deep-dive walkthroughs for every part of the workflow. ### [STL Editing Guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) Import, repair, and modify STL meshes with vertex, edge, and face tools. Read guide ![A rounded cube in the Forma3D editor with a yellow patch painted on its front face](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/og-hero-thumb.jpg) ### [How to Paint for 3D Printing](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) Color mesh faces with brush, flood fill, and auto paint workflows. Read guide ### [Color 3MF Guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) Embed per-face colors and print settings into a 3MF file slicers understand. Read guide ### [LiDAR Scanning Guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner) Scan real objects with Object Capture photogrammetry on supported devices. Read guide ![A U-shaped 3D arch painted in two colors in the Forma3D editor](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/og-hero-thumb.jpg) ### [Split STL for 3D Printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) Separate colored models into parts with alignment joints for assembly. Read guide ![Bambu Handy print profile selection screen on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/card-print-profile-thumb.jpg) ### [Print Without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) From a 3MF export to a Bambu print via MakerWorld and Bambu Handy. Read guide ### [Photo to Lithophane](https://forma3d.app/lithophane-iphone) Turn a photo into a backlit relief panel — height-map, invert, print upright. Read guide ### [Best 3D Apps for iPhone & iPad](https://forma3d.app/best-3d-apps-iphone-ipad) Which app fits your task — CAD, sculpting, scanning, or mesh editing for print. Read guide ### [3D Modeling Apps for iPhone](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-apps-iphone) What actually models on iPhone — mesh editing, sculpting, and design apps. Read guide ### [Mesh Editing vs CAD](https://forma3d.app/mesh-editing-vs-cad-ipad) When you need parametric CAD — and when editing the STL directly is faster. Read guide ### [STL Size & Performance](https://forma3d.app/iphone-stl-size-performance) How large a model your iPhone can actually edit — real limits and workflows. Read guide ### [3D Modeling Without Desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop) Model, fix, and export entirely on iPhone or iPad — no computer needed. Read guide ### [SVG to 3D Keychain](https://forma3d.app/svg-keychain) Turn an SVG design into a printable 3D keychain in minutes. Read guide ### [SKÅDIS Pegboard Generator](https://forma3d.app/skadis-pegboard) Parametric boards, connectors and bins with SKÅDIS-compatible slots. Read guide ### [Send STL to a 3D Printer](https://forma3d.app/send-stl-to-printer) Bambu Handy, Prusa Connect, OctoPrint, Creality Cloud, USB or SD — pick your path. Read guide ### [Convert USDZ to STL](https://forma3d.app/usdz-to-stl-iphone) Scans and AR models become printable files — fully on iPhone or iPad. Read guide ## From scan to print A verified set of tools for editing meshes, preparing multi-filament models, scanning supported objects, and exporting for 3D printing. ### LiDAR & Object Capture On supported LiDAR devices, use Apple Object Capture and photogrammetry to reconstruct an object as a USDZ mesh. Choose high, medium, or low reconstruction detail, then edit the result in Forma3D. ### Paint Segmentation & Joints Paint-based mesh segmentation with tongue-groove joints — cone, cylinder, square, and ball connectors. Split models into printable parts that snap together. ### Bridge Faces Connect open edges with auto, straight, and flip modes. Live preview lets you see the bridge before committing — perfect for fixing non-manifold geometry. ### Interactive Tutorials Built-in tutorial system with anchor highlighting. Learn the basics or dive into extended lessons — no external docs needed, everything in-app. ### Large-Mesh Paint Performance In-place Metal buffer updates reduce redraw work while painting. The current App Store release notes report paint-mode performance for models with up to 1 million polygons. ### 16 Languages Forma3D is localized for English, German, French, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, Swedish, and Arabic. ## Everything you need to prepare models for print From quick edits to complex boolean operations — Forma3D brings desktop-grade mesh editing to your iPhone and iPad. ### Face Paint & Multi-Filament Paint individual faces with different colors directly in the editor. Export 3MF with per-face color data ready for multi-filament 3D printing. Bambu Studio and Creality Print auto-assign filaments — no manual slicer setup needed. ### Mesh Editing at Your Fingertips Switch between Object Mode and Edit Mode. Select and edit vertices, edges, and faces with precision. Single, Rectangle, Oval, or Brush selection with multi-select support. ### 3D Scanning with LiDAR On supported LiDAR devices, use Apple Object Capture and photogrammetry to reconstruct real-world objects. Choose high, medium, or low detail and import the resulting USDZ mesh directly into your scene. ### Boolean & Manifold Cut Union, subtract, or intersect meshes with the Manifold CSG engine. Slice objects with line, rectangle, ellipse, circle, polygon, curve, or freehand tools, then split the result for print preparation. ### Universal Import & Export Import STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB — and native Blender .blend scenes. Export STL, 3MF (Bambu/Creality-ready), OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ with colors. Save native .forma3d projects with autosave. ### Precise Transformations Position, rotation, and scale with exact numeric controls. Interactive transform gizmo with rotatable axes, vertex pivot pinning, and snap-to-grid. Measurements in millimeters — engineering-grade precision on mobile. ## Powerful tools. Built for touch. Forma3D brings a focused mesh-editing workflow to iPad and iPhone. Apple Pencil and keyboard are supported for precise control. - Extrude, inset, and bevel selected faces or edges with live previews - Boolean Union, Subtract, and Intersect with Manifold CSG - Bridge open face loops in auto, straight, or flip modes - Mirror, revolve, remesh, simplify, and subdivide geometry - Separate meshes by sharp edges or face-paint regions - Constructor tool for split parts with print-fit tolerance - Edge loop and ring selection with vertex, edge, and face modes - Flat, smooth, wireframe, and X-Ray viewport modes ## A full mesh editing toolkit Every tool you'd expect from a desktop 3D editor — optimized for touch and Apple Pencil. ### Primitives Cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones, tori, pyramids, planes, tubes, and 3D text with soft variants ### Curve Tube Draw a curve in the viewport and sweep a tube along it for pipes, wires, and paths ### Extrude & Inset Push faces in or out, shrink or grow with live preview and direction toggle ### Boolean Operations Union, subtract, and intersect with Manifold CSG — clean mesh results for print preparation ### Manifold Cut Slice with line, circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, curve, or freehand shapes ### Mirror Symmetrically duplicate geometry across X, Y, or Z axis ### Revolve Create lathe geometry by rotating a profile around an axis ### Image to 3D · Lithophane Turn a photo into a relief mesh — height-map lithophanes for backlighting or voxel columns, with invert, smoothing, and max-height controls ### Ruler & Measure Precise measurement tool that snaps to mesh vertices — millimeter units for print-ready accuracy ### X-Ray Mode Adjustable transparency, wireframe overlay, and ghost mode for complex scenes ### Face Paint Color individual faces for multi-filament printing — export 3MF with embedded colors ### LiDAR Scanning Scan real objects with LiDAR + Object Capture photogrammetry ### Bolts & Nuts Procedural bolt and nut generator with helical threads — ready to print ### Bevel Round edges with adjustable width, segments, and profile — desktop-grade algorithm ### Cone Primitive Adjustable diameter, height, radial segments, and height segments for custom geometry ### Clay / Matte Render Matte clay rendering mode for clean preview shots and presentation renders ### Turntable Rotation Auto-rotate your model for hands-free viewing and demo recording ### Bounding Box Editor Visual bounding box with editable dimensions — set exact size in millimeters ### Export Scope Export selected, visible, or all objects — fine-grained control over output ### Smooth Subdivide Taubin smoothing with sharp edge preservation — add resolution where needed ### Grid Snapping Magnetic snap-to-grid with unit conversion — precision modeling made easy ### Bridge Faces Connect open edges with auto, straight, and flip modes — fix non-manifold geometry ### Array Pattern Create repeating patterns with count, spacing, and rotation — linear and circular ### Separate & Joints Split mesh by angle or shells with tongue-groove joints for multi-filament printing ### Sketch-to-3D Draw 2D sketches and extrude them into 3D meshes instantly ### 3D Text Extruded text with Flat, Arc, Wave, and Custom bend modes — great for nameplates ### SVG Reference Import SVG files as rendered reference planes for tracing and modeling ### Image-to-3D Relief Turn any image into a detailed 3D relief surface for embossing and decoration ### Gears Spur, herringbone, and rack gears with custom module and tooth count ### Keyboard Hotkeys Blender-style shortcuts (G/R/S) for iPad with external keyboard ## From idea to print in three steps No laptop is required for the core modeling workflow. Mesh processing runs locally on your device. 1 ### Create Start with primitives, sketches, photo-to-3D lithophanes, an imported STL/3MF/GLB/OBJ/.blend file, or a supported LiDAR scan. 2 ### Edit Edit vertices, edges, and faces. Extrude, bevel, Boolean, cut, separate, paint, and transform with precise dimensions. 3 ### Print Export STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ. Open the file in your slicer, or upload a compatible 3MF manually to your chosen print service. ## Prepare files for Bambu Lab, Creality & more Export 3MF with embedded face colors and printer metadata. Open the file in your slicer or upload it manually to a compatible cloud service; Forma3D does not connect directly to printers. - Bambu Lab profiles: A1 mini, A1, A2L, P1S, P2S, X1 Carbon, X2D, H2S, H2D, H2C, H2D Pro, P1P - MakerWorld-compatible 3MF metadata for manual upload - Creality Print-compatible metadata in 3MF exports - Per-face color data for multi-filament workflows - Printer, nozzle, plate, filament, and print-setting profiles - STL export for other slicers and workflows ## Bolts, nuts & gears built right in Generate standard hardware with real threads — no CAD software needed. Print functional parts directly from your phone. ### Hex Bolts (M3–M20) Procedural hex bolts with helical threads. Standard metric sizes from M3 to M20. Cylindrical head, smooth shank, external thread. ### Socket Head Cap Screws Allen-style socket head cap screws with standard sizes. Ready to print with accurate thread profiles. ### Hex Nuts & Washers Hexagonal nuts with internal threads and flat washers. Standard metric sizes matching bolt selection. ### Threaded Rods Procedural threaded rods in standard sizes. Cut to length with the manifold cut tool. ### Spur Gears Generate spur gears with custom module, tooth count, and bore diameter. Perfect for mechanical projects. ### Herringbone Gears Herringbone (double helical) gears with adjustable helix angle. Smoother, quieter meshing than spur gears. ## Sketch, trace & convert to 3D Go from 2D to 3D in seconds. Draw and extrude sketches or convert images into 3D relief surfaces; SVG and photos can be used as modeling references. - Sketch Mode — draw 2D shapes and extrude to 3D mesh - SVG Import — render SVG files as reference planes - Image-to-3D Relief — create height-map or voxel meshes from images - 3D Text — place extruded text with Flat, Arc, Wave, and Custom bend modes - Reference Image — import photos as planes, then resize or adjust opacity - Array — create repeating patterns with count, spacing, and rotation ## Desktop-grade power. On your device. Core modeling, scanning reconstruction, and mesh processing run locally on the device. There is no cloud model-processing service; App Store purchases and optional cloud uploads are separate system actions. ### Large-Mesh Paint Path Metal buffer updates optimize paint-mode and edit-drag redraws. The public release note reports paint-mode performance for models with up to 1 million polygons; other tools may have different limits. ### On-Device Processing Mesh generation, editing, and rendering happen locally with SceneKit and Metal. Forma3D does not upload models to a cloud processing service. ### Keyboard Hotkeys External-keyboard shortcuts on iPad for transforms (G/R/S), navigation, mesh operations, and common editing commands. ### Apple Pencil Support Hover tooltips with Apple Pencil. Precise vertex dragging and component selection optimized for Pencil input. ### Autosave & Projects Configurable autosave (5/10/20 min). Save and load native .forma3d project files with full scene state. ### Full Undo / Redo Complete undo/redo history with snapshots. Experiment freely — every action can be reversed. ## Made for everyone who works with 3D From beginners to experienced makers — if you need to create or fix 3D models for printing, Forma3D is for you. ### 3D Printing Enthusiasts Prepare and fix STL files on the go. Paint faces for multi-filament prints. Export compatible 3MF files for Bambu Studio or Creality Print. ### Makers & Hobbyists Create custom parts from scratch. Generate bolts, nuts, and gears. Scan real objects and print them. ### Engineers & Designers Precise transformations in millimeters. Boolean operations with Manifold CSG. Grid snapping with unit conversion. ### Students & Educators Interactive tutorials built in. Beginner-friendly interface with capable mesh tools. Learn 3D modeling on iPad. ### Makers On the Go Fix models without opening a laptop. Edit meshes on the train, at a café, or anywhere. The core modeling workflow runs locally by design. [Learn how to work without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop). ### Artists & Sculptors Vertex sculpting with gesture-based brush. Smooth subdivide with Taubin smoothing. Organic and hard-surface modeling. ## Love modeling in Blender or Meshmixer? You'll feel at home in Forma3D. If you enjoy creating 3D models, repairing STL files, or fixing 3MF meshes for 3D printing, Forma3D brings that same workflow to your iPhone and iPad. Edit vertices, edges, and faces. Repair non-manifold meshes. Boolean cut, extrude, bevel, and paint faces for multi-filament printing — all on a touch screen, no laptop required. ### Create from scratch Primitives, extrude, bevel, boolean operations, subdivide — build models the way you do in Blender, but with your fingers. ### Repair STL & 3MF Import broken meshes, fix non-manifold geometry, fill holes, and export clean STL or 3MF files ready for your slicer. ### Multi-filament painting Paint faces with different colors and export 3MF with per-face color data — Bambu Studio and Creality Print assign filaments automatically. ## Questions makers ask Clear answers about formats, scanning, offline editing, and print preparation. **Can I edit STL and 3MF files on iPhone or iPad?** Yes. Forma3D imports STL and 3MF files and lets you edit mesh vertices, edges, and faces, use selection tools, apply extrude, inset, bevel, Boolean, cut, and other mesh operations, then export a result for slicing. **Does Forma3D scan real objects with LiDAR?** On supported LiDAR-capable devices running iOS 17 or later, Forma3D uses Apple Object Capture and photogrammetry to reconstruct an object as a USDZ mesh. You can choose high, medium, or low reconstruction detail and continue editing the imported mesh. **Can I paint a model for multi-color 3D printing?** Yes. Face Paint assigns colors to individual mesh faces, with single-face painting, brush, flood fill, auto paint, and palette workflows. The app exports per-face color data in 3MF for compatible Bambu Studio and Creality Print workflows. **Does Forma3D send files directly to a Bambu or Creality printer?** No. Forma3D creates printer-ready 3MF files and includes Bambu or Creality-compatible metadata, but it does not connect directly to printers. You upload the exported file to the destination app yourself — for example, through MakerWorld and Bambu Handy. See our [guide to printing without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). **Can I print a 3D model without Bambu Studio?** Yes. Create or load a model in Forma3D, export a Bambu-ready 3MF with print settings, upload it to MakerWorld from Safari (check "Yes, I have a Bambu Studio file"), then send it to your printer with Bambu Handy. The entire workflow runs on iPhone or iPad — no desktop required. See the [step-by-step guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). **Why can't I print an STL file from Bambu Handy?** Bambu Handy is not a slicer — it cannot convert an STL into G-code. To print from Bambu Handy, a model needs a print profile in 3MF format. Load your STL in Forma3D, export a 3MF with Bambu print settings, upload it to MakerWorld, then print from Bambu Handy. See the [guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). **How do I upload a model to Bambu Handy?** Bambu Handy does not have an upload feature. Open makerworld.com in Safari on your iPhone, sign in, tap Upload, and select your 3MF file. Once it's on MakerWorld, Bambu Handy can find it and send it to your printer. Forma3D exports the 3MF with the print profile embedded — see the [workflow guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). **Can I open STL files directly in Bambu Handy?** No. Bambu Handy cannot open STL or 3MF files from your phone's storage. It only prints models that are on MakerWorld with a valid print profile. Use Forma3D to load your STL, export a Bambu-ready 3MF, upload to MakerWorld, then print from Bambu Handy. [Learn how](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). **Which 3D file formats does Forma3D support?** Forma3D imports STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB/glTF, and native Blender .blend scenes. It exports STL, 3MF (Bambu/Creality-ready), OBJ, FBX, GLB, and USDZ with per-face colors. It also saves native .forma3d projects, inspects ZIP archives containing models, and converts photos or SVG files into 3D meshes via Image 3D. **Does Forma3D work offline?** Core mesh editing, primitive generation, image-to-mesh processing, and rendering run on-device. The app does not use a cloud service to process models. App Store purchases and any upload you choose to make to a slicer or cloud service require the relevant system or network connection. **Is Forma3D free?** Forma3D is available on the App Store with monthly, annual, and lifetime full-access plans. Monthly and annual plans include a 3-day introductory trial. Prices can vary by country and are shown by the App Store. **Can I create a 3D model from an image?** Yes. Image-to-3D includes height-map and voxel modes with adjustable physical dimensions, height, smoothing, threshold, and triangle budget. The resulting mesh can be edited and exported like other scene objects. **How do I paint a 3D model for multi-color AMS printing?** Use Forma3D's Face Paint tool to assign colors to individual mesh faces. Choose from single-face painting, brush, flood fill, and auto paint workflows. Export a 3MF file with per-face color data — Bambu Studio and Creality Print automatically assign filaments based on the embedded colors. No desktop slicer needed for color assignment. See the [Color 3MF Guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). **Can I convert a photo to a 3D printable model on iPhone?** Yes. Forma3D's Image-to-3D tool converts images into 3D meshes using height-map and voxel modes. Adjust physical dimensions, height, smoothing, threshold, and triangle budget. The resulting mesh can be edited and exported as STL or 3MF for printing. **How do I create 3D text for a nameplate or sign?** Use Forma3D's 3D Text tool to place extruded text with Flat, Arc, Wave, and Custom bend modes. Type your text, choose a font, adjust depth and size, then export as STL or 3MF. Great for nameplates, door signs, labels, and cake toppers — no CAD software needed. **Can I 3D scan an object with my iPhone and print it?** On supported LiDAR-capable devices running iOS 17 or later, Forma3D uses Apple Object Capture and photogrammetry to reconstruct an object as a USDZ mesh. Choose high, medium, or low detail, then edit and export the mesh for printing. See the [LiDAR Scanning Guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner). **How do I split a large 3D model into smaller parts for printing?** Use Forma3D's Manifold Cut tool to slice models with line, circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, curve, or freehand shapes. Add print-fit joints and tolerance with the Constructor workflow — cone, cylinder, square, and ball connectors let parts snap together after printing. Separate meshes by sharp edges or face-paint regions. **How do I fix a non-manifold or broken STL file?** Import the STL in Forma3D and use Bridge Faces to connect open edges with auto, straight, or flip modes. Separate meshes by shells to isolate disconnected geometry. Use Boolean Union to merge overlapping parts into a single watertight mesh. Inspect with wireframe or X-Ray viewport modes to find holes and inverted normals. **Can I generate bolts, nuts, and gears for 3D printing?** Yes. Forma3D generates procedural hex bolts (M3–M20), socket head cap screws, hex nuts, washers, threaded rods, spur gears, herringbone gears, and racks. Customize module, tooth count, bore diameter, and thread parameters. Export directly as STL or 3MF — ready to print with accurate thread profiles. **Can I do Boolean union, subtract, and intersect on iPhone?** Yes. Forma3D supports Boolean Union, Subtract, and Intersect using the Manifold CSG engine — the same library used by desktop slicers. Combine or cut meshes with clean, watertight results suitable for 3D printing. No desktop software required. **Can I do 3D modeling on iPad without a desktop computer?** Yes. Forma3D is a full mesh editor for iPad and iPhone with Object Mode and Edit Mode, vertex/edge/face selection, extrude, inset, bevel, bridge, mirror, revolve, remesh, simplify, subdivide, and more. Apple Pencil hover and external keyboard shortcuts are supported. Core modeling runs on-device — no cloud or desktop needed. See our [guide to 3D modeling without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop). **I don't have a desktop — can I still prepare models for 3D printing?** Yes. Forma3D runs entirely on iPhone and iPad. Import STL or 3MF, edit and repair the mesh, scale to real dimensions, export, and upload to MakerWorld from Safari — no desktop required. See our [no-desktop guide](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop). **I only have an iPad. Is that enough for 3D printing workflows?** Yes. Forma3D on iPad lets you import, edit, repair, paint, and export models for 3D printing. Upload the exported 3MF to MakerWorld from Safari and send it to your printer with Bambu Handy. The full workflow works on iPad alone. **Can I use photogrammetry on iOS to create 3D models?** Yes. Forma3D uses Apple Object Capture for photogrammetry on iOS 17 and later. On LiDAR-equipped devices, depth data improves reconstruction accuracy. The resulting USDZ mesh can be edited and exported for 3D printing. See the [LiDAR scanning guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner). **How do I go from iPhone LiDAR scan to 3D print?** Scan the object in Forma3D, let Apple Object Capture reconstruct the mesh, edit and repair it in the mesh editor, export STL or 3MF, and upload to your slicer or MakerWorld. The entire workflow happens on the iPhone. See the [step-by-step guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner). **Is Blender available on iPad or iPhone?** Blender does not have an official iPad or iPhone app. Blender is a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Forma3D is a native iPad and iPhone app that covers similar 3D mesh editing workflows — extrude, inset, bevel, Boolean, cut, sculpt, and STL/3MF export — designed for touch and Apple Pencil. It is not affiliated with the Blender Foundation. **What is the best Blender alternative for iPad?** Forma3D is a Blender alternative for iPad users who need mesh editing, Boolean operations, face painting, and 3D-print-ready export. It runs natively on iPadOS with Apple Pencil support, works offline, imports native .blend scenes, and exports STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, and USDZ. Blender itself is not available on iPad. **Can I do Blender-style mesh editing on iPad?** Yes. Forma3D brings Blender-style mesh editing to iPad and iPhone: vertex, edge, and face selection; extrude, inset, bevel, bridge, mirror, revolve, subdivide, remesh, and Boolean union/subtract/intersect via the Manifold CSG engine. Edit Mode works with touch gestures, Apple Pencil, and external keyboards. Export to STL or 3MF for 3D printing or for importing into Blender on desktop. ## How to 3D model on phone — Step by step A complete workflow from blank scene to printed part, entirely on iPhone or iPad. No desktop software required at any step. ### Step 1 — Start 3D modeling on iPhone Open Forma3D on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the **+** button in the top toolbar to add a primitive: cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, torus, pyramid, plane, tube, or 3D text. For organic shapes, choose a soft cube or soft sphere variant. Use the transform gizmo to move, rotate, or scale the object with touch gestures, or enter exact values in millimeters via the numeric panel. Apple Pencil hover shows tooltips and enables precise dragging on supported devices. ### Step 2 — Edit the mesh Switch to **Edit Mode** to select vertices, edges, or faces. Choose a selection tool: single tap, rectangle, oval, brush, loop, or ring. With a selection active, apply mesh operations: - **Extrude** — push faces in or out with a live preview and direction toggle - **Inset** — shrink or grow faces inward with adjustable depth - **Bevel** — round edges with custom width, segments, and profile - **Bridge** — connect open edges with auto, straight, or flip modes - **Mirror** — duplicate geometry symmetrically across X, Y, or Z - **Revolve** — create lathe geometry by rotating a profile around an axis - **Subdivide** — add resolution where you need it - **Simplify** — reduce polygon count for lighter exports - **Remesh** — retopologize with uniform quad-dominant mesh Use **X-Ray mode** to inspect internal structure, wireframe overlay to find holes, and the view cube to switch between orthographic projections. Every action can be undone and redone with full snapshot history. ### Step 3 — Import and edit an STL file Tap **Import** in the bottom ribbon or use the **+** menu and choose "Import STL…". Select an STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, FBX, or .blend file from the Files app, AirDrop, or another app. The imported mesh opens in the editor where you can: - Select and modify vertices, edges, and faces - Apply extrude, inset, bevel, and Boolean operations - Use Manifold Cut to slice the model with line, circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, or freehand shapes - Bridge open edges to fix non-manifold geometry - Separate meshes by shells or by sharp dihedral-angle boundaries - Measure distances with the ruler tool in millimeters or inches - Scale to exact dimensions using the bounding box editor ### Step 4 — Paint faces for multi-filament printing Switch to **Face Paint mode** to assign colors to individual mesh faces for multi-filament 3D printing. Choose a painting method: - **Single-face** — tap individual faces to assign a palette color - **Brush** — paint across faces with adjustable brush size - **Flood Fill** — fill connected regions, stopping at sharp edges - **Auto Paint** — automatic segmentation based on surface direction Select colors from the palette or define custom colors. Forma3D's Metal color buffers handle meshes up to 1 million polygons without lag. When done, export a 3MF file — per-face color data is embedded automatically. Bambu Studio and Creality Print read the colors and assign AMS filaments without manual slicer setup. See the [Color 3MF Guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). ### Step 5 — Scan an object with LiDAR On supported LiDAR-capable devices (iPhone Pro 12+, iPad Pro 2021+) running iOS 17 or later, tap the **LiDAR scanning** tool. Choose auto or manual capture mode, then walk around the object while the app records images and depth data. Select reconstruction detail — high, medium, or low — and wait for on-device processing via Apple Object Capture and photogrammetry. The resulting USDZ mesh imports directly into the editor. Inspect with wireframe or X-Ray display, repair holes with Bridge Faces, simplify to reduce polygon count, and scale to correct dimensions. See the [LiDAR Scanning Guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner). ### Step 6 — Export and print Tap **Export** and choose a format: - **STL** — universal 3D printing format, compatible with all slicers - **3MF** — includes per-face color data and print settings (printer, nozzle, plate, filament) - **USDZ** — for AR Quick Look and Apple ecosystem workflows For Bambu Lab printers, select 3MF and choose your printer model (A1 mini, A1, P1S, P1P, X1 Carbon, and others), nozzle diameter, plate type, and filament settings. Forma3D embeds the print profile into the 3MF. Then upload the file to MakerWorld from Safari, open it in Bambu Handy, and send to your printer — no desktop required. See the [step-by-step print guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). For other printers, export STL or 3MF and open in your preferred slicer (PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, Cura) via cloud storage or AirDrop. ## Download from the App Store. Upgrade when you need. Free forever for editing and .forma3d project saves. Paid plans unlock STL, 3MF and USDZ export. Monthly and annual include a 3-day trial; prices may vary by region. TIER.00 ### Free $0 forever - Full editor — mesh, paint & LiDAR scan - Save .forma3d projects - Export STL · 3MF · USDZPRO TIER.01 ### Monthly $6.99 per month - Everything in Free - Export STL · 3MF · USDZ - 3-day free trial · cancel anytime BEST VALUE TIER.02 ### Annual $49.99 per year — save 40% - Everything in Free - Export STL · 3MF · USDZ - 3-day free trial · best value TIER.03 ### Lifetime $99.99 one-time purchase - Everything in Free - Export STL · 3MF · USDZ - All future updates · no subscription ## Start modeling today Available on iPhone and iPad. [Download from the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8). [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) --- ## Page: STL Editor for iPhone & iPad — Edit, Repair & Split | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor # Edit STL files on iPhone and iPad Forma3D is a touch-first 3D mesh editor for makers and 3D-printing enthusiasts who need to inspect, modify, repair, and prepare STL or 3MF models without opening a desktop editor. Guide updated October 24, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later · Check the App Store for the latest release [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## What you can do with an STL mesh ### Edit vertices, edges, and faces Switch between Object Mode and Edit Mode. Select components with single-tap, rectangle, oval, brush, multi-select, loop, and ring tools. Move, rotate, or scale using the gizmo or numeric controls. ### Modify mesh geometry Use extrude, inset, bevel, bridge, mirror, revolve, remesh, simplify, and subdivide tools. Flat, smooth, wireframe, matte, and X-Ray viewport modes help inspect the result. ### Boolean and cut models Manifold CSG supports Union, Subtract, and Intersect. Manifold cut tools include line, ellipse, circle, rectangle, polygon, curve, path, and freehand shapes, with split and array workflows. ### Prepare parts for printing Separate a mesh by sharp edges or face-paint regions. Add print-fit joints and tolerance with the Constructor workflow, then export a selected, visible, or complete scene. ## Supported model workflow - Import STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB, USDZ, and native .blend scenes from Files or another app. - Inspect measurements with the ruler, millimeter or inch units, world grid, and snap-to-grid. - Paint individual faces or regions and export per-face color data in 3MF. - Export STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ for the next step in a slicer or 3D workflow. - Save a native `.forma3d` project with the scene state; ZIP archives containing STL or 3MF files can also be inspected. **On-device processing:** core mesh editing and rendering run locally. Forma3D does not send a model to a cloud service for mesh processing. Any upload to a slicer or cloud platform is a separate action chosen by the user. ## Who is this useful for? Use Forma3D to fix a downloaded STL, change a model before printing, split a large part, add a cut or Boolean feature, inspect non-manifold geometry, or make a quick edit on an iPhone or iPad. For common follow-ups, see the [split STL tutorial](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) for dividing an oversized model into printable parts with alignment joints, and the [painting guide](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) for coloring faces before a multi-filament 3MF export. Looking ahead to Apple's foldable? See our [iPhone Duo, Apple Pencil & STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/iphone-duo-3d-modeling) — what's confirmed and what to test on day one. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I edit STL files on iPad or iPhone? Yes. Forma3D imports STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB, USDZ, and .blend files and lets you edit vertices, edges, and faces, apply extrude, inset, bevel, and Boolean operations, then export the result — entirely on the device. ### How do I fix a broken or non-manifold STL? Import the file, inspect it in wireframe or X-Ray mode, then repair holes, flipped normals, and non-manifold edges with the mesh tools before sending it to a slicer. ### Does mesh editing run on-device or in the cloud? On-device. Forma3D does not upload your model to a cloud service for mesh processing; uploads to slicers or platforms are separate actions you choose. ### Is Forma3D free? Forma3D is a free download. Full-access features require an in-app purchase with monthly, annual, and lifetime options — check the App Store for current pricing. --- ## Page: iPhone LiDAR 3D Scanner & Photogrammetry App for iOS | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner # iPhone LiDAR to 3D print — scan, edit, and prepare on iOS The most complete way to turn a real object into a 3D-printable model on iPhone is Forma3D — it combines Apple Object Capture and LiDAR scanning with an on-device mesh editor, so you scan, repair, and prep the model without a desktop computer. Guide updated October 24, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · Current public App Store release: 2.1.1 · Requires iOS 17 or later [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## How the scan workflow works ### 1. Capture Start an Apple Object Capture session and move around the real object while the device records the images and depth information required for reconstruction. ### 2. Reconstruct Forma3D runs a PhotogrammetrySession and creates a USDZ model. High, medium, and low detail options control the reconstruction import path. ### 3. Inspect and repair Import the generated mesh into the editor, inspect it with wireframe or X-Ray display, select vertices, edges, or faces, and apply mesh operations. ### 4. Prepare and export Measure, scale, cut, separate, paint, or simplify the mesh, then export STL, 3MF, or USDZ for the next step in your workflow. ## Device and workflow notes - Scanning is available only when Apple reports that Object Capture is supported on the device. - The current app uses Apple Object Capture and PhotogrammetrySession; it does not advertise a custom TSDF or marching-cubes scanner. - Reconstruction detail is selected in the scan flow; the result is imported into the same scene editor used for STL and 3MF files. - Core reconstruction and mesh processing happen on the device. Forma3D does not upload the model to a cloud reconstruction service. **LiDAR requirement:** a compatible device is required. If Object Capture is not supported, the app shows a scanning-unavailable state rather than pretending that every iPhone or iPad can scan. ## Scan, fix, and print A scan is a starting mesh, not a guaranteed print-ready object. Forma3D gives you the mesh-editing tools to inspect and modify it before exporting it to a slicer. For the focused walkthrough see [scan to STL on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone); for the editing tools used on the imported mesh see the [STL mesh editor guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). When the model is ready to print, the [print without Bambu Studio guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) covers the iPhone-only export path. ## Photogrammetry on iOS — how it works Photogrammetry is the process of reconstructing a 3D model from a set of photographs. Apple's Object Capture framework, available on iOS 17 and later, brings photogrammetry to iPhone and iPad. Forma3D uses this framework to let you scan a real object and get a USDZ mesh on the same device. For Forma3D's guided Object Capture workflow, use a supported LiDAR-equipped iPhone Pro or iPad Pro. Photogrammetry as a general technique can reconstruct ordinary photographs, but that does not mean this app's capture and reconstruction workflow is available on every iPhone or iPad. ## From iPhone LiDAR scan to 3D print — step by step 1. **Scan:** Open the scan mode in Forma3D and walk around the object. The app captures images and depth data using Apple Object Capture. 2. **Reconstruct:** Forma3D runs a PhotogrammetrySession on device and produces a USDZ mesh. Choose high, medium, or low detail. 3. **Inspect:** Import the USDZ into the editor. Use wireframe or X-Ray mode to check for holes, non-manifold edges, or thin walls. 4. **Repair:** Select and fix problem areas. Use mesh operations to close holes, smooth surfaces, or remove unwanted geometry. 5. **Prepare:** Scale to real-world dimensions. Cut, split, or add Boolean features as needed. Paint faces for multi-filament printing if desired. 6. **Export:** Export STL or 3MF. Upload to MakerWorld from Safari or open in your slicer. See our [print without Bambu Studio guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). ## Which devices support this scanning workflow? - LiDAR-equipped iPhone Pro models starting with iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, subject to Apple's runtime support check. - Supported iPad Pro models from 2021 onward, including the 12.9-inch 5th generation and 11-inch 3rd generation. - iOS or iPadOS 17 or later, with sufficient storage and a supported Object Capture configuration. A LiDAR sensor alone does not guarantee support: the 2020 iPad Pro has LiDAR but is not included in Apple's stated starting models for this Object Capture workflow. Forma3D checks support on the device and shows an unavailable state when necessary. See [Apple's Object Capture for iOS presentation](https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2023/10191/). ## Common questions about iPhone LiDAR and photogrammetry ### Can I scan an object with iPhone LiDAR and 3D print it? Yes. Scan the object in Forma3D using Apple Object Capture, import the resulting USDZ mesh, edit and repair it, and export STL or 3MF for printing. The entire workflow happens on the iPhone. ### Can I use Forma3D's scanning workflow without LiDAR? Do not assume so. This guide describes the supported LiDAR-equipped devices used by the app's guided Object Capture workflow. Capturing ordinary photographs for another photogrammetry tool is a different workflow. Check the scanning availability message in Forma3D before planning a scan. ### Do I need a desktop to process the scan? No. Reconstruction, editing, and export all happen on the device. See our guide to [3D modeling without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop). ### What file format does the scan produce? The scan produces a USDZ file, which is imported into Forma3D's mesh editor. You can then export STL, 3MF, or USDZ for the next step in your workflow. --- ## Page: Paint Faces and Export Colored 3MF | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf # Paint faces for a multi-color 3D print Forma3D lets you assign palette colors to individual mesh faces or connected regions, then export a 3MF file containing per-face color data for compatible multi-filament print workflows. Guide updated October 24, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iPhone and iPad · Check the App Store for the latest release [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## Face Paint tools ### Paint individual faces Select a face and assign a palette slot. Brush, rectangle, and circle workflows help cover larger areas on a touch screen. ### Fill connected regions Flood Fill follows connected faces and can stop at sharp dihedral-angle boundaries, which is useful for buttons, panels, and hard-surface parts. ### Auto Paint Auto Paint segments a mesh into regions using connectivity and surface direction, then assigns available palette colors. ### Fast updates for large meshes Metal color buffers allow many paint changes to update without rebuilding the complete geometry. Performance depends on mesh complexity and the device; test the export and paint workflow on your own model. See the hands-on walkthrough: [How to Paint for 3D Printing](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) — painting faces, cleaning up color islands, and merging similar colors to a target count. ## What the exported 3MF contains - Per-face color assignments used by the multi-filament export path. - Filament palette and printer-setting metadata for compatible Bambu and Creality workflows. - Optional Bambu printer profiles, nozzle settings, plate settings, filament presets, and print settings. - Selected, visible, or all-object export scope. **Important:** Forma3D prepares and exports the file. It does not discover printers, connect over Wi-Fi, send to Bambu Handy, upload to MakerWorld, or connect to Creality Cloud. Open or upload the exported 3MF in the destination software yourself. ## From model to print Import an STL or 3MF, paint the faces you want to print in different filaments, verify the model in the viewport, and export a 3MF for the next step in Bambu Studio, Creality Print, or another compatible slicer workflow. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a 3MF file? 3MF is a modern 3D-printing format that stores mesh geometry plus colors, materials, units, and print metadata in one file — unlike STL, which is geometry only. ### Can I create a colored 3MF on iPad? Yes. Forma3D lets you paint mesh faces with palette colors and export a colored 3MF on iPad or iPhone, ready for a multi-filament slicer or Bambu Handy. ### 3MF vs STL — which should I use for multicolor? Use 3MF. It preserves per-face color assignments and units; STL would discard the color data entirely. --- ## Page: 3D Print from iPhone Without Bambu Studio — via Bambu Handy | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio # How to print from iPhone without Bambu Studio No desktop computer needed. Create a model in Forma3D, export a Bambu-ready 3MF file, upload it to MakerWorld, and send it to your Bambu Lab printer from Bambu Handy — all from your iPhone or iPad. Guide updated October 24, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17+ · Compatible Bambu Lab print profiles MakerWorld publication and cloud-print requirements can change. Use a compatible profile, follow the current upload guidelines, and verify slicing and printer settings before printing. A 3MF export is not itself G-code and does not guarantee that a cloud service will accept or slice it. [Download Forma3D](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=printguide&mt=8) ## What you need #### Forma3D app iPhone or iPad with iOS 17 or later. Free to download with in-app purchases. #### Bambu Handy app [Free app from the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bambu-handy/id1625671285). Connects your phone to the printer. #### MakerWorld account Free at [makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com). Stores your model with print settings. #### Bambu Lab printer Any model (A1, A1 mini, P1S, P1P, X1 Carbon, etc.) linked to your Bambu account. ## The workflow in 7 steps 1 ### Open your model in Forma3D Start the Forma3D app and open the model you want to print. It can be a model you created in the app, imported from Files, downloaded as STL, or scanned with LiDAR. When the model is ready, tap the Export button at the bottom of the screen. You will see export options. 2 ### Choose "Export 3MF (Bambu)" From the export menu, select Export 3MF (Bambu). This format contains your 3D model plus the print settings that Bambu Handy needs. ![Export menu in Forma3D showing Export 3MF (Bambu) option](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step1-export-menu.png) Tap **Export 3MF (Bambu)** to save a printer-ready file. 3 ### Set your print settings Forma3D opens the print profile screen. Most options already have good defaults. Here is what they mean in simple terms: - **Printer Model** — choose the Bambu printer you own (for example, P1S, A1, or A1 mini). - **Nozzle** — 0.4 mm is the standard nozzle that comes with most Bambu printers. Leave it unless you changed the nozzle. - **Layer Height** — 0.20 mm is a good balance between speed and quality. Lower values look smoother but take longer. - **Infill Density** — 15% is fine for decorative models. Use more for stronger functional parts. - **Enable Support** — turn on if your model has overhangs or bridges. - **Bed Type** — choose the plate you are using (for example, Textured PEI Plate). ![Bambu export settings in Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step2-export-settings.png) Choose your printer, nozzle, layer height, and other settings. If you painted faces for multi-color printing, the color circles at the bottom let you assign different filaments to different colors. 4 ### Upload the file to MakerWorld Open Safari on your iPhone, go to [makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com), and sign in. Tap the upload button to start a new upload. On the first screen, MakerWorld will ask: *"Do you have a Bambu Studio file(.3mf) for this model?"* Select: **✅ Yes (earn extra points reward)** Then tap Browse in the "Bambu Studio File (Print Profile)" area and select the .3mf file you just exported from Forma3D. ![MakerWorld upload screen with Bambu Studio file option selected](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step3-makerworld-upload.png) Select **Yes** and upload your .3mf file. The .3mf file from Forma3D already contains the print profile, so it works like a Bambu Studio file. You do not need to own Bambu Studio on a computer. 5 ### Fill in model information MakerWorld will move to the Model Information step. Here you add the public details of your model: - **Model Name** — give it a clear name, for example "Squid". - **Model Cover** — use an accurate image of the model you are uploading and follow MakerWorld's current image requirements. If a real print photo is required, photograph that printed model. Do not substitute a photo of an unrelated object. If you cannot meet the publication requirements, keep the file local and use a compatible slicer workflow instead. - **Category** — choose a category, for example "Test Models". - **License** — select terms that match the rights you hold and the permissions you want to grant. A public upload is not private storage; do not publish someone else's design without permission. Tap the green Add Print Profile → button to continue. ![MakerWorld Model Information screen](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step4-model-info.png) Add a name, choose a category, then continue to the print profile. 6 ### Publish the print profile On the Print Profile Information screen everything is already filled in for you. The 3MF file from Forma3D carries the print profile name and settings, so you don't have to type anything. Just do the following: - Confirm the **Squid.3mf** file is attached at the top. - Check that the print profile name is filled in (for example *"0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill"*). If it is empty, enter it manually. - Read and check the Print Profile Guidelines checkbox. ![MakerWorld Print Profile Information screen](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step5-print-profile.png) Fill in the profile name, add a picture, then tap **Publish**. Tap Publish. MakerWorld will process your model. This usually takes a few seconds, but large files may take a minute. 7 ### Send to print from Bambu Handy Now open the **Bambu Handy** app on your iPhone. Find your published model on MakerWorld and open it. You will see the print profile you just created. Tap the print profile (it shows your chosen settings — nozzle, layer height, walls, infill, and filament weights), then tap Next. ![Bambu Handy Select a Print Profile screen](https://forma3d.app/assets/print-tutorial/step6-bambu-handy.png) Select the print profile in Bambu Handy and tap **Next**. Choose your connected Bambu Lab printer and start the print job. The printer will begin automatically — no Bambu Studio required. ## Why this works Bambu Studio is a desktop slicer, but the 3MF file format can store print profiles inside it. Forma3D writes these profiles when you export, so MakerWorld and Bambu Handy can use them directly. #### 3MF carries the settings Printer model, nozzle, plate type, filament, and colors are embedded in one file. #### MakerWorld reads the profile The "Yes, I have a Bambu Studio file" option tells MakerWorld the file is already configured. #### Bambu Handy sends the job The mobile app reads the profile and sends it to your printer over the cloud. #### No desktop needed The whole pipeline runs on iPhone or iPad with Forma3D, Safari, and Bambu Handy. ## Tips for best results - **Pick the right printer model** in Forma3D's export dialog. The profile must match your actual printer. - **Check your model size** before exporting. Use Forma3D's measurement tools to set exact dimensions in millimeters. - **Use supports for overhangs** if the model has parts floating in the air. Enable support in the export settings. - **Match filament colors** if you painted the model. The color circles in the export screen represent the AMS slots in Bambu Handy. - **Make sure your printer is online** and linked to the same Bambu account you use in Bambu Handy. - **Large files need more time** on MakerWorld. If the model page does not open immediately, wait a minute and refresh. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I print an STL file directly from Bambu Handy? No. Bambu Handy is not a slicer and cannot turn STL into G-code. It needs a 3MF file with a print profile. Forma3D creates that 3MF for you. ### Do I need a desktop or Bambu Studio? No. The entire workflow shown above uses only Forma3D, Safari, and Bambu Handy on your iPhone or iPad. ### Do I need to publish my model publicly? No. MakerWorld lets you choose public or private visibility when you publish. For personal printing, choose **Private** — only you can see and print the model through Bambu Handy. A private model still works exactly the same way for printing. ### Which Bambu printers work? Forma3D includes profiles for A1 mini, A1, A2L, P1S, P2S, P1P, X1 Carbon, X2D, H2S, H2D, H2C, H2D Pro, and more. Any Bambu Lab printer connected to your account works with Bambu Handy. ## Related guides Upload details are in the [MakerWorld upload from iPhone guide](https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone). To edit or repaint the 3MF before exporting, see [editing 3MF files on iPad](https://forma3d.app/edit-3mf-files-ipad) and the [multi-filament 3MF guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) for per-face color export. ## Start printing from your phone Download Forma3D, create or import a model, and send it to your Bambu Lab printer without opening a desktop slicer. [Get Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=printguide&mt=8) --- ## Page: 3D Modeling on iPad & iPhone Without a Desktop | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop # 3D modeling without a desktop — yes, you can do it on iPad and iPhone You can create, edit, repair, and prepare 3D models for printing without a desktop computer: Forma3D is a complete mesh editor that runs natively on iPad and iPhone — no Blender, no Meshmixer, no computer required. Current public App Store release: 2.1.1 · Requires iOS 17 or later [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## "I don't have a desktop — can I still do 3D?" Yes. This is one of the most common questions from makers who own an iPad or iPhone but not a desktop or laptop. The answer used to be "no, you need Blender or Meshmixer." Forma3D changes that. Forma3D is built from the ground up for touch devices. It provides the same core mesh editing operations you would use in a desktop 3D editor — vertex, edge, and face selection; extrude, inset, bevel; Boolean union, subtract, and intersect; mesh repair; face painting for multi-filament printing; and export to STL, 3MF, or USDZ. ## What you can do with just an iPad or iPhone ### Import and edit STL files Open STL files from Files, Mail, AirDrop, or Safari. Inspect the mesh in wireframe or X-Ray mode, select components, move and modify geometry, and export the result. ### Repair non-manifold meshes Downloaded STL files often have issues — holes, flipped normals, non-manifold edges. Forma3D lets you inspect and fix these problems before sending the model to a slicer. ### Prepare models for 3D printing Scale to real-world dimensions with millimeter or inch units. Cut large parts into smaller pieces. Add Boolean features. Separate by face-paint regions. Export STL or 3MF. ### Scan with LiDAR and print On supported iPhone and iPad Pro devices with LiDAR, scan a real object using Apple Object Capture, import the USDZ mesh, edit it, and prepare it for printing — all on the same device. ### Paint faces for multi-filament prints Assign colors to individual faces or regions, then export a 3MF file with per-face color data for Bambu Studio, Creality Print, or other multi-filament slicers. ### Export and upload from Safari Export your model and upload it to MakerWorld or another platform directly from Safari on iPad or iPhone. See our [print without Bambu Studio guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). ## iPad vs desktop — what's the difference? - **Touch-first interface:** Forma3D uses multi-touch gestures, tap selection, and an on-screen gizmo instead of a mouse and keyboard. - **On-device processing:** Core mesh editing and rendering happen locally, without uploading models for processing. Full-access features require an in-app purchase; monthly, annual, and one-time lifetime options are available. - **File handling:** Import from Files, AirDrop, Mail, or Safari. Export to Files, Mail, or upload to any website. - **No render farm:** Forma3D is a mesh editor and print preparation tool, not a rendering engine. It does not produce photorealistic renders like Blender Cycles. - **No animation:** Forma3D focuses on static mesh editing for 3D printing. It does not support skeletal animation, rigging, or simulation. **What Forma3D is not:** Forma3D is not a replacement for Blender's full pipeline (sculpting, animation, rendering, simulation). It is a focused mesh editor and print preparation tool for makers who want to work on a touch device without a desktop. ## Common questions from makers without a desktop ### Can I do 3D modeling on iPad? Yes. Forma3D runs on iPad and iPad Pro with iPadOS 17 or later. The larger screen gives you more space for selection and editing, but the full toolset is available on iPhone as well. ### I only have an iPad. Can I prepare models for 3D printing? Yes. Import an STL or 3MF, inspect and repair the mesh, scale to the correct dimensions, cut or modify as needed, and export. Upload the exported file to your slicer or MakerWorld from Safari. ### Can I edit STL files on iPhone? Yes. Forma3D supports STL import and export on iPhone. You can edit vertices, edges, and faces, apply Boolean operations, repair mesh issues, and export the result. Apple's announced foldable is covered in our [iPhone Duo and Apple Pencil guide](https://forma3d.app/iphone-duo-3d-modeling). ### Do I need a computer to scan objects with LiDAR? No. On supported LiDAR devices, scanning, reconstruction, mesh editing, and export all happen on the device. See our [LiDAR scanning guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner). ### Can I print without Bambu Studio on a desktop? Yes. Export a 3MF from Forma3D, upload it to MakerWorld from Safari, and send it to Bambu Handy on your phone. See our [step-by-step guide](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). ## Who is this for? Forma3D is for makers, hobbyists, and 3D printing enthusiasts who want to work with 3D models on a touch device — whether they don't own a desktop, prefer to work on iPad, or need to make a quick edit on the go. --- ## Page: SVG to 3D Keychain — Forma3D Tutorial Source: https://forma3d.app/svg-keychain SVG to 3D Keychain — Forma3D Tutorial Tutorial # 3D Keychains from SVG Use an SVG file as a reference for a closed sketch in Forma3D, trace the outline on iPhone or iPad, extrude it to 3–5 mm, add a ring hole, and export a printable keychain as STL or colored 3MF — no desktop or desktop slicer needed for the modeling part. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) 1 ## Open Sketch Mode Launch Forma3D and tap the Sketch tool to start a new 2D sketch. Sketch mode lets you draw 2D shapes that you'll later extrude into 3D. 2 ## Add an SVG Reference and Trace the Outline Add your SVG as a modeling reference, then trace the outline with the sketch tools. Use artwork you created or have permission to reproduce. Close the outline before creating the 3D mesh; an open line is not a filled keychain shape. A reference image is not automatically a solid mesh. Start with a simple outline, avoid tiny disconnected details, and keep a copy of the original SVG. 3 ## Set Height and Colors Choose the extrude height for your keychain — 3–5 mm works well. Pick colors for different faces if you want multi-filament printing. 3 mm is sturdy enough for a keychain and prints fast. 4 ## Add a Hole with Cut Tool Use the Cut tool to make a circular hole at the top of your keychain. This is where the keychain ring goes. Measure your ring rather than assuming one hole size fits all. A 5 mm hole can be a starting point; leave enough material around it and test the fit on a small print. 5 ## Export and Print Export as STL or 3MF. Open in your slicer (Bambu Studio, Creality Print) and print your custom keychain. Export 3MF with colors for multi-filament printing on Bambu Lab printers. ## Check the Model Before Printing Verify the overall size in millimeters, inspect the ring hole, and check that the outline forms one connected solid. Thin bridges around letters and logos can break even when the file is a valid mesh. Material, nozzle diameter, layer orientation, and print settings all affect strength. Open the export in a compatible slicer and review every layer around the hole and small details. For single-material printing, STL is a simple choice. For colored workflows, export 3MF and verify that the intended face colors map to the correct filaments. See [STL mesh editing](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) for model adjustments and [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) for face-paint preparation. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I turn an SVG into a 3D keychain on iPad? Yes. Import the SVG as a reference in Forma3D, trace the closed sketch, extrude it into a solid mesh, add a keyring loop, and export STL or 3MF for printing. ### What print settings work for small keychains? A 0.2 mm layer height with high wall count or near-solid infill gives a sturdy part; flat orientation on the bed keeps fine SVG details clean. ### Can I add text or a name to the keychain? Yes — build letters from shapes or trace them from the reference, then emboss or engrave them into the mesh before exporting. [Get Forma3D](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=svg-keychain&mt=8) Available on iPhone and iPad --- ## Page: SKÅDIS Pegboard Generator — Boards, Connectors & Bins | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/skadis-pegboard SKÅDIS Pegboard Generator — Boards, Connectors & Bins | Forma3D Tutorial # SKÅDIS Pegboard Generator Design a custom pegboard wall on iPhone or iPad: parametric boards with SKÅDIS-compatible 5×15 mm slots, standoff and clip connectors, and storage bins — exported as STL or 3MF, ready to slice. No CAD experience needed. Updated November 7, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) [![A solid pegboard panel, a lattice pegboard bin and a lightened pegboard tile generated in Forma3D on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/skadis-pegboard/hero.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/skadis-pegboard/hero-large.webp) A solid board, a perforated storage bin and a lightened truss board — all three generated as parametric primitives in Forma3D. 1 ## Add the Pegboard primitive Open the Add panel and choose **Pegboard**. Boards use the SKÅDIS-compatible slot pattern: 5×15 mm stadium slots on a 40 mm pitch. Pick a size preset or switch to Custom and type the exact width and height in millimeters — the slot grid scales to fit. Sizes snap to the 40 mm pitch, so accessories always land on a slot — no half-slots at the edges. 2 ## Choose style and edges **Solid** is a flat panel for maximum strength; **Lightened** carves a truss pattern between slots and saves 30–50% filament on large panels. For edges, **Margins** adds a clean frame around the slot field, while **Seamless** runs the slot pitch to the edges so several printed tiles line up into one big wall. Seamless boards are the way to cover a full wall on a standard-size printer — tile the grid across prints. 3 ## Set the mounting Pick how the board meets the wall. **Countersunk** bores 45° countersinks flush with the face for flat-head screws. Combined with standoff connectors (next step) you get the floating gap that lets accessories hook behind the board. Leave a gap behind the board — slot accessories need a few millimeters of clearance for their rear pegs. 4 ## Generate connectors and clips Add a **Pegboard Connector** primitive. Standoff mounts hold one, two or four boards and come in three fixings: an M3/M4/M5 screw with matching nut, a self-tapping screw into the post, or adhesive tape. **Slot clips** carry ribbed stadium pegs that press into the 5×15 slots for screw-free mounting — their clearance parameter tunes the fit to your printer. Print one connector first and test the screw and slot fit before committing to a full set. 5 ## Design storage bins The **Pegboard Bin** primitive builds a parametric storage box: set width × depth × height in millimeters, then choose how many peg columns and levels it carries on the back. Like the boards, bins come in Solid or Lightened styles — the lattice walls on the lightened bin print fast and let you see what's inside. Two peg columns handle most loads; add levels for tall or heavy bins. 6 ## Export and print Export each piece as STL, or 3MF to keep face colors for multi-material slicers. Print boards flat on the bed, connectors upright, and bins open-side up. Because every dimension is parametric, you can remix the same parts at other sizes without re-modeling. PETG handles peg flexing better than PLA for removable bins and clips. Use 3+ walls on connectors. ## Combine with the rest of Forma3D These primitives are real meshes, not locked presets — drop one into Edit mode to cut a logo into the board, Boolean a hook shape onto a bin, or merge a connector into a custom bracket. The same Add panel also makes boxes, text and organizer parts that can share the slot geometry. See [STL mesh editing](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) for modifications, [splitting large models](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) if a board exceeds your bed, and [printing without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) for the phone-to-printer pipeline. ## Related guides [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) — selection, Boolean, cut, repair and export tools. [Split an STL for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) — divide oversized models with alignment joints. [3D modeling for Bambu Lab](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-for-bambu-lab) — the full model-to-print workflow. [Best 3D apps for iPhone and iPad](https://forma3d.app/best-3d-apps-iphone-ipad) — where Forma3D fits among mobile modelers. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are the generated pegboards compatible with IKEA SKÅDIS accessories? The generator uses the same 5×15 mm stadium slots on a 40 mm pitch as the IKEA SKÅDIS system, so SKÅDIS-style hooks, clips and accessories are designed to fit. Always test-fit one slot with a small print first — printer tolerances vary. ### Can I make a pegboard bigger than my print bed? Yes. Use the Seamless edge mode to tile slot pitch across several boards, print them as separate tiles and join them on the wall with connector plates. The slots line up across tile boundaries because the pitch is parametric. ### How do the pegboard bins attach to the board? Bins carry ribbed stadium pegs on a configurable column-by-level grid that press into the 5×15 slots. The pegs are slightly undersize with raised ribs for a friction fit, and a clearance parameter lets you tune the fit to your printer. ### What filament and settings work for printed pegboards? PETG or PLA both work; PETG tolerates peg flexing better for removable accessories. Print boards flat, use 3+ walls on connectors and bins, and pick the Lightened style to save filament on large panels. [Get Forma3D](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=skadis-pegboard&mt=8) Available on iPhone and iPad --- ## Page: Send an STL to Your 3D Printer From iPhone or iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/send-stl-to-printer Send an STL to Your 3D Printer From iPhone or iPad | Forma3D Tutorial # Send an STL to Your 3D Printer From iPhone The honest pipeline for getting a model from your phone onto the print bed — which apps actually deliver a file to the printer, and where the slicing has to happen. Updated November 7, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) 1 ## Prepare the file in Forma3D Open your STL or 3MF in Forma3D: repair non-manifold geometry, rescale in millimeters, split oversized parts, or paint faces for multi-color. Then export — the file lands in the Files app under **On My iPhone**, ready for any of the paths below. Export 3MF if the model has painted regions — it keeps color data and printer settings. STL is the compatible fallback for plain single-material geometry. 2 ## Understand the catch: STL is not printable Printers run **sliced G-code** (or project files like .3mf/.gcode.3mf), not STL meshes. On a desktop this is what a slicer does. On iPhone there is no full native slicer — so every path below answers the same question differently: **where does the slicing happen?** Cloud slicers answer it best: MakerWorld print profiles, Prusa Connect's EasyPrint, and Creality Cloud all slice remotely. Kiri:Moto slices right in Safari. USB and SD card paths mean you slice elsewhere and copy the G-code. 3 ## Bambu Lab — via MakerWorld + Bambu Handy Open **makerworld.com** in Safari, sign in, and upload the STL/3MF as a **private** model. It appears in Bambu Handy on the same phone — pick a print profile and send it to the printer. Slicing happens in Bambu's cloud via the profile. Full walkthrough: [upload models to MakerWorld from iPhone](https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone). 4 ## Prusa — via Prusa Connect + EasyPrint If the printer is linked to **Prusa Connect** (PrusaLink on MK4-series, Core One, XL), upload the STL in the Connect web app from Safari and let **EasyPrint** slice it in the cloud — then send straight to the printer queue. The closest open-source answer to the Bambu pipeline. 5 ## OctoPrint and Klipper — OctoPod, Obico, OctoApp With a Raspberry Pi running **OctoPrint** or **Klipper (Mainsail/Fluidd)**, the companion apps (OctoPod, Obico, OctoApp) upload files and start prints from the phone. Mainsail/Fluidd also upload directly in Safari. The slicing catch applies here hardest: OctoPrint/Klipper don't slice arbitrary STL on the Pi. Upload pre-sliced G-code, or use a slicer plugin — otherwise this path still assumes a desktop slicer exists somewhere. 6 ## Creality — via Creality Cloud Creality Cloud has built-in cloud slicing: upload the model in the app or browser, it slices for your K-series/Ender printer profile and sends it to print. The ecosystem is buggier than Bambu's, but the phone-only chain is real. 7 ## No Wi-Fi? USB-C drives and SD cards USB-C iPhones and iPads write to flash drives and SD card readers natively through Files. Older Lightning devices need a Lightning card reader. Copy the **G-code** over — remember the printer cannot read STL — then plug it into the printer. ## The complete phone-only chain Everything stays on the iPhone: edit and repair in [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) → upload to MakerWorld → send from Bambu Handy → watch the camera. For non-Bambu printers the equivalent is: Forma3D → slice in **Kiri:Moto** (Safari) → upload G-code via your printer's app or web interface. ## Related guides [Upload to MakerWorld from iPhone](https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone) — the Bambu phone-only path in detail. [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) — repair, resize and prepare the model first. [Split an STL for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) — when the model is bigger than the bed. [Paint and export colored 3MF](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) — keep filament regions through export. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I send an STL straight to my 3D printer? Almost never — printers run sliced G-code or project files, not raw STL. On iPhone the slicing happens in the cloud: MakerWorld print profiles for Bambu, EasyPrint for Prusa Connect, or Creality Cloud. For your own STL, slice it with Kiri:Moto in Safari, or upload to a service that slices for you. ### What is the easiest way to print from iPhone without a computer? Bambu path: upload the model to MakerWorld in Safari, pick a print profile, and send from Bambu Handy on the same phone — cloud handles slicing. Prusa path: upload in Prusa Connect and let EasyPrint slice in the browser. ### My printer has no Wi-Fi — how do I get files onto it? Use a USB-C flash drive or an SD card reader (USB-C iPhones and iPads work natively, Lightning devices need a Lightning card reader). Copy the G-code file in the Files app — but slice it first, since printers can't read STL. ### Do these methods work for iPad too? Yes — every method on this page works identically on iPad. Safari uploads, Files copy, Bambu Handy, OctoPrint apps and Prusa Connect all behave the same way. [Get Forma3D](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=send-stl-to-printer&mt=8) Available on iPhone and iPad --- ## Page: Convert USDZ to STL on iPhone or iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/usdz-to-stl-iphone Convert USDZ to STL on iPhone or iPad | Forma3D Tutorial # Convert USDZ to STL on iPhone Apple's USDZ format is everywhere on iOS — scans, AR models, Quick Look downloads — and no slicer on earth reads it. Here's the two-tap conversion that keeps it all on your phone. Updated November 7, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) 1 ## What USDZ actually is USDZ is Apple's zipped Universal Scene Description package — geometry, textures, materials and scene graph bundled for AR Quick Look. It's the default output of iPhone scanning pipelines, which is exactly why "scan to STL" usually means "USDZ to STL" underneath. Printers and slicers never see USDZ. The conversion is a repacking step: extract the mesh, drop the AR scaffolding, write STL/3MF/OBJ. 2 ## Convert in Forma3D In Files, tap your **.usdz** file and open it with Forma3D (or use Import inside the app). The mesh loads in the editor — check it rotates correctly, then open **Export** and choose STL, 3MF or OBJ. The result lands back in Files, ready for a slicer or [the printer path](https://forma3d.app/send-stl-to-printer). 3 ## Clean up before exporting Scans and AR models usually need a pass first: crop the capture floor and artifacts, repair non-manifold edges, and rescale — USDZ scenes often carry odd unit scales. Forma3D does all of this in Edit mode before you export, so the STL arrives print-ready rather than just converted. If the model came from Forma3D's own Object Capture scanning, the full flow is covered in [scan to STL on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone). 4 ## Which format to pick **STL** — maximum compatibility, geometry only, colors dropped. **3MF** — keeps per-face colors, units and print metadata; pick it for multi-filament or when the model carries painted regions. **OBJ** — for DCC tools (Blender, etc.) that expect material sidecars. Textures never survive a mesh conversion — image files don't become geometry. If the model's detail lives in a texture rather than the mesh, no converter can print it. ## Related guides [Scan to STL on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone) — where most USDZ files come from. [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) — repair and prepare the converted mesh. [Send STL to a 3D printer](https://forma3d.app/send-stl-to-printer) — the next step after converting. [Convert 3MF to STL](https://forma3d.app/convert-3mf-to-stl) — the other common format swap. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a USDZ file and why can't I print it? USDZ is Apple's packaging format for AR content — a zipped container of USDC scenes, textures and materials. Slicers and printers can't read it; converting extracts the mesh geometry into STL, 3MF or OBJ that print software understands. ### Can iPhone convert USDZ to STL without a computer? Yes — Forma3D opens USDZ files directly in Files on iPhone or iPad, shows the mesh in the editor, and exports STL, 3MF or USDZ. The whole conversion runs on-device. ### Does USDZ to STL conversion lose quality? The mesh geometry transfers losslessly. What can change: STL drops colors and materials (use 3MF to keep per-face color), textures don't convert to geometry, and unit scale may need checking — Forma3D lets you rescale in millimeters before export. ### Where do USDZ files come from? Apple's own scanners (Forma3D's Object Capture, ARKit), the Measure app ecosystem, AR Quick Look downloads, Sketchfab and Apple sample models — anything saved into Files as .usdz. [Get Forma3D](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=usdz-to-stl&mt=8) Available on iPhone and iPad --- ## Page: Best 3D Modeling Apps for iPhone in 2026 — What Actually Works Source: https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-apps-iphone # Best 3D modeling apps for iPhone, honestly compared The iPhone 3D app landscape changed fast in late 2026. Some famous names are iPad-first or phone-viewer-only, while others run a complete workflow in your pocket. This guide covers only what actually models on an iPhone — and says plainly where the limits are. Guide published November 3, 2026 · By [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later · Prices checked November 2026 [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## The honest picture on iPhone iPad roundups are misleading here. Shapr3D's iPhone app — launched October 30, 2026 — is a **viewer**: it opens, inspects, presents in AR, and exports, but you cannot model with it on a regular iPhone. Full Parasolid CAD arrives only on iPhone Duo in November 2026, where the 7.6-inch display and Apple Pencil support make it viable. On a normal iPhone screen, the apps that actually let you create and edit geometry are fewer than the marketing suggests. So this guide separates two things: apps that **model** on iPhone (Forma3D, Nomad Sculpt, uMake, Onshape, Tinkercad in a pinch) and apps that **view or capture** (Shapr3D for iPhone, Scaniverse, Polycam). Both matter — but they are not interchangeable. ## Quick picks | Use case | App | On iPhone | Pricing (Nov 2026) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Edit, repair, split, paint meshes for 3D printing | Forma3D | Full app | Free download; IAP for full access | | Organic sculpting, figures, characters | Nomad Sculpt | Full app | $19.99 one-time | | Sketch-based 3D design, NURBS surfaces | uMake | Full app (editing needs a plan) | Free viewer; from $12.99/mo | | Parametric CAD, exact dimensions | Onshape | Full app (dense UI) | Free tier (public docs); paid from $1,500/yr | | First steps, simple shapes | Tinkercad | Works in Safari (desktop UI) | Free | | Shapr3D | Shapr3D | **Viewer only** — full CAD on Duo | Free viewer; subs from ~$250/yr | | 3D scanning real objects | Scaniverse / Polycam | Capture apps, not modelers | Free (Scaniverse) | ## The apps, honestly assessed ### Forma3D — best for editing and print prep on iPhone Our own app, bias disclosed: Forma3D is built for the gap between "I have a model" and "it is ready to print." On iPhone it imports STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB, USDZ, and native .blend scenes; edits vertices, edges, and faces with touch gestures; repairs non-manifold geometry; splits oversized models with alignment joints; paints faces for colored 3MF export; and exports STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ. The full workflow runs on the phone — not a companion viewer. It is **not** for parametric dimensioned design (Onshape) or organic sculpting (Nomad). Free download; full access via in-app purchase. ### Nomad Sculpt — best sculpting on iPhone A $19.99 one-time purchase that runs a real sculpting pipeline on the phone: dynamic topology, voxel remeshing, multiresolution layers, vertex painting, PBR rendering. If your goal is a figure, character, or organic form, Nomad on iPhone is the strongest option at any price — desktop ZBrush has no real iPhone equivalent. It is not a print-prep tool: meshes come out for looks, so splitting, joints, and tolerance fitting still happen in a mesh editor downstream. ### uMake — real modeling, priced like a service uMake genuinely models on iPhone: sketch curves, build NURBS surfaces and solids with extrude/revolve/loft, dimension in real units, and place results in AR. The catch is pricing — the free tier is a viewer; drawing, editing, and export need a plan (Basic $12.99/mo or $119.99/yr, Pro $199.99/yr, Studio $399.99/yr as of November 2026). Capable app, but the subscription math is hard to justify unless you live in it. ### Shapr3D — a viewer on iPhone, for now Be precise here: the iPhone app that landed October 30, 2026 is a **view-only experience** — open synced designs, inspect in visualized/wireframe/X-ray modes, present at full scale in AR, and export STEP/STL/USDZ files. You cannot sketch or model. Shapr3D says full Parasolid modeling is coming to iPhone Duo in November 2026 (its 7.6-inch canvas plus Apple Pencil), with all paid features free at launch until November 15. Early App Store reviews already report version-sync bugs opening designs — this is day-one software. On a regular iPhone today, Shapr3D is an excellent presentation tool, not a modeler. ### Onshape — real parametric CAD, cramped but complete The native iPhone app runs full cloud CAD: sketches, features, assemblies, version history. The free tier is genuinely usable for non-commercial work — with the catch that free documents are public. On a 6-inch screen the dense CAD UI is workable but not enjoyable; fine for checking a dimension or tweaking a feature, rough for an hour of sketching. Needs an internet connection. Paid plans start at $1,500/user/yr — the free tier is the reason to use it on a phone. ### Tinkercad — free, works, but not designed for phones Autodesk's browser modeler loads in iPhone Safari and still does its one job: combine primitives, export STL. The desktop-first UI makes precise dragging clumsy on a small screen, and it cannot edit imported meshes beyond basic transforms. As a zero-cost first taste of 3D it survives on iPhone; for anything past week one, pick a native app. ### Scaniverse and Polycam — capture, not modeling Worth including because scanning is half of mobile 3D. Scaniverse (free, Niantic) turns an iPhone into a serious scanner — LiDAR mesh on Pro models, photogrammetry splats everywhere — and exports OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY, USDZ. Polycam does similar with paid tiers. Neither edits geometry: scans come out messy, so they pair naturally with a mesh editor for cleanup before printing. ## What about the iPhone Duo? The foldable changes the iPhone math. Unfolded at 7.6 inches with Apple Pencil support, Duo is effectively pocket-tablet territory — and developers are treating it that way. Shapr3D's full CAD arrives on Duo in November 2026 while regular iPhones keep the viewer. Forma3D already runs on Duo as an iPhone app, with the larger canvas benefiting split workflows like viewport plus tool panels. If your 3D work is CAD-heavy and pocket-sized, Duo is where iPhone is heading; the app picks above still apply to every other iPhone. ## By scenario | You want to… | Use | | --- | --- | | Fix a Thingiverse download that will not slice | Forma3D — mesh repair on the phone | | Split or paint a model for your printer | Forma3D — joints, face painting, 3MF export | | Sculpt a character or figure | Nomad Sculpt | | Sketch a design idea into a 3D shape | uMake (subscription) or Onshape (free tier) | | Design a bracket with exact hole spacing | Onshape on iPhone, or wait for real CAD on Duo/iPad | | Show a CAD design to a client from your pocket | Shapr3D viewer — genuinely good at this | | Scan an object and print a copy | Scaniverse to capture, Forma3D to clean and prep | | Try 3D once, free, right now | Tinkercad in Safari | | Turn a photo into a lithophane | Forma3D — Image 3D height-map mode | ## Related guides Wider comparison including iPad: [best 3D apps for iPhone & iPad](https://forma3d.app/best-3d-apps-iphone-ipad). Deep dives: [mesh editing vs CAD](https://forma3d.app/mesh-editing-vs-cad-ipad), [STL size limits on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/iphone-stl-size-performance), [3D modeling on iPhone Duo](https://forma3d.app/iphone-duo-3d-modeling), and [Forma3D vs Nomad Sculpt](https://forma3d.app/nomad-sculpt-alternative-ipad). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best 3D modeling app for iPhone? It depends on the task: Forma3D for editing and preparing STL/3MF models for 3D printing, Nomad Sculpt for organic sculpting, uMake for sketch-based design, and Onshape for parametric CAD. On iPhone, Shapr3D is currently a viewer — full modeling there requires an iPhone Duo. ### Is Shapr3D a full CAD app on iPhone? Not yet on regular iPhones. The Shapr3D iPhone app released October 30, 2026 is view-only: it opens, inspects, presents in AR, and exports designs. Full Parasolid CAD modeling with Apple Pencil is rolling out specifically on iPhone Duo in November 2026. ### What is the best free 3D modeling app for iPhone? Tinkercad runs free in Safari (with desktop-designed controls), Onshape's free tier gives real parametric CAD with public documents, and Scaniverse scans for free. Forma3D is a free download — the full mesh-editing workflow works before any purchase. ### Can you edit STL files on iPhone? Yes. Forma3D edits STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, and .blend files directly on iPhone — vertices, edges, faces, booleans, splitting with joints, face painting, and export back to STL/3MF/USDZ. Most other iPhone 3D apps are viewers or design tools that do not edit meshes. ### Do I need an iPad for 3D modeling, or is an iPhone enough? An iPhone is enough for mesh editing, print prep, scanning, and sculpting — Forma3D and Nomad Sculpt are fully functional on the phone. iPad adds screen comfort for long CAD sessions and Apple Pencil sketching. iPhone Duo (7.6-inch unfolded) sits between the two and already runs full Shapr3D CAD. Tinkercad is a trademark of Autodesk. Nomad Sculpt, Shapr3D, uMake, Onshape, Scaniverse, and Polycam are trademarks of their respective developers. Forma3D is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by them. Pricing and feature sets reflect US App Store / vendor listings as of November 2026 and change over time. --- ## Page: Photo to Lithophane on iPhone & iPad — Forma3D Tutorial Source: https://forma3d.app/lithophane-iphone # Make a lithophane from a photo on iPhone and iPad Forma3D turns any photo into a printable relief panel — a lithophane that reveals the image when backlit. The conversion runs entirely on-device: pick a photo, tune the height map, export STL or 3MF, print. Guide published November 3, 2026 · By [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## How it works A lithophane encodes brightness as thickness: dark areas of the photo become thick material that blocks light, bright areas become thin and let light through. Forma3D builds this as a real height-map mesh — not a texture — so it prints on any FDM printer with a single filament. ## Steps ### 1 · Pick your photo In the scene, tap the **+** button and choose **Image 3D**. Tap **Pick Image** and select a photo — high-contrast portraits and pets work best. An SVG file works too via the SVG import button. ### 2 · Set Mode to Height Map Open the **Mode** picker and keep **Height Map** — the smooth relief used for lithophanes. **Voxel** mode builds the image from columns instead, a different look. ### 3 · Invert brightness Enable **Invert Brightness** so dark areas of the photo become thick — the standard mapping for a backlit lithophane. If the preview looks inverted for your print, toggle it off. ### 4 · Tune height and resolution Set **Max Height** to **2–3 mm** — thin enough to pass light, thick enough for contrast. Set **Resolution** to **High** for the sharpest relief, or **Custom Budget** for fine control over the triangle count. ### 5 · Smooth and apply Raise **Smoothing** slightly to soften sensor noise on busy photos. **Min Height** sets the thinnest point — keep at least ~0.6 mm so the panel stays printable. Tap **Apply** to generate the mesh. ### 6 · Size, frame, export Scale the panel with the transform gizmo or numeric panel — about 100 mm wide is a good print. Optionally add a frame with a sketch or extruded border. **Export STL or 3MF** and open it in your slicer. ## Print tips - Print the panel **standing upright on its edge** — layer lines run across the relief and keep thin areas strong. - Use **white or neutral PLA**; color filament kills the light-through effect. - 0.12–0.2 mm layers, no supports needed for the relief itself. - Backlight it — a lamp, LED strip, or a window — to reveal the image. **On-device processing:** the photo and the generated mesh stay on your iPhone or iPad. Forma3D does not upload images or models to a cloud service for processing. ## Related guides See the [STL mesh editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) for cropping and framing the relief, the [painting guide](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) for adding multi-filament accents, and the [SVG keychain tutorial](https://forma3d.app/svg-keychain) for another 2D-to-3D workflow. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a lithophane? A thin printed panel where darker areas of the image are printed thicker and lighter areas thinner. It looks like a flat grey plate until you shine light through it — then the photo appears with shading. Classic lithophanes are printed in white PLA and viewed backlit. ### How do I make a lithophane in Forma3D? Open the + menu, choose Image 3D, pick a photo, set Mode to Height Map, enable Invert Brightness so dark areas become thick, set Max Height to 2–3 mm and Resolution to High, apply — then export STL or 3MF and print upright in white PLA. ### What settings work best for a 3D printed lithophane? Max Height around 2–3 mm keeps the panel thin enough to pass light. Enable Invert Brightness for the standard backlit mapping. Print the panel standing upright on its edge in white or neutral PLA, 0.12–0.2 mm layers, no supports needed for the relief itself. ### Can I edit the lithophane after generating it? Yes — the generated relief is a normal editable mesh. Crop it, add a border frame, combine it with 3D text, or paint faces for a multi-filament 3MF export like any other Forma3D object. ### Does the photo get uploaded anywhere? No. Image 3D converts the photo to a mesh entirely on your iPhone or iPad — Forma3D does not send images or models to a cloud service for processing. --- ## Page: Best 3D Modeling Apps for iPhone & iPad in 2026 — By Use Case Source: https://forma3d.app/best-3d-apps-iphone-ipad # Best 3D modeling apps for iPhone and iPad, by use case There is no single "best" 3D app on iOS — the right pick depends on what you want to make. This guide maps real use cases to the apps that handle them best, including where Forma3D fits and where it does not. Guide published November 3, 2026 · By [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later · Prices checked November 2026 [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## How to choose Start from the task, not the feature list. Four questions narrow it down fast: - **Do you design new parts with exact dimensions?** That is parametric CAD — sketches, constraints, measurements. - **Do you edit, repair, or prepare downloaded models for printing?** That is mesh editing — direct work on triangles. - **Do you sculpt organic shapes?** Characters, figures, organic forms live in digital sculpting apps. - **Do you capture real objects?** Scanning apps turn photos or LiDAR into meshes you then edit elsewhere. ## Quick picks | Use case | App | Platform | Pricing (Nov 2026) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | First steps, classrooms, simple shapes | Tinkercad | Web browser | Free | | Organic sculpting, figures, characters | Nomad Sculpt | iPhone, iPad | $19.99 one-time | | Parametric CAD, engineering parts | Shapr3D | iPad, iPhone, Mac | Free tier; subscriptions from ~$250/yr | | Cloud CAD with collaboration | Onshape | iPhone, iPad, web | Free tier (public documents) | | 3D scanning real objects | Scaniverse | iPhone, iPad | Free | | STL/3MF editing, repair, print prep | Forma3D | iPhone, iPad | Free download; IAP for full access | ## The apps, honestly assessed ### Tinkercad — best for absolute beginners Autodesk's free browser app is still the fastest way to understand 3D modeling: drag primitives, combine them, export STL. It runs in Safari on iPad, needs no purchase, and pairs well with classroom workflows. Its limits are real: primitive-based modeling only, no mesh editing of downloaded files, and browser performance on larger projects. For a first week of 3D, nothing beats it; most users outgrow it. ### Nomad Sculpt — best for organic modeling A $19.99 one-time purchase (as of November 2026) that delivers desktop-class sculpting: dynamic topology, voxel remeshing, multiresolution layers, vertex painting. If your goal is a sculpted figure or organic form, Nomad is the strongest iPad tool at any price. It is not a print-prep tool — meshes come out for looks, and separating parts or fitting tolerances is not its focus. Many users sculpt in Nomad and print-prepare elsewhere. ### Shapr3D — best for parametric CAD on iPad A genuine CAD application built on the Siemens Parasolid kernel, designed around the Apple Pencil. Free tier covers two projects and basic STL/3MF export; full features run on subscriptions (Solo from about $249.99/yr, Pro $299.99/yr as of November 2026). If you need dimensioned engineering parts with a feature history — and will use them long-term — the cost is justified. If you only need to fix and print downloaded STL files, this is more tool than the task requires. ### Onshape — best for free, real CAD A full cloud parametric CAD with iPhone and iPad apps. The free tier is genuinely capable — its catch is that free-tier documents are public, not private. For learning real CAD workflows or open-source hardware collaboration it is excellent; for commercial designs you need a paid plan. It requires an internet connection for full functionality. ### Scaniverse — best free 3D scanner Niantic's free app turns an iPhone or iPad into a real 3D scanner: LiDAR mesh mode on Pro devices, photogrammetry splats and meshes on any modern device. It exports OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY, and USDZ. Scans arrive messy — non-manifold geometry, scan noise, missing walls — so a scanning app pairs naturally with a mesh editor downstream. ### Forma3D — best for mesh editing and print preparation Our own app, so take this with the bias disclosed: Forma3D is the mobile tool built specifically for the gap between "I have a model" and "it is ready to print." It imports STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, DAE, ABC, USD, FBX, GLB, USDZ, and .blend scenes; edits vertices, edges, and faces directly; repairs non-manifold geometry; splits models with alignment joints; paints faces for colored 3MF export; and exports STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ for the slicer. It is **not** the right tool for parametric dimensioned design (that is Shapr3D/Onshape) or organic sculpting (that is Nomad). Free download; full access via in-app purchase. ## By scenario | You want to… | Use | | --- | --- | | Try 3D modeling for the first time | Tinkercad, then move on when it feels limiting | | Design a bracket with exact hole spacing | Shapr3D or Onshape — parametric CAD | | Fix a Thingiverse download that will not slice | Forma3D — mesh repair and editing | | Split a big model to fit your build plate | Forma3D — split with alignment joints | | Paint colors for a multi-filament print | Forma3D — face painting to colored 3MF | | Sculpt a character or figure | Nomad Sculpt | | Scan a real object and print it | Scaniverse to capture, Forma3D to clean up and prep | | Turn a photo into a lithophane | Forma3D — Image 3D height-map mode | ## Common workflows that mix apps - **Scan → clean → print:** Scaniverse captures the object, Forma3D repairs the mesh, fills holes, and exports STL for the slicer. - **Sculpt → prep → print:** Nomad Sculpt shapes the form; Forma3D splits it for the build plate and adds joints. - **Download → fix → color → print:** STL or 3MF from any repository goes straight into Forma3D for repair, face painting, and slicer-ready export. - **CAD → print prep:** Shapr3D or Onshape exports STL; Forma3D splits oversized parts and validates the result on-device. ## Related guides Deeper comparisons: [Tinkercad alternative for iPad](https://forma3d.app/tinkercad-alternative-ipad), [Nomad Sculpt alternative](https://forma3d.app/nomad-sculpt-alternative-ipad), [Blender alternative for iPad](https://forma3d.app/blender-alternative-ipad), and [mesh editing vs CAD on iPad](https://forma3d.app/mesh-editing-vs-cad-ipad). If performance is the question, see [STL size limits on iPhone and iPad](https://forma3d.app/iphone-stl-size-performance). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best 3D modeling app for iPad? It depends on the task: Shapr3D for parametric CAD, Nomad Sculpt for organic sculpting, Tinkercad for first-time beginners, and Forma3D for editing, repairing, and preparing STL/3MF models for 3D printing. ### Can you do 3D modeling on an iPhone? Yes — Nomad Sculpt, Shapr3D, Onshape, Scaniverse, and Forma3D all run on iPhone. Forma3D's full mesh-editing workflow — vertex editing, booleans, splitting, painting, and export — works on iPhone as well as iPad. ### What is the best free 3D app for iPad? Tinkercad (browser, fully free) for beginners, Scaniverse for scanning, and Onshape's free tier for real parametric CAD. Forma3D is a free download — core workflows are available before any purchase. ### Do I need CAD software to 3D print on iPad? Only if you design new parts with exact dimensions. If you print downloaded models, CAD adds complexity without helping — meshes have no parametric history. Editing, repairing, and splitting those meshes is what mesh editors like Forma3D are built for. ### Is Forma3D a CAD app? No — Forma3D is a mesh editor and print-preparation tool. For parametric CAD with sketches and constraints, use Shapr3D or Onshape; for organic sculpting, Nomad Sculpt. Forma3D covers everything between having a model and sending it to the printer. Tinkercad is a trademark of Autodesk. Nomad Sculpt, Shapr3D, Onshape, and Scaniverse are trademarks of their respective developers. Forma3D is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by them. Pricing reflects US App Store / vendor listings as of November 2026 and varies by region and over time. --- ## Page: Mesh Editing vs CAD on iPad — Which Workflow Do You Need? Source: https://forma3d.app/mesh-editing-vs-cad-ipad # Mesh editing vs CAD on iPad — which workflow do you actually need? "3D modeling on iPad" mixes two different jobs: parametric CAD designs new parts from sketches and constraints; mesh editing modifies the finished model directly. Most 3D-printing tasks on downloaded files need the second — and CAD only makes them slower. Guide published November 3, 2026 · By [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## Two different jobs **Parametric CAD** (Shapr3D, Onshape, Fusion 360) builds models as a history of sketches, constraints, and features. Change a dimension, and the whole model rebuilds around it. This is the right tool when exact measurements drive the design — a bracket with 22 mm hole spacing, a case that must match a PCB, an assembly with toleranced fits. **Direct mesh editing** (Forma3D, and parts of Nomad Sculpt) works on the model's actual triangles: select vertices, edges, and faces, then move, extrude, cut, or repaint them. There is no history — you change the geometry itself. This is the right tool when the model already exists and the job is to fix it, change it, or prepare it for printing. ## Why downloaded models are not a CAD task An STL or 3MF file from Thingiverse, Printables, or MakerWorld contains triangles only — no sketches, no constraints, no feature history. When you import it into a parametric CAD app, it arrives as a "dumb" mesh body: the CAD tools that make the app powerful cannot act on it. You end up paying the complexity cost of CAD — learned interfaces, subscriptions, feature trees — without receiving its benefit. A mesh editor accepts the file for what it is and acts on the triangles directly: - **Repair:** rebuild non-manifold edges, fill holes, fix the errors that make slicers refuse a model. - **Modify:** move and reshape geometry, emboss text, add a loop or a drain hole, resize a detail. - **Split:** cut an oversized model into plate-sized parts with peg-and-socket alignment joints. - **Paint:** assign colors to faces and export a multi-filament 3MF the slicer understands. ## Side by side | Task | Parametric CAD | Mesh editing (Forma3D) | | --- | --- | --- | | Design a new part from dimensions | Built for it — sketches, constraints, history | Possible via primitives and booleans, not parametric | | Edit a downloaded STL/3MF | Imports as dumb body; CAD tools do not apply | Built for it — direct vertex/edge/face editing | | Repair a mesh that will not slice | Limited mesh-repair capability | Non-manifold repair, hole filling, winding fixes | | Split a large model for a small plate | Awkward — cuts are parametric features | Cut tools plus alignment joints for reassembly | | Color faces for multi-filament export | Not a core workflow | Face painting to colored 3MF | | Engineering drawing for manufacturing | Native output | Not provided — Forma3D exports meshes | | Learning curve | Real — CAD concepts required | Lower — select geometry, apply an operation | ## Where each wins on iPad **CAD wins when** the deliverable is a new dimensioned design, a parametric family of parts, an assembly, or a technical drawing. On iPad, Shapr3D is the purpose-built option; Onshape adds free cloud CAD with collaboration. **Mesh editing wins when** the model already exists and the printer is waiting: repair a scan, split a big prop, resize a Thingiverse download, paint a multi-color 3MF, turn a photo into a lithophane. That is Forma3D's lane on iPhone and iPad — touch-first, on-device, slicer-ready output. ## They work together, not against each other The practical iPad pipeline often uses both: design the dimensioned part in a CAD app, export STL, then open it in a mesh editor for print preparation — splitting to fit the plate, adding alignment joints, painting filament colors, and validating the final mesh before it goes to the slicer. CAD produces the model; mesh editing finishes the job CAD never intended to do. **Honest boundary:** Forma3D is a mesh editor and print-preparation tool, not CAD software. It has primitives, booleans, and sketch-based modeling for new shapes, but no parametric feature history, no dimensional constraints, and no technical-drawing output. If your task is engineering design from measurements, choose a CAD app — then use a mesh editor for the print-prep stage it was never designed for. ## Related guides See the [use-case app comparison](https://forma3d.app/best-3d-apps-iphone-ipad) for specific app recommendations, [Blender alternative for iPad](https://forma3d.app/blender-alternative-ipad) for the desktop-pipeline question, and [the STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) for the mesh-editing workflow itself. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between CAD and mesh editing? Parametric CAD builds models from dimensioned sketches and constraints with an editable history. Mesh editing modifies the model's triangles directly — vertices, edges, and faces — with no history. CAD is for designing new parts; mesh editing is for modifying and preparing existing models. ### Do I need CAD to edit STL files? No. An STL has no parametric data for CAD tools to use — it imports as a dumb body. A mesh editor works on the triangles directly, which is faster for repair, resizing, splitting, and print preparation. ### Can a mesh editor replace CAD for 3D printing? For downloaded, scanned, or sculpted models — yes: repair, modify, split, paint, and export all happen at mesh level. For designing new dimensioned parts and engineering drawings, no — that still needs parametric CAD. ### Which CAD apps work on iPad? Shapr3D is the iPad-native parametric CAD (built around Apple Pencil). Onshape offers full cloud CAD with a free tier on public documents. Fusion 360 runs through the desktop with a separate iPad viewer app. ### Where does Forma3D fit? Forma3D is the mesh-editing half of the workflow: import STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, FBX, USDZ, or .blend scenes; edit and repair the mesh; split it with alignment joints; paint faces for colored 3MF; and export for the slicer — entirely on iPhone or iPad. --- ## Page: How Large an STL Can You Edit on iPhone? Mobile 3D Limits Explained Source: https://forma3d.app/iphone-stl-size-performance # How large a model can you actually edit on iPhone and iPad? "Mobile 3D is limited" is half true — the limit is not the processor, it is triangle count times the operation you run on it. A modern iPhone or iPad edits typical print models comfortably; dense scans and multi-million-triangle meshes need a decimation step first. Here are the real numbers and the workflows that keep big files usable. Guide published November 3, 2026 · By [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · iOS 17 or later [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) ## What actually limits you Three factors decide whether a model feels smooth or stalls on a phone — and raw CPU power is the smallest of them: - **Triangle count** — the dominant variable. Editing, rendering, and export all scale with it. Typical printable models from Thingiverse or Printables run 10K–500K triangles; raw LiDAR and photogrammetry scans often arrive at 1–5 million. - **Operation cost** — operations differ by orders of magnitude. Viewing and face painting are nearly free at moderate counts; remeshing, subdivision, and Boolean operations on two dense meshes are the heavy hitters, scaling with the combined input size. - **RAM, not storage** — a 200 MB STL and a 20 MB STL can hold the same model at different tessellation. The file size on disk barely matters; the in-memory mesh does. Memory pressure, not slowness, is what kills a session on an older device. ## Realistic thresholds | Mesh size | What it feels like on a current iPhone/iPad | | --- | --- | | Under ~100K triangles | Instant everything — edit, cut, paint, Boolean, export | | ~100K–500K | The normal working range: smooth viewport, fast operations; heavy booleans may take seconds | | ~500K–1M | Viewport stays fine; plan remesh/Bolean operations deliberately rather than repeatedly | | 1M–3M | Simplify first — most scans live here; decimating to ~10–30% usually loses no printable detail | | 3M+ | Decimate before serious editing; at this scale even desktops feel it, and slicers rarely benefit | ## Operations ranked by weight - **Light:** orbiting the viewport, selecting components, moving geometry, face painting, exporting. These stay responsive well past a million triangles on current hardware. - **Medium:** extrude/inset/bevel on selections, transforms, splitting by painted regions, cut tools. Fine up to several hundred thousand triangles; slower on dense scans. - **Heavy:** Manifold CSG booleans between dense meshes, remesh, subdivision. Cost scales with combined input size — a boolean on two 500K meshes is a very different job than on two 50K meshes. ## The workflows that fix big files **1 · Simplify or remesh first.** Scans and AI-generated meshes are the usual offenders — 1–3M triangles where 100K carries identical print detail. Decimating 90% of a scan before editing changes nothing the slicer can see, but makes every subsequent operation ten times faster. **2 · Budget the triangles you generate.** Forma3D's Image 3D tool makes this explicit — Low (8,192), Medium (20,480), High (51,200) triangle budgets, or a custom target. A lithophane does not need a million triangles to look perfect; High is usually more than a 0.4 mm nozzle can resolve anyway. **3 · Work in parts, not on the whole.** Split a large model, edit the section you actually need, rejoin with alignment joints. A 2M-triangle statue split into four 500K parts turns a heavy session into four light ones. **4 · Pick the right viewport mode.** Wireframe and matte shading modes render large meshes more cheaply than smooth-shaded preview; switching modes is a free performance dial when the viewport lags. ## When you genuinely need a desktop Honest boundary: batch-processing dozens of large files, parametric CAD assemblies with feature history, and meshes above a few million triangles are desktop jobs — not because the iPad is weak, but because those tasks are RAM-bound anywhere. For everything a 3D-printer owner actually does — repair, resize, split, paint, convert, lithophanes, scan cleanup — a current iPhone or iPad is not a compromise. It is simply the device you already carry. **Context:** thresholds are practical guidance for interactive editing on recent devices (A17-class iPhone, M-series iPad), not hard limits. A patient device edits larger meshes; an older device reaches the comfort ceiling sooner. Your slicer is the final arbiter — if it slices at reasonable resolution, the mesh was fine. ## Related guides See [the STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) for the full toolset, [scan to STL](https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone) for decimating LiDAR and photogrammetry captures, [split STL](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) for the part-by-part workflow, and [mesh editing vs CAD](https://forma3d.app/mesh-editing-vs-cad-ipad) for where this fits against heavier pipelines. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many triangles can an iPhone handle for 3D editing? Comfortably into the millions for viewing and light edits; for interactive heavy work, the smooth zone on current devices is roughly up to 500K–1M per mesh. Multi-million-triangle scans should be simplified first — decimation usually removes 90% of triangles without losing printable detail. ### Does file size (MB) matter for mobile editing? Much less than triangle count. A large STL may just be stored inefficiently; what loads into RAM is the mesh itself. Judge by triangles, not megabytes — a 50 MB file of 300K triangles is easier than a 20 MB file of 3M. ### Why is my LiDAR scan slow to edit? Raw scans arrive at 1–5 million triangles — far more than a print can use. Run simplify or remesh first to bring it into the normal editing range, then work normally. The detail a 0.4 mm nozzle can reproduce is reached far earlier than scan density. ### Which operations are slowest on mobile? Boolean operations between two dense meshes, remesh, and subdivision — their cost scales with combined triangle count. Viewport orbiting, selection, transforms, face painting, and export are nearly free by comparison. ### Is iPad better than iPhone for large models? Current iPads carry M-series chips with more RAM, so the comfort ceiling is higher and stays smoother longer. The workflow is identical — the same simplify-first approach applies on both devices. --- ## Page: Blender Alternative for iPad Mesh Editing | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/blender-alternative-ipad # A Blender alternative for iPad mesh editing The best Blender-style alternative for 3D-printing mesh work on iPad is Forma3D — it edits STL and 3MF files on-device with touch-first tools on iPhone and iPad, without Blender's full desktop production pipeline. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## Blender's tablet work and Forma3D's focus Blender has demonstrated an iPad prototype and documented work on tablet interfaces in its [Beyond Mouse & Keyboard project](https://code.blender.org/2025/07/beyond-mouse-keyboard/). Platform availability can change; check Blender's official announcements rather than assuming an iPad port is technically impossible. Forma3D focuses on direct mesh editing and print preparation with touch controls. It does not replace Blender's animation, rendering, simulation, or sculpting pipeline. ## What Forma3D does instead Forma3D is a native iOS app that covers the most common Blender tasks for 3D printing workflows: - **Mesh editing** — import STL, 3MF, GLB, OBJ, FBX, and native .blend scenes, modify vertices, faces, and edges with touch gestures - **Face painting** — assign palette colors to mesh faces for compatible multi-filament 3MF exports - **Boolean operations** — cut, merge, and subtract meshes directly on device - **Sketch modeling** — trace an SVG reference and extrude the closed sketch into a printable mesh - **LiDAR scanning** — scan real objects with iPhone LiDAR and photogrammetry, then edit the mesh - **Export** — export STL, 3MF, OBJ, FBX, GLB, or USDZ for any slicer or printer ## Blender vs Forma3D comparison | Feature | Blender (Desktop) | Forma3D (iPad/iPhone) | | --- | --- | --- | | Mesh editing | Broad modeling and modifier toolset | Direct vertex, edge, and face editing | | 3MF workflow | Depends on installed extensions and export setup | Built-in colored 3MF export for compatible slicers | | On-device object scanning | Separate capture workflow | Apple Object Capture on supported LiDAR devices | | SVG workflow | Import curves and model from them | SVG reference, sketch tracing, and mesh extrusion | | Animation and rendering | Full production toolset | Not a replacement for Blender's pipeline | | Input focus | Desktop workflow; tablet development is documented separately | Touch-first iPhone and iPad interface | | Price | Free and open source | Free download; full-access in-app purchases | ## Who is Forma3D for? If you're a 3D printing enthusiast who uses iPad as your primary device, Forma3D gives you the mesh editing tools you need without switching to a desktop. Model on the couch, export to your slicer, print. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download. Full-access features require an in-app purchase, with monthly, annual, and lifetime options. Check current feature access and pricing in the app. Start with [STL editing on iPad](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor), learn about [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), compare [Tinkercad and Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/tinkercad-alternative-ipad), or read our [iPhone Duo, Apple Pencil & STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/iphone-duo-3d-modeling). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a Blender app for iPad? No official iPad version of Blender exists. Blender has demonstrated tablet-interface work in its Beyond Mouse & Keyboard project, but it is a desktop application. Forma3D covers the mesh-editing tasks 3D-printing users need on iPad. ### Can Forma3D replace Blender? Not for animation, rendering, simulation, or organic sculpting — Forma3D is a focused mesh editor and print-preparation tool, not a full production pipeline. ### Can I open Blender models in Forma3D? Forma3D imports native .blend scenes directly — mirror modifiers and object transforms are applied on import. Exporting STL or 3MF from Blender works too. ### What does Forma3D do that Blender on desktop does not? Native touch-first editing on iPhone and iPad, Apple Object Capture scanning on supported devices, face painting for colored 3MF export, and an iPhone-only upload path to MakerWorld and Bambu Handy. --- ## Page: Meshmixer Alternative for iPad STL Editing | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/meshmixer-alternative-ipad # A Meshmixer alternative for iPad STL editing Meshmixer is a desktop mesh tool that Autodesk no longer develops or supports. Forma3D offers an on-device alternative for editing STL files, applying Boolean operations, and preparing meshes for printing on iPhone or iPad. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## Meshmixer's support status [Autodesk's Meshmixer notice](https://apps.autodesk.com/en/Detail/HelpDoc?appId=4108920185261935100&appLang=en&os=Win64) says development and support have ended; this is different from saying the software was immediately removed or stopped working. For a maintained desktop workflow, Autodesk recommends Fusion. Forma3D is an option when you specifically want a touch-first mesh editor on iOS. ## What Forma3D replaces from MeshMixer - **Mesh repair** — fix non-manifold geometry, close holes, and repair STL files on device - **Boolean operations** — union, difference, and intersection between meshes - **STL editing** — import, modify, and export STL files with touch gestures - **3MF with colors** — paint faces and export multi-filament 3MF files (MeshMixer couldn't do this) - **Sketch modeling** — use SVG artwork as a reference, trace a closed sketch, and extrude it into a mesh - **LiDAR scanning** — scan objects with iPhone LiDAR, then repair and edit the mesh ## MeshMixer vs Forma3D | Feature | MeshMixer (Desktop) | Forma3D (iPad/iPhone) | | --- | --- | --- | | STL repair | Yes | Yes | | Boolean operations | Yes | Yes | | Multi-filament 3MF | No | Yes | | LiDAR scanning | No | Yes | | Sketch from SVG reference | Mesh-focused workflow | Trace a reference and extrude a closed sketch | | Touch UI | No | Yes | | Still supported | No (EOL 2021) | Yes (active) | | Runs on iPad | No | Yes | ## Get started Forma3D is free to download. Full-access features require an in-app purchase, with monthly, annual, and lifetime options. Check the current feature access and pricing in the app before choosing a workflow. Start with the [STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor), compare [Blender workflows](https://forma3d.app/blender-alternative-ipad), or learn about [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Meshmixer still supported? Autodesk has discontinued Meshmixer development and support, and it never had a mobile version. Forma3D is an actively developed mesh editor built for iPhone and iPad. ### What is a good Meshmixer alternative on iPad? Forma3D covers the common Meshmixer use cases on device: STL repair, Boolean union/subtract/intersect, cutting and splitting, measurement, and STL/3MF export for printing. ### Can Forma3D open files from Meshmixer? Yes. Export STL from Meshmixer on your desktop and open it in Forma3D to continue editing on a touch device. --- ## Page: Tinkercad for iPad vs Forma3D: 3D Printing Workflows Source: https://forma3d.app/tinkercad-alternative-ipad # Tinkercad for iPad vs Forma3D Tinkercad does work on iPad: Autodesk offers a free iPad app with touch controls and Apple Pencil support. Forma3D is an alternative for a different workflow — editing mesh components, preparing existing STL files, and painting faces for colored 3MF export on iPhone or iPad. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about). Tinkercad availability and supported formats are documented in [Autodesk's App Store listing](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tinkercad/id1469440830). ## When Tinkercad is a good fit Tinkercad is a useful starting point for learning 3D design. You build objects from shapes, combine solids and holes, and export the result for printing. Its iPad app supports STL, OBJ, and SVG import, plus STL, OBJ, USDZ, and SVG export. It requires an internet connection. For classrooms, Tinkercad also provides teaching tools, electronics simulation, and coding activities. Forma3D is a mesh editor, not a replacement for those education and circuit-design features. ## When to choose Forma3D - **Edit an existing STL:** select vertices, edges, and faces rather than rebuilding the object from primitive shapes. See the [STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). - **Prepare a multi-color print:** assign palette colors to faces and export 3MF for a compatible slicer workflow. See [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). - **Work locally:** core modeling and mesh processing run on the device. Downloading the app, purchases, and optional cloud uploads are separate network operations. - **Scan a physical object:** use Apple Object Capture on supported LiDAR devices, then edit the reconstructed mesh. Check the [scanning requirements](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner) first. - **Work on iPhone as well as iPad:** Forma3D provides the same mesh-editing workflow on both device types. ## Compare the workflows | Workflow | Tinkercad for iPad | Forma3D | | --- | --- | --- | | iPad app | Yes, from Autodesk | Yes, also available on iPhone | | Shape modeling | Combine shapes and holes | Primitives, transforms, and Boolean operations | | Existing STL files | Import into the design workspace | Edit mesh vertices, edges, and faces | | Print export | STL and OBJ, among other formats | STL and colored 3MF, plus USDZ | | Core workflow | Internet connection required | On-device modeling and processing | | Education and circuits | Classroom, coding, and electronics tools | Focused on meshes and print preparation | | Pricing | Free | Free download; full-access features require an in-app purchase | ## Move a Tinkercad design into Forma3D 1. Export the design as an STL from Tinkercad and save it to Files. 2. Import the STL into Forma3D and verify its dimensions. STL does not encode a standardized unit, so check the intended millimeter size. 3. Edit, cut, or combine the mesh. For multi-filament work, assign colors with Face Paint. 4. Export STL for a single-material workflow or 3MF for supported color workflows, then inspect the result in the destination slicer. An STL export is a mesh snapshot: it does not preserve Tinkercad's editable shape history or carry per-face colors. Keep the original Tinkercad design if you want to change those source shapes later. ## Get started Choose Tinkercad for free shape-based design and classroom activities. Choose Forma3D when you need direct mesh editing and on-device print preparation. Forma3D offers monthly, annual, and lifetime full-access options; check current App Store pricing before purchasing. [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) · [Modeling without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Tinkercad free on iPad? Yes. Autodesk offers a free iPad app with touch controls and Apple Pencil support. Forma3D addresses a different stage of the workflow — editing existing meshes rather than building from primitives. ### What does Forma3D do that Tinkercad does not? Direct vertex/edge/face editing of imported STL and 3MF files, mesh repair for downloaded models, face painting for colored 3MF export, Boolean operations, and LiDAR object scanning on supported devices. ### Can I move a Tinkercad design into Forma3D? Export the design as STL from Tinkercad, then open it in Forma3D to repair, split, or paint it for printing. --- ## Page: Split STL by Color with Alignment Joints | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing # Split an STL by color and add alignment joints Need to print a model bigger than your build plate, or in two materials? In Forma3D you can paint the faces of a mesh to mark where it should separate, then generate matching peg-and-socket joints in the same pass. Tutorial updated October 11, 2026 · iOS 17 or later · Screenshots show Forma3D running on Mac. The same tools are available on iPhone and iPad; layouts may differ. [![The arch in Forma3D painted in two colors before separation: red faces on the left, green on the right](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/hero-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/hero-before-large.webp) [![The same arch after separation, laid out as individual parts on the Forma3D grid](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/hero-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/hero-after-large.webp) - Paint - Bake - Separate - Export **On this page** 1. [Paint the split regions](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-1) 2. [Check the painted mesh](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-2) 3. [Bake the transform](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-3) 4. [Choose the separation settings](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-4) 5. [Separate and inspect the joints](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-5) 6. [Export each part](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing#step-6) ## Steps 1. ### Open Paint and mark the split line Select the arch in Object mode and open the Paint tool. Paint one side of the model — here the left half goes red. Every face that should end up in that part needs the same color; faces left unpainted stay in the default region. [![The white arch model in Forma3D with the Paint tool open, ready to color the left half](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step1-paint.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step1-paint-large.webp) 2. ### Paint the second region Paint the other half green so the whole surface is covered by exactly two color regions meeting at a clean boundary. These colors are only labels for the separation — they don't have to match your filament choices, and the "Target parts" count in the next panel groups small stray islands into the surrounding region, so a speck of wrong color won't spawn an unwanted extra part. [![The arch fully painted, left half red and right half green, seen in Object mode](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step2-colored.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step2-colored-large.webp) 3. ### Bake the current transform If you scaled or rotated the object after importing it, open Transform and press **Bake**. Bake writes the current scale and rotation into the mesh's vertices and resets the node's transform, so the joints are generated on the real geometry rather than a scaled node. The visible shape doesn't change. [![Transform panel open in Forma3D with the Bake rotation button highlighted](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step3-bake.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step3-bake-large.webp) 4. ### Configure the Separate panel Open **Separate** and set the mode to **By paint**. For this arch the settings are: **Target parts 2**, joint **Peg box** (the square tongue-and-groove), **Peg on Higher color**, **Tolerance 1.0%** (a percentage of the joint size, not millimeters), and **Sharp edges** on. "Peg on" picks which painted color region carries the peg — Higher color or Lower color — so flip it if you want the peg on the other half. Press **Re-separate** to refresh the preview while tuning, and **Separate** to apply. [![Forma3D Separate panel showing By paint mode, Target parts 2, Peg box joint, Tolerance 1.0 percent and Sharp edges on](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step4-separate-panel.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step4-separate-panel-large.webp) [![Magnified Separate panel: By paint mode, Target parts 2, Peg box joint, Peg on Higher color, Tolerance 1.0 percent, Sharp edges, Re-separate and Separate buttons](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/detail-panel.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step4-separate-panel-large.webp) 5. ### Separate and inspect the joint Press **Separate**. The Objects list now shows two parts instead of one. Move the pieces apart slightly to check the joint: one part carries a square peg, the other the matching socket. The parts in this screenshot were moved apart by hand to show the interface — nothing here guarantees a printable fit, so verify the joint on your printer before committing to a long print. [![The arch separated into two objects with a square peg and socket joint, both listed in the Objects panel](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step5-result.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step5-result-large.webp) [![Close-up of the square peg on the right part and the matching socket on the left part](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/detail-joint.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/split-stl/step5-result-large.webp) 6. ### Export each part Select a part, open **Export → Export STL**, and choose **Selected objects** so only that piece is written. Repeat with a different file name for the second half. STL carries no color; export 3MF instead if you want the face colors preserved. In your slicer, check orientation, seam placement, wall thickness around the joint, and whether the peg needs supports — a small test print of just the joint region is a cheap sanity check. ## Good to know **How is "By paint" different from a line split?** A line cut slices the model along a straight screen-space plane. "By paint" follows the face regions you painted, so the boundary can run anywhere across the surface — useful when the split shouldn't be straight. **Is there a faster way for a straight split?** Yes — no painting needed for a single straight cut. Switch to Edit mode, select the edge component, tap one edge where the cut should go, then press Loop Select → Select Loop to select the full ring. Press Split and choose "Split by Edges" for a clean cut into two objects, or "Separate with Joint" to open the same joint workflow covered here. **Is the tolerance value in millimeters?** No — Tolerance is a percentage relative to the joint's size, not an absolute millimeter gap. 1.0% is a starting point; every printer and material fits differently, so test the joint before printing the full part. **Can I split into more than two parts?** Yes — paint as many regions as you need. Target parts controls how the painted regions are grouped into final objects, which matters when a color appears as several disconnected islands. ## Related guides ### [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) All the mesh-editing tools in Forma3D — selection, Boolean, cut, repair, and export. ### [Multi-color 3MF](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) Keep face colors through the export for multi-material slicer workflows. ### [How to Paint for 3D Printing](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) Paint faces, then clean up color islands and merge similar colors — the paint-cleanup companion to splitting by color. ### [Print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) Getting edited models from iPhone and iPad to the printer. [Get Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=split-stl&mt=8) ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I split a large STL for a smaller print bed? Open the STL in Forma3D, then either use the cut tools, select an edge loop and Split by Edges, or paint regions and Separate with joints — then export each piece. ### Do split parts need connectors? Usually yes. Add alignment joints or plan for glue surfaces; Forma3D's Constructor workflow supports print-fit joints and tolerance settings for reassembly. ### Can I split an STL on iPhone without a computer? Yes. Import, cut, separate, and export all run on-device — no desktop slicer or editor is needed. --- ## Page: How to Paint for 3D Printing on iPhone & iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing # How to paint for 3D printing Painting faces is how a single-color model becomes a multi-color print. In Forma3D you paint faces directly on the mesh, then use two automatic modes to tidy the paint job — merging tiny isolated islands or reducing the palette — before exporting a color-capable 3MF file. Tutorial updated October 24, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) · Screenshots show Forma3D on iPad. The same tools are available on iPhone; layouts may differ. [![Close-up of a rounded orange cube in Forma3D with a yellow 2x2 patch painted on its front face](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/hero.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/hero.webp) - Paint - Clean islands - Merge colors - Export 3MF **On this page** 1. [Select the object and open Paint](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#step-1) 2. [Choose a color and paint faces](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#step-2) 3. [Paint to a target count](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#step-3) 1. [Neighboring islands — Target 2](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#islands-target-2) 2. [Neighboring islands — Target 3](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#islands-target-3) 3. [Nearest RGB](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#nearest-rgb) 4. [Tips: copy or merge colors manually](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#step-4) 1. [Tip: copy a color](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#tip-change-color) 2. [Tip: merge colors manually](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#tip-merge-colors) [Note: Export and check in a slicer](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing#export-note) ## Steps 1. ### Select the object and open Paint Select the model in the scene, then switch to the **Paint** tool. Turn on the **Wireframe** overlay with the grid button if you want to see the boundaries of the faces you are coloring. [![Forma3D Paint toolbar with a magenta arrow pointing to the Wireframe grid button](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/edges.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/edges-large.webp) Tap the grid button to show or hide the mesh edges. The arrow marks the Wireframe toggle. 2. ### Choose a color and paint faces Pick a color from the palette and tap faces on the model to paint them — here a 2×2 patch on the front face goes yellow. These colors become the per-face color data carried into a 3MF export. Use **Single** to color individual faces, or **Brush**, **Circle**, and **Rectangle** to cover larger areas. **Fill** colors a connected region and can stop at sharp edges, while **Auto** segments the mesh into regions and assigns colors automatically based on the selected angle. Before [![Rounded cube in Forma3D Paint mode, entirely orange, before any faces are painted](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/paint-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/paint-before-large.webp) After [![The same cube with a yellow 2x2 patch painted on the front face](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/paint-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/paint-after-large.webp) Painting faces directly: the cube starts fully orange; a few taps add a yellow patch. 3. ### Paint to a target count Open the **Target colors** panel — the concentric-circles icon — pick a mode, set the **Target** with the slider, and press **Paint to target**. The **Current** counter shows the number of used paint colors in both modes. What **Target** counts depends on the mode: in **Neighboring islands** it counts connected painted regions (one orange region plus two separate yellow regions is 3 islands but only 2 colors); in **Nearest RGB** it counts unique colors. #### Neighboring islands — Target 2 Merge small islands into their neighbors. Here the cube has a yellow 2×2 patch on the front and one isolated yellow face on the right — 3 islands in 2 colors. With **Target 2**, the isolated face is repainted to its largest neighbor. Before [![Cube with a yellow front patch and one isolated yellow face on the right side, Neighboring islands panel showing Target 2](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target2-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target2-before-large.webp) After [![The isolated face turned orange after Paint to target, leaving only the yellow front patch; Current 2, Target 2](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target2-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target2-after-large.webp) The isolated yellow face becomes part of the orange component — one yellow patch remains: 2 islands, 2 colors. #### Neighboring islands — Target 3 The same mode removes scattered speckles. This cube has stray yellow spots on the top, right, and bottom besides the two main yellow areas. With **Target 3**, the tiny spots merge into their largest adjacent region while the front and top yellow patches survive. Before [![Cube with scattered yellow spots on top, right and bottom plus larger yellow areas, Neighboring islands panel showing Current 2, Target 3](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target3-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target3-before-large.webp) After [![The same cube after Paint to target with the isolated spots removed; the front and top yellow patches remain](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target3-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/islands-target3-after-large.webp) Small isolated yellow spots are merged away — the orange component plus two yellow regions remain: 3 islands, 2 colors. #### Nearest RGB **Nearest RGB** reduces the palette itself: it repeatedly finds the two most similar colors and repaints the second one to the first — globally, regardless of whether the regions touch. Here a 3-color cube (orange, yellow, and a green-turquoise patch) becomes 2 colors as the yellow areas turn orange; the green-turquoise patch stays. Before [![Orange cube with yellow front and top areas and a green-turquoise patch on the right, Nearest RGB panel showing Current 3, Target 2](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/rgb-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/rgb-before-large.webp) After [![The same cube reduced to two colors: yellow areas became orange while the green-turquoise patch stays; Current 2, Target 2](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/rgb-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/rgb-after-large.webp) The closest color pair is merged globally — three colors become two. 4. ### Tips: copy or merge colors manually #### Tip: How to copy a color Open the **Current** color list. Drag the round color-picker control from the color you want to copy onto the round picker for the slot you want to recolor. All faces using that destination slot update together. You can also tap its picker to choose a new color. Before [![Current color list in Forma3D showing white, purple and green slots; the cube has purple painted faces and a green front patch](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/change-color-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/change-color-before-large.webp) After [![The same cube after dragging the white picker onto the purple slot: those faces turned white, the green patch is unchanged, and three slots remain in the list](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/change-color-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/change-color-after-large.webp) White is copied onto the purple slot, so its faces turn white while green stays unchanged. The three paint slots remain separate—even though two now look white. #### Tip: How to merge colors manually In the **Current** color list, drag the square swatch of the color you want to remove onto the color you want to keep. The source faces are reassigned to the destination slot across the model; the regions do not need to touch. Before [![Dragging the square green swatch onto the purple row in the Current color list; the cube has a white body with green front and top patches and purple speckles](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/manual-merge-before.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/manual-merge-before-large.webp) After [![The same cube after the manual merge: all former green faces are purple, the white body is unchanged, and only two used slots remain](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/manual-merge-after.webp)](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/manual-merge-after-large.webp) Green merges into purple. Only two used slots remain: white and purple. The green color remains available in the top palette for later painting. **Note: Export and check in a slicer.** Export a color-capable format such as **3MF** — STL does not preserve per-face colors. Then open the file in a compatible slicer and check the material assignments there before printing; the export step itself is not covered by the screenshots in this tutorial. Finish painting with Done before exporting. ## Which mode should I use? | Mode | Target counts | Use for | | --- | --- | --- | | Neighboring islands | Connected painted regions | Cleaning up speckles and tiny islands by merging them into their largest neighbor | | Nearest RGB | Used colors | Simplifying the palette by merging the two most similar colors | ## Good to know **Does Nearest RGB need the regions to touch?** No. Nearest RGB merges the two most similar colors across the whole model, regardless of adjacency. Neighboring islands is the mode that works through shared edges between painted regions. **Will Neighboring islands keep a specific region?** It merges the smallest region into its largest neighbor until the target count is reached, so on a different mesh the surviving regions may differ. Disconnected regions with no shared mesh edges cannot be merged by this mode, so the requested target may not be reached. Review the result and use Undo if needed. **Do these modes change the model's shape?** No — both modes repaint faces only. The mesh geometry and its topology stay unchanged. **Is this the same as Auto Paint?** No. Auto Paint segments a mesh into regions and assigns palette colors automatically. The modes here work on the faces you already painted, cleaning up islands or reducing the color count to a target. ## Related guides ### [Multi-color 3MF](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf) Keep face colors through the export for multi-material slicer workflows. ### [Split STL by color](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) Use painted regions to split a model into parts with alignment joints. ### [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) All the mesh-editing tools in Forma3D — selection, Boolean, cut, repair, and export. ### [Print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) Send the painted 3MF to a Bambu printer via MakerWorld and Bambu Handy — no desktop slicer. [Get Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=paint-tutorial&mt=8) ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I paint a model for multicolor printing? In Forma3D, select faces or regions and assign palette colors, then export a colored 3MF. The per-face color data travels with the file into a compatible slicer. ### Does painting work with any 3D printer? Multicolor output requires a multi-filament setup — AMS, MMU, IDEX, or a tool changer. Single-filament printers will use the geometry but not the colors. ### Which file format stores face colors? 3MF stores per-face color and material data. STL carries geometry only — exporting STL after painting loses the color assignments. --- ## Page: iPhone Duo 3D Modeling: Apps, Apple Pencil & STL Editing | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/iphone-duo-3d-modeling # iPhone Duo 3D modeling: apps, Apple Pencil and STL editing iPhone Duo is out — and the foldable already changes the mobile 3D picture. Apple's tech specs confirm Apple Pencil (USB-C) on both displays, and Shapr3D ships full CAD to Duo in November 2026 while regular iPhones keep a viewer. Here are the confirmed specs, which 3D apps actually run on Duo, and the existing Forma3D workflow on the foldable. Updated November 3, 2026 · Device released October 23, 2026 · Based on Apple's published materials, not a device test · iOS 17 or later for Forma3D [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) **Status at a glance.** iPhone Duo released October 23, 2026 in the US and 70+ countries (28 more on October 30), from $1,999 for 256GB. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is on the official spec sheet for both displays. First Duo-specific 3D apps are landing: Shapr3D brings full CAD with Apple Pencil in November 2026 — on regular iPhones it remains a viewer. Forma3D runs on Duo as a universal iOS app; Duo-optimized layout and Pencil input have not been verified on hardware. ## iPhone Duo: confirmed specs Announced September 9, released October 23, 2026. From Apple's tech specs page, the confirmed facts for 3D work: | Item | Spec | | --- | --- | | Inner display | 7.6-inch OLED, 1878×2670 (430 ppi), nano-texture, ProMotion 120Hz | | Cover display | 5.4-inch OLED, 1398×2034 (460 ppi), usable folded | | Chip | A20 Pro — 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, hardware ray tracing, vapor chamber | | Memory / battery | 12 GB RAM · ~4,883 mAh dual-battery | | Body | 5.2 mm open / 11.3 mm closed · 254 g · grade-5 titanium · IP68 | | Cameras | 48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide — no LiDAR scanner listed | | Multitasking | Split View runs two apps side-by-side — including two windows of the same app, like Safari | | Software | iOS 27 (27.1/27.2) — this is iOS, not iPadOS | | Apple Pencil | Apple Pencil (USB-C) on both displays — on the official spec sheet | | Price (US) | $1,999 (256GB) · $2,199 (512GB) · $2,599 (1TB) · $3,199 (2TB) | | Colors | Star White · Night Sky | Two details matter specifically for 3D: the unfolded panel is iPad-mini-class in size, and **no LiDAR scanner** is listed — so Duo 3D-scanning depends on photogrammetry apps, not Pro-style LiDAR meshes. ![Conceptual diagram of iPhone Duo's 5.4-inch cover display and 7.6-inch unfolded inner display with Split View — illustration, not a device test](https://forma3d.app/assets/iphone-duo/duo-displays.png) Spec-sheet display sizes, drawn conceptually. Illustration — not to scale, not a device test. ## Which Apple Pencil — and what it can't do Apple's tech specs list **Apple Pencil (USB-C) support under both displays**, and the first apps using it are already shipping: Shapr3D's Duo CAD with Pencil input lands in November 2026. Only the USB-C model is supported — Pencil Pro, 1st- and 2nd-generation Pencils are not on the list. The catch is which Pencil. The USB-C model is Apple's entry stylus — accurate and comfortable for notes, sketching and markup, but per Apple's own Pencil comparison page it lacks several features the Pro model has: | Feature | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | | --- | --- | | Listed for iPhone Duo | Yes — only model on the spec sheet | | Tilt sensitivity | USB-C Pencil hardware feature — whether Duo apps use it needs testing | | Pressure sensitivity | No — no pressure sensor | | Wireless pairing / charging | No — pairs and charges over USB-C cable | | Double-tap / squeeze / barrel roll | No | | Haptic feedback, Find My | No | | Hover | Not confirmed — Apple's hover footnote names certain iPads only | Third-party active styluses are unverified. On capabilities: the USB-C Pencil supports tilt in its hardware — whether a particular Duo 3D app receives and uses tilt needs testing. It has no pressure sensor, so pressure-driven sculpting is off the table regardless of app. ![Diagram of Apple Pencil (USB-C) hardware and iPhone Duo status: tilt is a Pencil hardware feature and both-display support is announced; pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, double-tap and hover are absent or unconfirmed — illustration, not a device test](https://forma3d.app/assets/iphone-duo/pencil-compatibility.png) Apple Pencil (USB-C) capabilities per Apple's published comparison. Illustration — not a device test. ## Which 3D apps actually run on iPhone Duo Duo runs iOS, so every iPhone app is technically installable — but "installable" and "built for the foldable" differ. This is the landscape as of November 2026: | App | On iPhone Duo | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Forma3D | Runs as a universal iOS app | Full mesh-editing workflow — import, repair, split, paint, export. Duo-optimized layout not yet verified on hardware. | | Shapr3D | **Full CAD with Apple Pencil — November 2026** | The headline Duo case: sketch with Pencil, model on the Parasolid engine, export production files. All paid features free at launch until Nov 15, 2026. On regular iPhones the app stays a viewer. | | Nomad Sculpt | Runs as an iPhone app | Real sculpting on the larger canvas — but no pressure sensor on the USB-C Pencil, so pressure-driven strokes stay finger/tilt-based. | | uMake | Runs as an iPhone app | Sketch-based NURBS modeling; editing and export require a plan (from $12.99/mo). | | Onshape | Runs as an iPhone app | Full cloud parametric CAD; free tier with public documents. Big canvas helps its dense UI considerably. | | Scaniverse / Polycam | Photogrammetry only — no LiDAR | Duo's spec sheet lists no LiDAR scanner, so capture is photo-based splats/meshes, not LiDAR-grade geometry. | | Tinkercad | Works in Safari | Free browser modeler; larger display makes its desktop UI more usable than on a regular iPhone. | The pattern to watch: developers are treating Duo as **pocket-tablet territory**, not a bigger phone. Shapr3D's split — viewer on iPhone, full CAD on Duo — is likely the first of many such decisions. ## The Forma3D workflow on Duo Everything below is the **existing iPhone workflow** — the same steps that run on iPhone and iPad today, now on Duo's larger canvas. Duo-specific layout details and Pencil input still need on-device verification. 1. ### Import and inspect the mesh Bring in an **STL, 3MF or USDZ** file and inspect it with flat, smooth, wireframe, matte or X-Ray shading. On the 7.6-inch display, orbit and zoom gestures are what to check first — the same viewport controls used in the [STL mesh editor guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). 2. ### Select components precisely Switch to Edit Mode and use single-tap, rectangle, oval, brush, multi-select, loop and ring selection on vertices, edges and faces. A stylus could help with positional accuracy on small components — the Pencil's hardware has tilt but no pressure sensor, and how each app uses stylus input on Duo needs testing. 3. ### Edit, boolean and split Move, rotate and scale with the gizmo or numeric controls; extrude, inset, bevel, bridge, mirror, remesh or subdivide. For print prep, [split a model into parts](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) or run Union, Subtract and Intersect Booleans — all existing features to re-verify on Duo's displays. 4. ### Paint faces and export [Paint face colors](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) for multi-material prints, then export STL or 3MF — STL drops the colors, 3MF keeps them. The file still needs a slicer and a validated test print downstream; nothing about Duo changes that. ![Seven-step diagram of the existing Forma3D iPhone workflow — import, inspect, select, edit, split, paint, export — to validate on iPhone Duo, illustration not a device test](https://forma3d.app/assets/iphone-duo/forma-workflow.png) The existing iPhone/iPad workflow — the validation list for Duo, not a demo on it. ![Cube in Forma3D Paint mode with a yellow patch painted on the front face — existing iPhone and iPad workflow, not captured on iPhone Duo](https://forma3d.app/assets/tutorials/paint-for-3d-printing/paint-after.webp) Face painting in Forma3D — an existing iPhone/iPad workflow, not captured on iPhone Duo. ## What we don't know yet - **Pencil pairing and rollout.** Support is on the spec sheet and third-party apps are shipping on it, but per-app stylus behavior still needs hands-on checks. - **Hover.** Apple's hover footnote names certain iPad models only; Duo hover is unconfirmed. - **iPad-only apps.** Duo runs iOS, not iPadOS — a bigger screen doesn't make iPad-only software compatible. Watch for developers shipping Duo-specific builds instead, as Shapr3D did. - **Real-world behavior.** We have not verified palm rejection, latency, tilt response or layout behavior in Forma3D or other 3D apps on Duo hardware. - **Performance.** We have not measured mesh-editing performance on iPhone Duo — the A20 Pro and 12 GB RAM suggest iPhone-Pro-class headroom, but numbers need testing. ## Hardware-and-software validation checklist ### Testable with touch now that the phone is out 1. Open the same STL on the cover display and unfolded; compare viewport layout and selection accuracy by finger. 2. Run a Boolean, a split and a paint pass on a real model; note any layout or palm-rejection issues. 3. Try Split View with Forma3D beside Safari or Files — two-app reference workflows are Duo's headline feature. 4. Export STL and 3MF, slice elsewhere, and do a small test print before trusting a full job. ### With Apple Pencil (USB-C) 1. Follow Apple's Duo pairing instructions, then check stylus input on both displays. 2. Check whether hover preview works — Apple has not confirmed it for Duo. 3. Compare selection accuracy by finger vs Pencil on the same model — remember tilt works, pressure does not. ## FAQ **Does iPhone Duo work with Apple Pencil?** Yes — Apple's tech specs list Apple Pencil (USB-C) support on both Duo displays. It is the USB-C model only: tilt support, no pressure sensor. Third-party apps are building on it — Shapr3D brings full CAD with Apple Pencil to Duo in November 2026. **Is iPhone Duo released yet?** Yes. iPhone Duo released October 23, 2026 in the US and 70+ countries, with 28 more regions on October 30. US pricing: $1,999 (256GB), $2,199 (512GB), $2,599 (1TB), $3,199 (2TB). Colors: Star White and Night Sky. **Can I use Apple Pencil Pro or a 2nd-generation Pencil with iPhone Duo?** No — Apple's tech specs list only Apple Pencil (USB-C) for iPhone Duo. Pencil Pro, 1st- and 2nd-generation models are not on the supported list. **Does Apple Pencil (USB-C) have pressure sensitivity?** No. Apple's own comparison page shows the USB-C Pencil supports tilt but lacks pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, double-tap, squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback and Find My. **Will Forma3D work on iPhone Duo?** Forma3D is a universal iOS app for iPhone and iPad, so it runs on iPhone Duo as an iPhone app — mesh editing, splitting, painting and export are the same workflow. Duo-specific layout optimization and Pencil behavior have not been verified on the hardware. **Will iPad-only 3D apps run on iPhone Duo?** Not automatically — iPhone Duo runs iOS, not iPadOS. But developers are shipping Duo builds deliberately: Shapr3D, viewer-only on regular iPhones, releases full CAD modeling with Apple Pencil on Duo in November 2026. **Can iPhone Duo 3D-scan objects?** Not via LiDAR — Apple's tech specs list no LiDAR scanner on iPhone Duo. Photogrammetry-based capture (which uses the regular cameras) remains possible in theory; check each scanning app's stated device support. **When does Apple Pencil support turn on for iPhone Duo?** Apple's spec sheet lists Apple Pencil (USB-C) support for both displays, and third-party developers are already shipping on it — Shapr3D's full Duo CAD with Pencil arrives in November 2026. ## Sources - [Apple — iPhone Duo product page & FAQ](https://www.apple.com/iphone-duo/) (checked November 3, 2026) - [Apple Newsroom — "Apple unveils iPhone Duo"](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-unveils-iphone-duo/) (September 9, 2026) - [Apple — iPhone Duo technical specifications](https://support.apple.com/en-us/148588) (checked November 3, 2026) - [Apple — Apple Pencil feature comparison](https://www.apple.com/apple-pencil/) (checked November 3, 2026) - [MacRumors — iPhone Duo pricing and release dates](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/15/iphone-duo-pre-orders-and-release-date/) (October 15, 2026) - [Shapr3D — "Shapr3D lands on the iPhone Duo (and other iPhones)"](https://www.shapr3d.com/content-library/shapr3d-lands-on-the-iphone-duo-and-other-iphones) (October 27, 2026) - [Shapr3D — v26.201 release notes: iPhone view-only app, Duo CAD in November](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/26-201-shapr3d-is-now-available-on-iphone/42465) (October 30, 2026) ## Related guides ### [Edit STL files](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) All the mesh-editing tools in Forma3D — selection, Boolean, cut, repair, and export. ### [Paint for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing) Paint faces, clean up color islands, and merge similar colors before export. ### [Split STL for printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing) Split models into parts with alignment joints for printers with smaller beds. ### [Print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio) Getting edited models from iPhone and iPad to the printer. [View Forma3D on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6762095429?pt=128750427&ct=site&mt=8) --- ## Page: Nomad Sculpt vs Forma3D on iPad: Sculpting and Print Prep Source: https://forma3d.app/nomad-sculpt-alternative-ipad # Nomad Sculpt vs Forma3D Nomad Sculpt and Forma3D both run on iPad, but they are built for different stages of a 3D project. Nomad Sculpt is an organic sculpting app; Forma3D is a mesh editor focused on preparing models for 3D printing — repair, splitting, face painting, and STL/3MF export. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) Comparison updated October 21, 2026. Nomad Sculpt features and pricing are documented in [its App Store listing](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nomad-sculpt/id1519508653). ## When Nomad Sculpt is a good fit Nomad Sculpt is designed for organic modeling: characters, creatures, terrain, and freeform shapes built with digital clay brushes. If your task is shaping a figure from scratch with smooth, hand-sculpted surfaces, that is the workflow it is made for. Nomad Sculpt also supports vertex painting for coloring sculpted models inside the app. Nomad Sculpt is sold as a paid app; check the App Store for current pricing in your region. ## When to choose Forma3D - **Prepare an existing model for printing:** import an STL and edit it directly — vertices, edges, and faces — instead of resculpting. See the [STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). - **Repair a broken mesh:** fix non-manifold geometry and holes that cause slicer errors before you print. - **Paint faces for multi-filament output:** assign palette colors to faces and export a colored 3MF. See [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). - **Make dimensioned parts:** primitives, transforms, and Boolean operations for functional prints rather than sculpted forms. - **Split or cut a large model:** divide an STL to fit a smaller build plate. See [split STL for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing). - **Work on iPhone too:** the same mesh-editing workflow runs on iPhone and iPad, on-device. ## Compare the workflows | Workflow | Nomad Sculpt | Forma3D | | --- | --- | --- | | iPad app | Yes | Yes, also available on iPhone | | Modeling approach | Organic sculpting with brushes | Mesh editing, primitives, and Boolean operations | | Existing STL files | Import for sculpting | Edit, repair, and split for printing | | Multi-color print export | Vertex-painted meshes | Face-painted colored 3MF for multi-filament workflows | | Print preparation | Export for external slicing | Repair, cut, and export STL/3MF with print-ready output | | Pricing | Paid app | Free download; full-access features require an in-app purchase | ## Use them together The apps complement each other in a print pipeline. Sculpt the shape in Nomad Sculpt, export the mesh as STL, then open it in Forma3D to repair geometry, cut or split the model, paint faces for a colored print, and export the final file for your slicer. ## Get started Choose Nomad Sculpt for organic sculpting. Choose Forma3D when the goal is a print-ready mesh on iPad or iPhone — repaired, split, and color-assigned. Forma3D offers monthly, annual, and lifetime full-access options; check current App Store pricing before purchasing. [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) · [Modeling without a desktop](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-without-desktop) · [3D modeling for Bambu Lab printer owners](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-for-bambu-lab) Nomad Sculpt is a trademark of its developer. Forma3D is an independent app and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the developer of Nomad Sculpt. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Nomad Sculpt or Forma3D better for 3D printing? They cover different stages. Nomad Sculpt shapes organic forms from a sphere or base mesh; Forma3D prepares the resulting or downloaded mesh for printing — repair, splitting, face painting, and STL/3MF export. ### Do I need both apps? A common iPad workflow is sculpting in Nomad, then print-preparing in Forma3D. If you only edit downloaded or scanned meshes, Forma3D alone covers that. ### How do the prices compare? Nomad Sculpt is a $19.99 one-time purchase. Forma3D is a free download with monthly, annual, and lifetime full-access options. --- ## Page: 3D Modeling for Bambu Lab Printer Owners on iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-for-bambu-lab # 3D Modeling for a Bambu Lab Printer — on iPad The fastest way to tweak, repair, or recolor a model for a Bambu Lab printer without a desktop is Forma3D — an independent iPad and iPhone app that edits meshes on-device and exports files compatible with the Bambu Lab printing workflow. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) Guide updated October 21, 2026. Forma3D is an independent application developed by a third party. It is **not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Bambu Lab**. Bambu Lab, Bambu Handy, Bambu Studio, MakerWorld, and AMS are trademarks of Bambu Lab; they are referenced here only to describe file compatibility. ## What you can do on the iPad - **Repair a downloaded model:** fix non-manifold geometry and holes that make slicers complain — before the file ever reaches your printer. - **Resize, rotate, and cut:** adjust scale to your build plate, orient the model for better print orientation, or cut away what you don't need. - **Split an oversized model:** divide a large mesh into printable parts. See [split STL for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing). - **Paint faces for multi-filament prints:** assign palette colors per face and export a colored 3MF for a multi-filament workflow such as AMS. See [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). - **Design from primitives:** build functional parts — brackets, organizers, adapters — with primitives, transforms, and Boolean operations. ## From model to printer 1. Import an STL into Forma3D — your own design or a downloaded model — or start from primitives. 2. Edit, repair, or paint the mesh on-device. Everything runs locally; no account or cloud upload is required for modeling. 3. Export the result as STL for a single-material job or as colored 3MF for a multi-filament job. 4. Open the file in Bambu Studio on a computer, or send it to the printer through the Bambu Handy app — see the step-by-step guide [how to print from iPhone without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). ## Where the files go | Forma3D export | Where it goes | Use case | | --- | --- | --- | | STL | Any slicer, including Bambu Studio | Single-material prints | | Colored 3MF | Bambu Studio, or Bambu Handy on the phone | Multi-filament prints, e.g. with AMS | | USDZ | AR Quick Look on iPhone/iPad | Preview the model at real-world scale before printing | ## Models from libraries Forma3D can import models downloaded from MakerWorld or other model libraries for repair and adjustment. Before remixing a downloaded model, check its license — library terms differ, and some models are licensed for personal use only. ## Get started Forma3D is a free download with monthly, annual, and lifetime full-access options; check current App Store pricing before purchasing. [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) · [STL editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor) · [Nomad Sculpt vs Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/nomad-sculpt-alternative-ipad) Trademark notice: Bambu Lab, Bambu Handy, Bambu Studio, MakerWorld, and AMS are trademarks of Bambu Lab. Forma3D is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Bambu Lab. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I edit files for my Bambu Lab printer on iPad? Yes. Forma3D edits STL and 3MF meshes on-device and exports files compatible with the Bambu Lab workflow — including colored 3MF for multi-filament setups such as AMS. ### Do I need Bambu Studio to print from an iPad? No. Export a 3MF from Forma3D, upload it to MakerWorld in Safari, and send the job through Bambu Handy — the full path is covered in our print-without-Bambu-Studio guide. ### Can I paint a model for AMS on an iPad? Yes. Assign palette colors to mesh faces in Forma3D and export a colored 3MF that carries the per-face data to the slicer or Bambu Handy. --- ## Page: 3MF Editor for iPad & iPhone — Edit, Repair & Recolor | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/edit-3mf-files-ipad # How to edit 3MF files on iPad and iPhone You can edit 3MF files directly on iPad or iPhone with Forma3D — no desktop required. Import the file, modify the mesh with touch-first vertex, edge, and face tools, repaint color regions, and export a print-ready 3MF back to your slicer. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## What a 3MF file contains (and why it matters) 3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) stores more than geometry: per-face colors for multi-filament printing, measurement units, and slicer metadata. Editing a 3MF in a tool that only understands STL geometry silently drops that data. Forma3D reads and writes the color and metadata layers, so painted regions survive the round trip. ## Editing workflow on iPad 1. **Import** — open a 3MF from Files, Mail, or a share sheet 2. **Edit geometry** — select vertices, edges, or faces; move, extrude, inset, bevel, or Boolean-cut them 3. **Repaint regions** — assign new colors to faces for multi-filament output 4. **Repair** — bridge open loops and fix non-manifold edges before export 5. **Export** — save as 3MF with per-face colors and Bambu/Creality-compatible metadata intact ## Common 3MF edits people do on iPad | Task | Tool in Forma3D | | --- | --- | | Change filament colors of an existing model | Face paint, flood fill, color merge | | Remove or cut off a part of the model | Manifold Cut, Boolean Subtract | | Split a multi-part 3MF into pieces | Separate by region, constructor joints | | Fix a broken or non-manifold mesh | Bridge faces, remesh, repair tools | | Resize to fit the build plate | Numeric scale in millimeters, snap-to-grid | ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you edit a 3MF file on iPad? Yes. Forma3D is a native iOS mesh editor that imports 3MF on iPad and iPhone, lets you edit vertices, edges, faces, repaint color regions, and export modified 3MF back to a slicer — no desktop required. ### What is the difference between editing STL and 3MF? STL stores only bare geometry. 3MF additionally stores per-face colors, units, and printer metadata, so editing 3MF preserves multi-filament paint data that STL loses on export. ### Can Forma3D change the colors inside an existing 3MF? Yes. Open the 3MF, repaint regions with the face paint tools, then export — the new per-face color assignments are written into the 3MF for multi-filament printing. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store. Full-access features use in-app purchases — monthly, annual, or lifetime. Next steps: [multi-filament 3MF painting guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), [print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio), [split STL with alignment joints](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing), or [STL mesh editing](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Paint 3MF Models on iPhone for Multi-Color Printing | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/paint-3mf-iphone # Paint 3MF models on iPhone for multi-color printing Forma3D is the iOS app for painting 3MF files face-by-face on iPhone and iPad. Assign colors to mesh faces, clean up stray color islands, and export a colored 3MF that Bambu Studio and Creality Print read automatically — filaments map to your regions without manual slicer setup. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## How face painting works 3MF stores color as a property of each triangle face. Painting in Forma3D assigns a palette color to selected faces; exporting writes those assignments back into the file. A slicer that reads 3MF color data — Bambu Studio, Creality Print — then prints each region in a different filament. ## Paint workflow on iPhone 1. **Open the 3MF or STL** — from Files, Mail, or a download 2. **Pick a palette color** — each color maps to a filament slot in the slicer 3. **Paint faces** — brush, flood fill, or auto-paint whole regions 4. **Clean up** — remove stray color islands and merge near-identical colors to cut filament swaps 5. **Export 3MF** — per-face colors and Bambu/Creality metadata preserved ## Painting tools | Tool | What it does | | --- | --- | | Brush paint | Paint individual faces with adjustable brush size | | Flood fill | Fill a connected region up to an angle threshold | | Auto paint | Color by sharp-edge regions automatically | | Island cleanup | Remove stray specks of color under a face-count threshold | | Color merge | Snap near-identical colors together to reduce filament count | ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best app on iOS to paint your 3MF files? Forma3D is an iOS app that paints 3MF files per face on iPhone and iPad. It exports colored 3MF with Bambu Studio and Creality Print compatible metadata, so filaments auto-assign in the slicer. ### Does painting a 3MF on iPhone work for AMS multi-color printing? Yes. Forma3D writes per-face color data into the exported 3MF. Bambu Studio and Bambu Handy read those regions and auto-assign AMS filaments — no manual color setup needed. ### Can I fix stray color pixels in a painted 3MF? Yes. Forma3D has color-island cleanup and similar-color merging tools that remove stray painted faces before export, reducing unwanted filament swaps. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store; full-access features are available via in-app purchase. Read more: [multi-filament 3MF guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), [how to paint for 3D printing](https://forma3d.app/how-to-paint-for-3d-printing), [split STL by color](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing), [edit 3MF files on iPad](https://forma3d.app/edit-3mf-files-ipad). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Turn iPhone 3D Scans into STL Files | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone # Turn iPhone 3D scans into STL files Yes — an iPhone or iPad can scan a real object and produce an STL file ready for printing. Forma3D runs Apple Object Capture photogrammetry on supported devices, imports the resulting mesh, lets you repair and rescale it, and exports STL, 3MF, or USDZ — the whole pipeline stays on the device. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## Scan-to-STL workflow 1. **Scan** — on supported devices, capture the object with LiDAR + photogrammetry; pick high, medium, or low reconstruction detail 2. **Import** — the scan lands in Forma3D as a USDZ mesh 3. **Repair** — close holes, bridge open edges, fix non-manifold geometry 4. **Prepare** — rescale in millimeters, crop artifacts, optionally paint faces for multi-color output 5. **Export** — write STL for any slicer, or colored 3MF for multi-filament printing ## Which devices can scan | Device | Scanning support | | --- | --- | | iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models | LiDAR + Object Capture | | iPad Pro (2020 and later) | LiDAR + Object Capture | | Other iPhones / iPads | Photogrammetry via Object Capture (no LiDAR depth) | ## STL vs 3MF export after scanning Export **STL** when you need maximum slicer compatibility or a plain single-material print. Export **3MF** when the model carries painted regions — 3MF preserves per-face color data that STL discards. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I turn iPhone scans into STL files? Yes. On LiDAR-equipped iPhones (Pro models) Forma3D scans objects with Apple Object Capture photogrammetry, then exports the mesh as STL, 3MF, or USDZ — all on device, no desktop needed. ### Which iPhones can 3D scan with LiDAR? iPhone Pro and Pro Max models from iPhone 12 Pro onward include a LiDAR scanner. iPad Pro models since 2020 also have LiDAR. Non-Pro iPhones can still use photogrammetry via Object Capture. ### Can I edit the scan before exporting to STL? Yes. After scanning, Forma3D opens the USDZ mesh in its editor — you can crop, repair non-manifold geometry, rescale in millimeters, and paint faces before exporting STL or 3MF. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store; full-access features are available via in-app purchase. Read more: [LiDAR 3D scanner guide](https://forma3d.app/lidar-3d-scanner), [STL mesh editor](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor), [colored 3MF export](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), [print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Upload 3D Models to MakerWorld from iPhone | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone # Upload 3D models to MakerWorld from iPhone MakerWorld accepts model uploads directly in Safari on iPhone — no computer needed. Prepare or fix the model in Forma3D, upload the STL or 3MF through makerworld.com, set visibility to private or public, then print from the Bambu Handy app on the same phone. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## The iPhone-only pipeline 1. **Prepare in Forma3D** — edit, repair, scale, or paint the model; export STL or 3MF to Files 2. **Open makerworld.com in Safari** — sign in to your Bambu Lab account 3. **Upload the model** — pick the file from the Files picker; add photos if publishing publicly 4. **Set visibility** — keep it private for personal printing, or publish for the community 5. **Print via Bambu Handy** — the uploaded model shows in your account; send it to the printer ## Which format to upload | Format | When to use | | --- | --- | | 3MF | Preferred — preserves painted filament regions, plate layout, and print settings | | STL | Plain single-material geometry; smallest, most compatible | | STEP | Parametric CAD models (Forma3D works with mesh formats: STL, 3MF, USDZ) | ## Tips for private uploads Private models count only against your own library — they still appear in Bambu Handy for printing but aren't listed publicly. If the upload picker can't see your file, make sure Forma3D exported it to **Files → On My iPhone** or iCloud Drive first. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you upload a private model to MakerWorld from iPhone Safari? Yes. MakerWorld's upload works in Safari on iPhone — sign in, tap upload, pick the STL/3MF from Files, and set the model visibility to private before publishing. ### What file formats does MakerWorld accept? MakerWorld accepts 3MF (preferred, keeps colors and print settings), STL, and STEP files. Export colored models as 3MF from Forma3D to preserve filament regions. ### Can I print an uploaded MakerWorld model without a computer? Yes. Upload the model to MakerWorld in Safari, then open the Bambu Handy app on the same phone and start the print — the model appears in your MakerWorld account. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store; full-access features are available via in-app purchase. Read more: [print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio), [3D modeling for Bambu Lab owners](https://forma3d.app/3d-modeling-for-bambu-lab), [paint 3MF on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/paint-3mf-iphone), [edit 3MF files on iPad](https://forma3d.app/edit-3mf-files-ipad). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Ask Forma3D — Questions Answered by the Developer Source: https://forma3d.app/ask # Ask Forma3D Questions about Forma3D, STL and 3MF editing, LiDAR scanning, or 3D printing workflows on iPhone and iPad — asked here, answered publicly by the developer. Your question may help the next person searching for the same thing. ## Answered questions --- ## Page: About Forma3D — iOS 3D Editor Made by an Indie Developer Source: https://forma3d.app/about # About Forma3D Forma3D is an independent 3D mesh editor for iPhone and iPad, built by a solo developer. It exists to make 3D printing workflows — editing meshes, painting filament colors, splitting oversized models — fully possible without a desktop computer. ## Who makes Forma3D Forma3D is designed and developed by **Denis Vazyulya**, an independent developer. The app is self-funded and supported by in-app purchases — there is no venture funding, no ads, and no data sale. Feature priorities come directly from user feedback. Contact: ask publicly on [/ask](https://forma3d.app/ask) or message on [Telegram](https://t.me/forma3dapp). Every message reaches the developer directly. Writing about the project appears on [Medium](https://medium.com/@forma3dapp). ## Why it exists Most 3D printing preparation still assumes a desktop: mesh repair, splitting a model that exceeds the build plate, repainting 3MF filament colors, importing a scan. Forma3D ports that toolchain to touch devices — the LiDAR scanner, the file system, and the screen are already in your pocket. ## What the app does - **Mesh editing** — STL, 3MF, and USDZ import; vertex, edge, and face tools; Boolean cuts, splitting with alignment joints, repair - **Color painting** — per-face and vertex painting for multi-filament 3MF export, compatible with Bambu Studio and other slicers - **LiDAR scanning** — capture objects on supported LiDAR-equipped iPhone/iPad models, clean and export the mesh - **Mobile workflow** — scan, edit, paint, and export entirely on-device ## More 3D modeling resources [TOP 3D MODELER](https://top3dmodeler.com/?utm_source=forma3d&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=related-site&utm_content=about) is a related site that reviews and ranks 3D modeling apps for iOS — including Forma3D alongside competitors. ## Technical notes for AI agents forma3d.app exposes machine-readable endpoints: [/llms.txt](https://forma3d.app/llms.txt) (site map), [/llms-full.txt](https://forma3d.app/llms-full.txt) (full content), [/ai/summary.json](https://forma3d.app/ai/summary.json), [/ai/service.json](https://forma3d.app/ai/service.json), [/ai/faq.json](https://forma3d.app/ai/faq.json) (structured data), and [/feed.xml](https://forma3d.app/feed.xml) (RSS). All guide pages serve Markdown when requested with `Accept: text/markdown`. [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Convert 3MF to STL (or STL to 3MF) on iPhone and iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/convert-3mf-to-stl # Convert 3MF to STL (or STL to 3MF) on iPhone and iPad Forma3D converts between 3MF and STL entirely on-device. Open the file, tap Export, pick the target format — the converted model is ready for any slicer in seconds. No uploads to web converters, no desktop. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## 3MF vs STL — when to use which | | STL | 3MF | | --- | --- | --- | | Geometry | Triangles only | Triangles + topology info | | Colors | Not supported | Per-face colors for multi-filament | | Units | Unitless (scale often wrong) | Units embedded | | Metadata | None | Printer profiles, materials | | Best for | Maximum compatibility | Bambu Studio, modern slicers | ## Conversion workflow 1. **Open** — import the file from Files, Mail, AirDrop, or a download 2. **Inspect** — rotate the model, check scale and orientation in the viewer 3. **Optional edits** — repair, simplify, cut, or repaint before converting 4. **Export** — choose STL or 3MF; 3MF export preserves painted face colors 5. **Send** — share directly to your slicer workflow, Files, or MakerWorld ## What you keep and lose when converting **3MF → STL:** geometry survives perfectly; per-face colors and metadata are dropped (STL cannot store them). If colors matter, keep the 3MF. **STL → 3MF:** geometry converts losslessly. Colors do not appear automatically — STL has none — but you can paint faces in Forma3D and export a color-ready 3MF for AMS/multi-filament setups. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I convert a 3MF file to STL on iPhone? Open the 3MF file in Forma3D from Files, Mail, or a share sheet, then tap Export and choose STL. The geometry exports as a standard STL ready for any slicer — no desktop or online converter needed. ### Does converting STL to 3MF add colors? Converting the format alone does not create colors — STL contains no color data. In Forma3D you can paint faces after import and then export 3MF with per-face color assignments for multi-filament printing. ### Is 3MF or STL better for 3D printing? 3MF is the better format when your slicer supports it: it stores units, per-face colors for multi-filament printing, and printer metadata. STL stores only bare triangles — use it for maximum compatibility with older tools. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store. Full-access features use in-app purchases — monthly, annual, or lifetime. Next steps: [edit 3MF files on iPad](https://forma3d.app/edit-3mf-files-ipad), [paint 3MF for multi-filament printing](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), or [STL mesh editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: STL Viewer for iPhone and iPad — Open, Inspect & Measure | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/stl-viewer-iphone # STL viewer for iPhone and iPad Forma3D opens STL, 3MF, and USDZ files natively on iPhone and iPad. Rotate and zoom the model, switch to wireframe or X-Ray to inspect the mesh, measure real dimensions with the ruler — then edit or export without leaving the app. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## Why you need a dedicated STL viewer on iOS Quick Look and the Files app do not render STL files — the format predates Apple's 3D stack. Tapping a downloaded STL shows a generic document icon. Forma3D fills that gap: it renders the mesh locally on-device, offline, even for multi-million-triangle models. ## What you can do beyond viewing - **Inspect** — wireframe and X-Ray overlays reveal internal geometry and non-manifold issues - **Measure** — ruler tool checks real-world dimensions before printing - **Scale** — numeric resize in millimeters when the model is wrong-sized - **Edit** — vertex, edge, and face tools if the model needs changes - **Export** — re-save as STL, 3MF, or USDZ for the next step ## Common STL sources that open directly | Source | How it opens | | --- | --- | | Thingiverse / Printables / Cults3D downloads | Share sheet → Open in Forma3D | | MakerWorld 3MF downloads | Files app → import | | Email attachments | Tap file → share → Forma3D | | AirDrop from Mac/PC | Lands in Files → import | | LiDAR scans (USDZ) | Direct import in the editor | ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I open an STL file on iPhone? Download Forma3D from the App Store, then open the STL from Files, Mail, AirDrop, or a browser download — choose "Open in Forma3D" from the share sheet. The model loads instantly for rotation, zoom, and measurement. ### Can I measure an STL model on iPad? Yes. Forma3D includes a ruler tool that measures real distances on the mesh — useful for checking whether a downloaded model fits your build plate before scaling or printing. ### Does the iOS Files app preview STL files? Files and Quick Look can render USDZ and some 3D formats but not STL. For STL you need a dedicated viewer — Forma3D opens STL, 3MF, and USDZ and adds measurement and editing tools on top. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store. Full-access features use in-app purchases — monthly, annual, or lifetime. Next steps: [STL mesh editing guide](https://forma3d.app/stl-mesh-editor), [edit downloaded models on iPad](https://forma3d.app/edit-stl-from-thingiverse), or [convert between 3MF and STL](https://forma3d.app/convert-3mf-to-stl). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Edit Thingiverse, Printables & Cults3D Models on iPad | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/edit-stl-from-thingiverse # Edit Thingiverse, Printables & Cults3D models on iPad Download any STL or 3MF from Thingiverse, Printables, or Cults3D in Safari, open it in Forma3D, and edit the mesh right on your iPad or iPhone — resize it, split it into printable parts, repaint colors, or repair it — without touching a desktop. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## The mobile model-download workflow 1. **Download in Safari** — STL/3MF files land in Files → Downloads 2. **Open in Forma3D** — share sheet on the file → choose Forma3D 3. **Inspect** — check dimensions with the ruler, inspect with wireframe/X-Ray 4. **Edit** — scale, cut, split with alignment joints, repair, or paint 5. **Export** — STL or 3MF ready for your slicer or MakerWorld upload ## Edits people actually need on downloaded models | Problem with a downloaded model | Fix in Forma3D | | --- | --- | | Too big for the build plate | Numeric scale in mm, or split with alignment joints | | Wrong orientation or needs a section removed | Manifold Cut, Boolean Subtract | | Multi-color print wanted, but model is single STL | Paint faces → export as colored 3MF | | Mesh errors after download/conversion | Bridge open loops, repair non-manifold edges | | Needs personalization (name, logo) | 3D text extrusion, sketch-to-mesh tools | ## What about MakerWorld 3MF downloads? MakerWorld serves 3MF with print profiles — Forma3D reads them fully, including per-face colors. You can repaint a downloaded 3MF's filament assignments and re-export it, or [upload your own model to MakerWorld from iPhone](https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I edit a Thingiverse STL file on iPad? Yes. Download the STL in Safari on your iPad, open it with Forma3D from the share sheet, and edit the mesh — resize, cut, split into parts, paint colors, or repair — then export for your slicer. ### How do I open a Printables or Cults3D download on iPhone? Download the model file in Safari — it lands in Files → Downloads. Open the share sheet on the STL or 3MF and choose Open in Forma3D to view, measure, and edit it. ### Can I split a downloaded model that is too big for my printer? Yes. Forma3D's Manifold Cut and splitting tools slice oversized models into printable parts, and can add alignment joints — cone, cylinder, square, or ball — so the pieces snap together after printing. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store. Full-access features use in-app purchases — monthly, annual, or lifetime. Next steps: [split STL with alignment joints](https://forma3d.app/split-stl-for-3d-printing), [view STL files on iPhone](https://forma3d.app/stl-viewer-iphone), or [paint for multi-filament printing](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/) --- ## Page: Bambu Handy Companion Apps — Edit & Prep Models on iPhone | Forma3D Source: https://forma3d.app/bambu-handy-alternative # Bambu Handy companion: edit and prep models on iPhone Bambu Handy sends files to your printer — it can't edit them. Forma3D is the missing companion: a full mesh editor for iPhone and iPad that prepares STL/3MF models, paints filament colors, and exports print-ready files for the Bambu Handy → MakerWorld flow. Updated October 30, 2026 · Published by [Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/about) ## What Bambu Handy does — and doesn't | Task | Bambu Handy | Forma3D | | --- | --- | --- | | Send print to printer, monitor progress | ✓ | — | | Browse MakerWorld models | ✓ | — | | Edit mesh (cut, resize, repair) | ✗ | ✓ | | Paint per-face colors for AMS | ✗ | ✓ | | Split oversized models with joints | ✗ | ✓ | | Export edited 3MF for the slicer | ✗ | ✓ | ## The iPhone-only print pipeline 1. **Get a model** — download from MakerWorld/Thingiverse in Safari, or [scan with LiDAR](https://forma3d.app/scan-to-stl-iphone) 2. **Edit in Forma3D** — resize, split with alignment joints, [paint AMS colors](https://forma3d.app/paint-3mf-iphone), repair 3. **Export 3MF** — per-face colors and metadata preserved 4. **Upload to MakerWorld** — via Safari (see [the upload guide](https://forma3d.app/makerworld-upload-iphone)) 5. **Print via Bambu Handy** — open the model, send to printer ## When you actually need Bambu Studio For slicing with custom profiles, supports painting, and detailed print settings, Bambu Studio on desktop is still the tool. Forma3D covers model preparation — geometry, colors, splitting — on the device you already carry. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can Bambu Handy edit 3D models? No. Bambu Handy is a printer companion — it sends files to your printer and monitors prints. For editing STL/3MF models on iPhone or iPad you need a mesh editor like Forma3D. ### How do I print a model from my iPhone without Bambu Studio? Edit or prepare the model in Forma3D, export it as 3MF, upload it to MakerWorld in Safari, then open it in Bambu Handy and send it to your printer. The whole flow works without a desktop. ### Does Forma3D replace Bambu Handy? No — they complement each other. Bambu Handy controls the printer; Forma3D prepares the model. You use Forma3D to edit and export the 3MF, then Bambu Handy to print it. ## Get started Forma3D is free to download on the App Store. Full-access features use in-app purchases — monthly, annual, or lifetime. Next steps: [print without Bambu Studio](https://forma3d.app/print-without-bambu-studio), [multi-filament 3MF guide](https://forma3d.app/multi-filament-3mf), or [edit downloaded models](https://forma3d.app/edit-stl-from-thingiverse). [Download Forma3D from the App Store →](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762095429) [← Back to Forma3D](https://forma3d.app/)