3D Model Licensing Explained

When you download a 3D model from Thingiverse, Printables, or any other model site, it's important to understand that it likely comes with a license that tells you what you can and can't do with the model and its prints. Some creators allow you to sell prints of their models, while others restrict usage to personal use only. This guide breaks down what all those license terms actually mean.

Why Licenses Matter

Here's a common scenario: you download a phone stand, print 50 of them, and start selling them on Etsy. If the model was licensed for personal use only, you've just violated the license terms. The creator could ask you to take down your listings, platforms like Etsy could remove them entirely, or in serious cases, you could face legal action for copyright infringement.

The good news is that many creators are happy for you to sell prints of their work as long as you give them proper credit. The license tells you exactly which situation you're in—you just need to check what kind of license the model is published under.

The Most Common License: Creative Commons

Most free 3D models use Creative Commons licenses. These are standardized licenses that clearly outline what you can and can't do. You'll see them on sites like Thingiverse, Printables, and MyMiniFactory. Some sites like MakerWorld have their own platform-specific licenses.

CC BY (Attribution)

This is the most permissive Creative Commons license. You can do almost anything with the model as long as you give credit to the original creator.

What you can do:

• Print it for yourself
• Modify or change it however you want
• Sell prints and earn a profit
• Use it in commercial products
• Share it with others

What you must do:

• Give credit to the original creator
• Include a link to the original model if possible in your product description
• Mention any changes you made to the original

This is ideal if you want to sell prints. Just make sure to include something like "Model by [Creator Name] on Thingiverse" in your product description.

CC BY-NC (Attribution, Non-Commercial)

This is probably the most common license you'll encounter for free models. You can use the model for personal projects, but you can't make money from it.

What you can do:

• Print it for yourself
• Give prints as gifts (not for profit)
• Modify it for personal use
• Share modifications with others

What you cannot do:

• Sell prints of it
• Use it in products you sell
• Use it for business or commercial purposes
• Make money from it in any way

If you see "NC" in the license, that's your clear sign that selling prints is prohibited. It's personal use only.

CC BY-SA (Attribution, Share-Alike)

This license lets you use and modify the model commercially, but there's a catch: any modifications you share must use the same license.

What you can do:

• Use it personally or commercially
• Modify and sell prints for profit
• Share your modifications

What you must do:

• Credit the original creator
• If you share modifications, use the same CC BY-SA license

This license isn't as common, but you'll encounter it occasionally.

CC BY-ND (Attribution, No Derivatives)

This license means you can use the model as-is, but you can't modify it.

What you can do:

• Print it exactly as downloaded
• Use it commercially with proper attribution
• Share the original file

What you cannot do:

• Modify the model
• Create remixes or variations
• Combine it with other models

This license is rare in the 3D printing world because most creators want you to be able to remix and improve their designs.

All Rights Reserved (Paid Models)

When you buy a model from sites like Cults or MyMiniFactory's premium section, it typically comes with an "All Rights Reserved" license. This means the creator retains all rights, and you need to check what your purchase actually allows.

Common terms for paid models:

• Personal use only – You cannot sell these prints
• Limited commercial use – You can print a limited quantity for commercial purposes
• Full commercial license – Unlimited prints allowed

Always read the license that comes with your purchase, as it determines what you can do with the files. Some creators sell personal licenses at a lower price, while commercial licenses typically cost more since you'll be profiting from their designs. Don't assume that buying a model automatically gives you the right to sell prints—the license will make it clear.

Public Domain (CC0)

Occasionally you'll find models marked as Public Domain or CC0. This means the creator has waived all rights, and you can do whatever you want with no restrictions.

What you can do:

• Literally anything
• No attribution required
• Modify, sell, distribute freely

These models are rare. The creator is essentially saying "do whatever you want with this."

What Counts as Commercial Use?

This is where confusion often arises. Here's what commercial use means in the 3D printing world:

Definitely commercial:

• Selling prints on Etsy, eBay, or at craft fairs
• Using prints in products you sell
• Printing for clients or customers
• Using in your business (even if you're not directly selling the print itself)

Not commercial:

• Printing for yourself
• Printing gifts for friends and family (not for profit)
• Using in school projects for educational purposes

If you're making money or profiting in any form, it's considered commercial use. If you're not, it's personal use.

How to Give Credit (Attribution)

When a license requires attribution, here's how to do it properly:

For online sales (like Etsy):

"Model designed by [Creator Name], available on [Platform]"

or

"3D model by [Username] on Thingiverse"

For physical sales (like craft fairs):

Include a small card or tag with the credit information.

The key is making it clear who designed the original model. Most creators are satisfied as long as you're not claiming you designed it yourself. Transparency is essential.

Where to Find License Information

When you're browsing a model page, look for:

• On Thingiverse: License badge near the top of the page, usually right under the model title
• On Printables: License information in the model details section
• On MyMiniFactory: License shown on the model page
• On Cults: Check the description and purchase terms for paid models

If you can't find the license information, it's usually in the model description or displayed when you download. When in doubt, assume it's for personal use only.

Can I Modify Models?

Whether you can modify a model depends on its license. Look for symbols or text indicating the license type.

Yes, you can modify:

• CC BY
• CC BY-NC
• CC BY-SA

No, you cannot modify:

• CC BY-ND (No Derivatives)

If the license doesn't include "ND" (No Derivatives), you're free to modify it. Just remember to give credit to the original creator and mention that you modified their design.

Selling Prints: The Quick Guide

Want to sell prints for commercial purposes? Here's your quick reference:

Can sell prints:

• CC BY (with attribution)
• CC BY-SA (with attribution and same license for modifications)
• Paid models with commercial license

Cannot sell prints:

• CC BY-NC (Non-Commercial)
• All Rights Reserved without commercial license
• Any license that specifically states "personal use only"

When in doubt, check the license or contact the creator directly. Most creators on Thingiverse and Printables are approachable and happy to clarify their terms.

What If There's No License Listed?

If a model doesn't have a clear license, assume it's "All Rights Reserved." That means personal use only unless you get explicit permission from the creator. If you do receive permission, keep a record of it.

Don't assume that just because a model is free to download, you can do whatever you want with it. No license means the creator retains all rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't sell prints of CC BY-NC models. This is the most common mistake. "NC" means Non-Commercial. If you're selling prints, that's commercial use and is prohibited.

Don't forget attribution. If the license requires it, give credit. It's simple to do and creators appreciate it. You don't want legal issues over something that doesn't originally belong to you.

Don't assume paid models include commercial rights. Read the terms before you start selling prints of something you purchased. You can always contact the creator for clarification.

Don't modify CC BY-ND models. "ND" means No Derivatives. Print it as-is or find a different model.