3D printing is the process of creating a physical object by adding material, usually in layers, until a part is built. There are several steps between thinking of an object and holding a 3D printed version in your hand. This article covers the basics of that process.

There are two main types of software involved in 3D printing- Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and slicing software. Learn about how the two fit into the 3D printing process and our recommendations for each.