How to sell 3D designs on Cults3D -

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If you want to sell 3D designs and earn some extra money, one of the platforms to do so is Cults3d.com

Cults3D is one of the platforms where you can upload and download STL files. Free STL files to download and also paid files to sell or buy.

In this post I want to show you a step by step, (from registration to publication) of an STL file designed by me and how to put it up for sale on Cults3D.

The intention is to accompany this publication with images, so that those who want to sell 3D designs or sell STL files can do so by following the steps below.

I assume that those who want to sell stl files will be designers, creators of their own designs.

First step: Have a 3D design to sell

Learning to design can seem very difficult for those who are just starting out, but everything can be learned. No one is born knowing everything, and although it is easier for some and more difficult for others, with a lot of effort and dedication everything is possible (and a lot of patience too).

At this point, more experienced designers will have no problems, but if you are just starting out, there are many tools that will help you in the design process.

if you are a beginner like meI want to recommend you tinkercad which is a online design tool from Autodesk. It is very easy to use, and has all kinds of tools and preset shapes that will help you with your first designs.

Sell 3D designs Lightning McQueen wheel — Image: 3D Wheel Design for Remote Control Lightning McQueen, exported as STL

A while ago I gave my 3-year-old son a Lightning McQueen remote-controlled car from the famous Disney movies. Unfortunately, he broke a wheel while playing with it, but since it's such a cute and functional toy, I decided to try and repair it with my 3D printer.

To do this I had to take all the measurements of the wheel, heights, widths, depths, diameters. Then I proceeded with the design in Tinkercad, which I really enjoyed doing.

Second step: Register on Cults

If you are not registered, you will need to complete the registration process and log in to start uploading your files to Cults3D.

Sell 3D designs on Cults — Cults3d.com Home Page

To start registration Click to the right of the search box where it says “Access”

Register on Cults to sell 3d stl designs — Registration page at Cults3d.com

Complete your registration details by entering your email and choosing a password. Then log in to the platform using this information.

Third step: Upload files in Cults3D

Once inside you will do Click on the “upload” button which is on the top left.

Uploading files to Cults3d — Upload files in Cults3D

Clicking “upload” will open a page where you can see all the available options.

Add a 3D model
Add a make
Import my designs from Thingiverse

Cults3d add a 3D model — Cults3D Add a 3D model

And below this is the explanation of the commission system, where you can read that you will receive 80% of the net sale price and Cults will keep the remaining 20%.

Click add a 3D model.

Setting up a new creation in Cults3D — New creation at Cults3d.com

On this page you must place:

The name of your creation: (In my case I'm going to call it "Lightning McQueen Remote Control Wheel")
3D model description: (Here you can put the description of your design)
3D printing parameters: (Layer height, percentage of landing or any relevant data)
Category: (Choose a category according to your design)
Tags: (Here you should write the keywords, those with which other users can find your design)
Add the Stl file or 3D model: (This is where you will upload your STL files)
Add photos: (It is vital to accompany your design with quality images that show your finished work)

Once you are done do click next.

Cults3d upload files — Image: Cults3D upload files

In the next window you can configure whether you want your files to be paid or free. Or if you want them to be public or private.

If what you want is to sell them then Select the “Pay” option and then choose the amount, which by default is set to 0.65 cvs.

On the right you can see some tips from Cults on how to set the right price, as well as taking into account whether what you are uploading has not been uploaded by someone for free.

Cults3d Stl file setup — Image: Cults3D Stl file setup – Setting the right price

Fourth step: publish the files

To complete the upload process, simply click “Publish” and you’re done.

On the next page you will see a congratulatory banner and a message saying that you must immediately fill in your PayPal identity details and email in order to receive the money from your sales. (It is important that you complete these details)

Below this banner you can see how your finished publication looks.

Congratulations! Your design is now for sale!

Cults is one of the platforms to sell 3D designs, even with a higher commission than the others (80%) while others allow you to earn up to 60% of the profits.