3D STL Text Designer

3D Printing Tips for Text & Emoji Designs (Stencils & Attachments)

Use the 3D Text Designer above to lay out words and emojis flat on the build plate.
Export a ready-to-print STL or OBJ for stencils, signage, and add-on designs you can glue to boards, gift boxes, baskets, and more.

Plan for Strength & Readability

  • Stroke width matters: For a 0.4 mm nozzle, keep the thinnest letter strokes ≥ 0.8–1.2 mm to avoid weak or missing features.
  • Letter height: 3–5 mm tall characters are easy to print and handle; go larger for outdoor signage or high-contrast displays.
  • Stencil mode: Choose fonts with bridges or use the app’s options to keep interior “islands” (e.g., A, O, P, R) connected.

Scale in the App (Not the Slicer)

If you need a different size, rebuild in the app. Slicer scaling can shrink letter strokes and emoji lines below printable widths, causing fragile details.

Supports & Orientation

  • Orientation: Print flat on the bed for best surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
  • Supports: Not required for flat text, emojis, or stencils.
  • Adhesion: A skirt is usually enough; use a brim for narrow letters or small stencils to prevent edge lift.

Recommended Slicer Settings

  • Nozzle: 0.4 mm (standard)
  • Layer Height: 0.12–0.16 mm for crisp edges and clean curves
  • Perimeters (Walls): 2–3 (≈0.8–1.2 mm) to strengthen thin letter strokes
  • Top/Bottom: 4–6 layers total (≈0.8–1.2 mm) for a smooth finish
  • Infill: 15–20% (Grid or Gyroid) — low overhangs don’t need dense infill
  • Speed: 45–60 mm/s; slow outer walls (35–45 mm/s) sharpen text edges
  • Material: PLA (easy, vibrant), PETG (tougher, flexible edges for stencils)

Multicolor on Single-Extruder Printers (Easy Two-Tone)

For color accents on raised letters or emoji outlines, use your slicer’s Pause at Layer/Color Change:

  1. Slice normally and preview layers to find where the raised features begin.
  2. Insert a pause at that layer height.
  3. Start with your base color, then swap to the accent color at the pause, and resume.

Want different colors per word? Export separate words as individual STLs from the app and print them one at a time in different filaments.

Emoji & Fine Detail Tips

  • Prefer mono/outline emoji styles for print clarity; avoid ultra-thin lines.
  • If small details look soft, increase object size in the app or choose chunkier fonts/icons.
  • Enable ironing (if supported) for smoother top surfaces around flat text.

Mounting & Finishing

  • Adhesives: Gel CA + activator for quick bonds;
    5-minute epoxy for larger signs; 3M VHB tape for clean, no-mess installs.
  • Surface prep: Light sanding & isopropyl alcohol wipe improves adhesion to wood, acrylic, and painted surfaces.
  • Paint: Prime with filler-primer, sand, then apply acrylics for vivid color blocking.

Design and download a 3D text STL or 3D text stencil STL with emoji accents in minutes.
Export from the app, slice with support-free settings, and attach your custom letters to boards, boxes, baskets, and more.