3D Printed Anime figures 6 Best Websites to Get 3D Models

 |  Chhavi Malik

6 Best Websites to Download 3D Models of Anime Figures 

If you are an anime enthusiast, you would be someone who would enjoy collecting anime figures. But good quality figures that are licensed merchandise of your favorite anime would be costly, with prices north of  $50. With all the anime characters out there and all the different figures available in the market, you would have to spend a fortune to collect them all, or at least your favorite ones. Why not just 3D print them for a fraction of the price?

What Makes an Anime Figure Stand Out?

  • Ease of finding: Locating the precise model you're looking for can be challenging. An essential factor in whether a figure satisfies this requirement is whether it simplifies the procedure, for as through the use of helpful categories and search filters.

  • Quality and authenticity: While exercising some artistic license is acceptable, models must maintain their original appearance.

  • Reasonable pricing: Free is preferable to a reasonable cost. Buying models that cost twice as much as the authorized product is useless.

  • Ease of printing: If you want to 3D print a specific anime model, consider how simple it will be to do so. The model you select must be trustworthy for 3D printing; for instance, it shouldn't include any angles that would necessitate an excessive number of support structures.

Where Can You Find Good Anime Models for Printing?

3D anime figure

Let’s now look into some of the most favored websites that you can get designs of anime figures.

1. Turbosquid

Turbosquid

TurboSquid offers content that is perfect in terms of quality. The models on TurboSquid can vary due to the site's popularity and the duration for which this website has been active. On this platform, there are a lot of models from shows like Dragon Ball and Naruto. The main problem here, though, is printability. It's not surprising, considering that the only 3D printing support offered by TurboSquid is an STL file filter. It would be up to you to decide whether or not printing a model is worthwhile. With little emphasis on printability, TurboSquid includes a tag system that may be useful depending on your search. 

Many different types of models are available, ranging from professional creations to the first 3D models made by kids. There are models available for nothing to $300. Because TurboSquid caters to numerous markets, you can find yourself paying for rigging and texturing that you don't require. Making models printable could require some additional work, but you might be lucky and come across the occasional model that is designed to be printed.

2. CGTrader

CGTrader website

As its name suggests, CGTrader is a for-profit website with stunning models. Although it offers 3D models for several applications, it also includes a search toggle for information that is expressly 3D printable. Also, it features a fantastic assortment of models, with Dragon Ball being a standout. One Piece, Darling in the Franxx, Ranma 1/2, and a very intense Motoko from Ghost in the Shell are also represented by models! For quick results, the "3D Print" filter is particularly helpful. 

The models on CGTrader are typically the best quality, but they are all expensive; you should prepare to pay for anything there. Although costs can reach hundreds of dollars, models usually cost between $5 and $50. When searching, select "3D Print" under the characteristics drop-down menu, and you're ready to go. You won't get the impression that your collection is suddenly minimal. Nonetheless, you can search for everything and try your luck printing it if you're feeling bold.

3. Thingiverse

Thingiverse website

Thingiverse, the home of genuinely free and 3D printable models, has models from a huge selection of shows and films. There are numerous Pokémon models there, ranging from realistic to geometric. A striking Tachikoma from Ghost in the Shell can be found, and you can try your hand at a "Gunpla" using several Gundam kits. A lot of items on Thingiverse are influenced by anime, including this Sailor Moon necklace. Choose your favorite anime series and decorate your house or workspace with some anime flair. Although it can be hit or miss, keep an eye out for tags pointing you toward a group of models you're interested in. You can see a lot of variety in this. 

While some models exhibit incredible attention to detail, others were created by novices who only wanted to try to make something they adore. Every model is free! Rarely will you find someone linking to a paid version of their work off-site. The community on Thingiverse is active in posting Copies of well-known models, and the site is solely dedicated to 3D printing. A 3D model might occasionally be submitted without taking into account printing. However, this is rare.

4. Cults3D

Cults3D interface

A marketplace for different 3D models, Cults offers models that are free and paid options. Studio Ghibli appears to be quite well-liked with a myriad of designs, and you can even buy complete dioramas based on Evangelion moments. While some more sophisticated materials have been built for resin printers rather than FDM, paying attention to the printing process that a model demands is essential. Despite lacking anime-specific features, Cults' search function performs an excellent job of guiding you to the most pertinent results. Though you may come across the occasional model who is a little more stylistic, models are typical of a high caliber. 

The cost of cults can range greatly, from free to $150. Normally, high-quality models cost between $20 and $30. Cults is centered on 3D printing; in particular, paid models ought to be printable immediately. A good designer will give you "exploded" views of every part of a figure so you can understand how it all fits together. Cults is centered on 3D printing; in particular, paid models ought to be printable immediately. A good designer will give you "exploded" views of every part of a figure so you can understand how it all fits together.

5. Etsy

Etsy interface

3D printing has always been possible on Etsy. It is the preferred option for small firms offering printed parts to customers who do not own 3D printers. If you're interested, you might want to think about launching a 3D printing company. Etsy accommodates a variety of modelers and designers in addition to small-scale businesses, and the selection of models is fairly astounding. You can pick out a charming diorama of Tanjiro and Nezuko from Demon Slayer and a Totoro Family, among many others. Unfortunately, due to the lack of regulation, many models are offered for sale without the author's consent, and it can be challenging to distinguish between artists working legally and those reselling stolen artwork. 

Etsy's search is surprisingly easy to use for such a large website. Search results for terms like ".stl anime" are relevant. The quality is above average. Furthermore, the range of the characters shown is excellent. It is probably stolen when the price is too low, between $3 and $6. If you see something that appears too good to be true, maybe it isn't. A real creation typically costs $15 or more. With a few exceptions, many models are polished for 3D printing.

6. Sketchfab

Besides being a marketplace and download directory, Sketchfab also functions as a showcase for all artists. This implies that not all of the models you find on Sketchfab will be available for download, but you can still find numerous awesome stuff to look at. Although Sketchfab isn't specifically designed for 3D printing, entering "printable" in the search bar will yield several ready-to-use models. Pricing for paid models often ranges from $5 to $30. A wonderful Ryuk from Death Note, Kogoro Mouri's office from Detective Conan, and even a cute pixelated group of Sailor Moon characters can be found when you search about. 

The search engine works as expected and returns the desired results. There isn't, however, a filter or tag that may be printed. The standard for quality on Sketchfab appears to be quite high. There aren't many submissions that genuinely seem amateur or low effort. Depending on the model, printability varies, but it's simple to discover models designed expressly for 3D printing.

3D Print Your Favorite Anime Characters in No Time

Great anime figures are the ones you can find easily on platforms that share 3D models, have superb printability, excellent quality, and authenticity, and have significant value for the money you spend on them, if at all you have to. While looking for 3D models to print, make sure you check first on platforms with search filtering options that help you find models you are looking for and are also ideal for printing. If you are looking for free models, search on Thingiverse, but you might have to compromise a little on the quality and authenticity of the final product. However, if you are ready to spend reasonable amounts for good quality figures with authenticity, head to Cults3D, Sketchfab, or Etsy. Another option you have is to learn to design these figures on your own. There are a lot of tools available that you can use to create your designs, but we recommend using SelfCAD.

While SelfCAD maintains simplicity, it doesn't compromise on the range and capability of its tools. Anime characters often come with intricate designs, unique hairstyles, and distinct outfits. The versatility of SelfCAD's tools ensures that users can capture these nuances with precision. Features like advanced sculpting, detailed drawing tools, and a vast library of materials and colors mean that every aspect of the character, from their sparkling eyes to the folds in their clothes, can be meticulously designed. Additionally, its ability to import and incorporate pre-made models allows for even greater detail and depth in character creation.


Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.

Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.

Was this blog post interesting or helpful?