3D Builder FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions from the 3D Builder team, we will update this as needed.

How do I move an object around in the editor?

With the object(s) selected, you can simply tap and drag the object around the scene.  Alternatively, you can tap the move icon on the outer ring of the radial menu and tap the axis which you want to move along (X, Y or Z).  Then simply slide the adjustment dial on the inner ring of the radial menu to move to the desired position.  For precise placement, tap on the X, Y, or Z value on the outer ring of the radial menu, then type the precise value desired in the dropdown control.

How do I scale an object?

With the object(s) selected, tap the scale icon on the outer ring of the radial menu.  Then simply slide the adjustment dial on the inner ring of the radial menu to scale up or down to the desired size. Objects scale proportionally on all axes.  For precise scaling, tap on the X, Y, or Z value on the outer ring of the radial menu, then type the precise value desired in the dropdown control.

How do I rotate an object?

With the object(s) selected, tap the rotate icon on the outer ring of the radial menu and tap the axis which you want to rotate around (X, Y or Z).  Then simply slide the adjustment dial on the inner ring of the radial menu to rotate to the desired angle.  For precise rotation, tap on the Pitch, Roll, or Yaw value on the outer ring of the radial menu, then type the precise value desired in the dropdown control. Pitch controls rotation around the X axis relative to the object’s orientation when it was first loaded. Roll controls rotation around the Y axis relative to the object’s orientation when it was first loaded. Yaw controls rotation around the Z axis relative to the object’s orientation when it was first loaded.

Can I enter a precise value when scaling, rotating or moving an object?

Yes. By tapping on the X, Y or Z values (or Pitch, Roll, Yaw values in the case of rotation) on the outer ring of the radial menu, a dropdown control will appear allowing you to type in precise values for the currently selected operation (scale, rotate or move).

How do I manipulate the camera view in the editor?

With one finger, touch and drag to rotate the camera view.  Pinch open and pinch close to zoom in and out respectively.  Use three fingers to move the entire scene up and down vertically.  Press the ‘Center View’ button in the menu at any time to re-center the camera view on the selected object(s).

How do I select and deselect individual objects in the editor?

Selected objects are represented with a blue bounding box around the object.  Using touch, a single tap on an object selects it and when an object is already selected, a single tap on the object deselects it. When using a mouse, a single click selects the object and deselects all other objects. To select multiple objects with a mouse and keyboard, hold down shift when clicking an object to add or remove that object from the current selection.

Can I load multiple objects at the same time in the editor?

Multiple objects can easily be loaded into the editor.  Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app bar.  From the app bar tap the ‘Add’ button to add objects from the app’s library or from your own 3D object files.

How do I save the file I am working on?

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app bar.  From the app bar tap the ‘Save’ button.  You can also press the ‘Back’ arrow in the upper left hand corner to return the Home page and you will automatically be prompted to save before exiting.

How do I view or save out details about an object?

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app bar.  From the app bar tap the ‘About’ button.  Here you can view details about an object or edit the details to be saved with your own objects.

How do I reset or clear out the current scene?

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app bar.  From the app bar tap the ‘New Scene’ button which will allow you to remove all objects from the current scene.  A prompt will warn you about this operation before continuing.

How do I change the unit of measurement in the editor?

Simply swipe left or right with one finger on the measurement reading in the center of the radial menu to cycle through the different units of measurement.

What type of 3D object files can I import into the 3D Builder app?

OBJ, STL and 3MF files can currently be imported into the 3D Builder app.

Which 3D printers are compatible with the app?

The 3D Builder app supports any Windows 8.1-ready 3D printer. Currently, the Makerbot Replicator 2 Desktop printer is supported, with many more printer drivers under development by various 3D printer manufacturers. Please contact your printer’s manufacturer for details on driver availability.

Why am I getting a notification that my object has errors?

The 3D Builder app automatically analyzes files upon loading to check for printability.  When errors are detected the app notifies the user that the current object is not printable until the errors are corrected. Typically, these errors are problems with the object that were generated by the original application in which the object was created. Check with the documentation or the developer of your object authoring software for how to fix these objects for 3D printing.

How do I switch to a different 3D printer?

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app bar.  From the app bar tap the ‘Settings’ button which will display all installed Windows 8.1-ready 3D printers.  Simply tap on the name of a 3D printer to select it as the target printer. This updates the output area for the model to match the selected printer.