Why has the best 3D printing tool ever been removed from the Microsoft store?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Download and install 3D Builder before it's gone: apps.microsoft...
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Heads up: there is a work around. Onceinasixside posted this short when he discovered the same issue.
th-cam.com/users/shortsHp5xb3xgXq4
No idea how long this will work but you can at least get the latest install file and save it somewhere until it gets removed.
Thanks
Thanks, I've spammed this to help people find it.
This highlights the value that open-sourced software brings to the table. For this specific reason - that my tools won't disappear in the future - I chose FreeCAD, Inkscape, and Blender as the foundation of the STEMFIE Project.
Regarding the mesh-repair features of 3D Builder/Netfabb, could the community inspire (finance) FreeCAD, Blender, or Meshlab developers to take up this task?
Blender has a built in 3d print tools plugin that will repair non-manifold issues with pretty good quality. It's already there but needs enabled in the preferences.
You beat me to it. Mission-critical software should not come from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, etc., because they can arbitrarily change it, deny access to it, or Heaven forbid, remotely delete it from one's computer.
This is the reason I never default to Microsoft. Open source and not requiring internet access are my choices. What you can't do with FreeCAD, Blender will finish.
Okay but... Microsoft owns GitHub... The biggest repository of open source software on the planet... So..
Open source is total crap. How crappy? SO bad that most people still choose MIcroshaft.
Apart from the non-manifold problem fixing, I also find this little minimalist application fantastic for embossing personalizations on round products which I sell. I really hope it does not just suddenly stop working.
Just FY, PrusaSlicer can be used to add text to round objects (raised and embossed).
Microsoft 3D Builder is an essential part of my workflow. It so fast, I even use it to check if an STL is the one I'm looking for when looking through folders. I also use the Boolean functions quite a lot, and occasionally the simplify mesh function.
Zbrush has better boolean operations and does it so much faster. I boolean models with 3 million triangles a lot.
If I may suggest, if you set 3D viewer (not builder) as the default application to open stl and 3mf, the Windows explorer preview (alt + p) shows the model in 3d, with the ability to rotate.
I find this a pretty slick way search through stls without opening any software
Forget Microsoft, the non-manifold problem fixing is available on Repetier for example, and most of the times works perfectly.
And it works on Linux, Mac and Windows.
I have to check if it is still there but Prusa slicer has a "netfabb" repair option. Right mouse button on model 🍻
I can't find that in PrusaSlicer, but the "Simplify model" option seems to fix pretty much anything and doesn't lose you much detail if set to "Very high".
@@MrSlipstreem you will only see it if the model needs repairing. I've never experienced that it doesn't show, but needs it and fail the print. Works very well!
It is in all the Super Slicer derivatives; Prusa Slicer, Bambu Slicer and Orca Slicer.
orca has a similar repair function, not sure if netfabb - and not sure how well it compares to original or 3dBuilder's (and yes I know Orca is based on blah blah) But it still needs testing to see if it works as well, similar ways, or if it is it's own 'repair' functionality. Heck even importing a calibration Temp Tower reads the model has problem and has to be repaired, so maybe we can use that as the base model, and try in all the different slicers and such.
@@IamMrDisaster FYI, SuperSlicer is a PrusaSlicer derivative... I think I remember this feature as far back as Sli3r Prusa Edition (what eventually turned into PrusaSlicer once they had ported the Slic3r codebase to a different language.)
There is a way to still download and install it on Windows 11 "direct" from Microsoft, I uploaded a short detailing the process a couple of weeks ago. You do need a third party website to reveal the download location on MS servers for you, but if you inspect the download it's definitely coming from them. Sucks that they're doing this and I hope as well this doesn't mean the end of 3D builder. It's one of the best tools in a 3D printers toolbox, not only for the repair tool but just as a quick and dirty digital kitbasher it's wonderful. Especially that planar slice tool!
No matter what I could not download it via Microsoft so had to go to Softonic to download. So true how easy it is to use. Fixed my print. Added text like a dream. Edited my part in a heart beat. Just what the doctor ordered. Easiest software that does exactly what I need and free. Blow your mind amazing. Wish I had found this a year ago for all those failed prints.
Import your model into any PrusaSlicer fork and you can repair the model there instead. (OrcaSlicer, SuperSlicer etc). This is a big deal because Microsoft are good at killing off everything we love. So it's good that you are using your platform to speak up about it.
Except that you can't export it for upload to other people.
@@3dpprofessor You can my friend, once you have repaired the model you can right click the model again and Export STL and replace the original file that had the errors
Does it need to be a fork or can this be done in the PrusaSlicer itself?
Orca slicer will do the same. Will fix and had ability to export.
So does Bambu Studio.
Orca Slicer on Windows has this feature and it will throw a warning if an STL needs repairs. Just right click on the object and select Repair STL
I absolutely use this tool for exactly what you stated....fix models that others have sent me that don't want to slice properly. I have also used it to help split models that were too large, or had multiple parts that I only needed 1 piece of. I have also used it to join models that I used to do 3D milling on my CNC. Please don't let them take it away!!
I had a file of a left hemisphere of a brain from a MRI scan that I needed to print for a blind student. Before printing, I ran the print through Netfab, which made it "water tight." As a result, I was able to print the brain. I'm not sure how I would have been able to do that without Netfab.
I used to run a 3D print service at a university library. So many students would send files they made on Sketchup that had so many imperceptible gaps or holes that would literally make the model fall apart in the lye bath that removed the support (yeah, one of those machines). I'd sometimes get lucky with Netfab, but even it couldn't fix some of these things.
@@devinflint5554 Wow! Was that a resin machine? I was always afraid to work with those in the environment in which I worked (a public high school). I had a Deezmaker Bukito, and used PLA. I used Netfab to divide the brain into two parts, each with flat sides so there wouldn't be too much support material. Then I'd glue the two parts together. I did this for a former student of mine who was working on a PhD in cognitive neuroscience. I now have a Prusa.
Do it manually lol
Cough cough... meshmixer is free
@@michaelcheverie7579 No, it was an old Stratasys FDM machine that used a proprietary soluble support material. Huge pain to work with.
Just checked, and it opens up in the microsoft store, but there is no download button for me :(
Apparently it doesn't work with Windows 11.
@@3dpprofessor There is no open option/install option for me either. I'm still on Windows 10. Any ideas?
@@3dpprofessor I'm still on Windows 10 :/
@@3dpprofessor works fine for me, i download it from a 3rd party site 20 0 4 0 version
@@3dpprofessor Weird - I'm on Win 11 and it works just fine.
Unsettling news. I use 3D Builder regularly for repairing my own models. I also highlight it in my 3D Printing curriculum for librarians. Hopefully it is still around for years to come. Thank you for the video.
It looks like we may need some alternatives. It's disabled in Windows 11.
@@3dpprofessor Still works. But you cant download it
It also has an amazing ability to easily join multiple models/STL's together.
for whatever reason the download button once opened in the microsoft store is greyed out! regardless, thank you for the informative video about this tool :D
Yup. It's gone for me too. A greyed out "Get" button.
Well that's even worse.
It seems this applies to Windows 11. Windows 10 may be unaffected. I recently upgraded to 11 and so didn't have 3D Builder installed.
This video has only been up for an hour and they had to be extra evil and just make it not work at all...
I just tried it out and I don't even get a greyed out Get button. There is nothing there at all. Also, I'm on Windows 10.
I use the "drop item" feature on that program to simulate gravity, makes printing organic objects much simpler
Process slicer three years has had the option to process an STL and repair it using netfsbb. So it has been an important tool that was available.
Like others mentioned, they've now disabled the option to get 3D Builder in the store page.
Never knew of this tool until now.... going to check into it
Aaaand it's gone.
that is a true shame, i've since moved over to daily driving linux so haven't used it recently, but i did also use this for the same things you are saying and its saved my bacon a few times when struggling with files that wouldn't show up correctly in the slicer.
what do you use for that in linux?
Oh man, I have had models take HOURS to resolve in 3d builder. I use Meshmixer to resolve those issues. Though, that also lost support a long time ago... Sad are these days when the free software is losing support...
I mean, it sucks when the free stuff gets taken away.
It's worse when there isn't even a paid alternative.
@@3dpprofessor Fusion 360 has all of the meshmixer features in it and repairs meshes very well. I've never had issues with Fusion with the mesh environment.
I used 3D builder as my main modeller for a long time. If often use it now to do a quick resize or to split a model. Join a few parts.
I always thought it had never been Finnish.
It's also underrated, not many on here on TH-cam ever mention it.
I noticed that bambu studio fixes models using Microsoft.
That's what they say, though I wonder if it's the same code lifted from Netfabb that technically Microsoft owns. I hope so, because that means it won't go away.
not any more. it's now opening the store and it's there with a greyed out "get" button
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
Too late. The [Get] button for this item in the store has been disabled.
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
Orca slicer also has this option integrated. Fusion 360 and meshmixer also works.
It even works offline. Which is good. But it doesn't let you export the edited mesh, so not as good for uploading.
@@3dpprofessor You can absolutely export the edited mesh in all of these programs. In orca its as simple as selecting the item and exporting the STL. In fusion you select it from bodies and export it as mesh and select STL. Meshmixer also you can export STLs from easy.
Or if you prefer you can export the 3mf file, You have 2 options, a generic one that just exports the geometry or a bundle that also shares printer and profile settings.
Ah man! I was the person that pointed out to the program team that they had forgotten a measuring tool and got that added in.
I'm glad I got it a year ago. I hope that this video helps people find it. I use it often for designing enclosure frames.
There's an archive for old store apps. So you can still download and install it. It's a market place app package though, so you can't just unzip it and run it, you have to install it with a package manager.
Can someone give a synopsis of the video or point to the place in the video where he reveals the info promised in the title and thumbnail?
After a month, silence is the answer. This channel had gone the way of the clickbait.
Thank you so much. I could not find it anywhere when they removed it.
Orca Slicer will do this for you, if you need to "repair" a model, it will do it with that program, clicking "Fix Model" will do it.
Bambu studio slicer will also do this for you and allow you to save the repaired file.
It does it stating "using a windows service". I wonder if it uses 3dBuilder in the background.
Flashprint will autodetect issues and promt to repair on import, has a great lithophane generator too, just export stl and use in any slicer
Older builds of Windows 10 came with this application, so keep a copy of the old disc or image that you got, or keep your older PC that you don't feel the need of upgrading the OS on, around so you'll have access to it.
3D builder is extremely useful, not only for fixing, but also splitting up , scaling and even creating simple objects from scratch.
I've done countless designs in 3D Builder! Even now after learning more advanced CAD I still use 3D Builder when I want to make quick edits to STLs.
I’m sad it is gone too
Oh my god, yes, this was absolutely an indispensable tool for me! In fact it's one of the few things that make me keep a Windows partition around!!! This tool was fantastic for repairing models and making little changes like scaling or rotating models with a snappy, responsive interface! Also, it had a "Settle" feature where it could drop a model and auto rotate it so that it could be as stable as possible again the "floor", which was amazing for weirdly shaped models on Thingiverse not optimized for printing!!!
They need to open source this and make it available to everyone on any operating system!!!
Considering Microsoft's history with contribution to the open source movement... don't hold your breath.
Thank you for highlighting this. Keep up the good work.
I've been 3D printing for at least 10 years and never heard of nor needed this.
What do you use for your 3D design.
Perhaps not a minimalist solution, but Solid Edge (including the free community edition) has a 3D print toolbar with several checks and validations including non-manifold conditions
How have I never heard of Solid Edge.
@@3dpprofessor in the early days, solid edge had the worst marketing imaginable, which allowed solidworks to pull way, way ahead to become the market leader it is today, but solid edge has been my daily driver for the past 25 years
It is not available I get a blank screen
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
I use it for A LOT OF stuff in my 3D adventure, not only for model repairing and while I love it, I think there is quite the room for improvement. If M$ doesn't want it, they should make it open source, I definetely would love to see that, a simple yet powerful tool
I use the free trial version of Autocad Meshmixer to repair my models, as I occasionally run into a model that Microsoft 3D Builder can't fix. Some of the slicers out there also provide mesh fixing capabilities. Personally, I prefer to model with MS 3D Builder over Tinkercad, as I find I can do more with it, such as importing 2D images to work into a 3D model.
Before I got into 3D printing, I considered 3D Builder bloatware that Microsoft was shoving on my computer. Most people don't 3D print and don't need it, so it basically was just added bloat. It's kind of ironic that a program that I once deleted off my new Windows installations ASAP, I now have to actively seek out and jump through hoops to get installed.
You were right though. And if MS hadn't bought it so they could ram it down your throat, it might be easily available still.
I'm glad I have it installed and don't plan on resetting my computer any time soon
one rarely plans to have to do things like that ...
Well, when you follow the links the "Get" button is still there in the store, but it is greyed out and you can't get it there anymore either.
Check out my latest video where I discuss some alternatives. th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
followed the link... the "Get" button is greyed out :(
3D Builder is a tool that does excellent job to teach kids how to do 3D printing and modeling.
You have all the required basic elements to work with most models.
You need to learn things like doing it via woodworking or stone carving.
It really opens the "Heureka" to kids when they understand 3D models.
You don't use it to do complex 3D engineering like CAD programs are for, but you get so far with it.
For teaching I kind of prefer Tinkercad.
Thank you will have a look. I noticed i couldn't find it on my notebook. 73 👋🏽😊
In today's video I explore how you can get it and some alternatives: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
My suggestion is to keep a Windows 10 laptop around because it was part of the Windows 10 original loadout. You can extract it from the rescue drive as well. I'm glad I found this tool early on and hope that microsoft doesn't remove it via an update. This has happened with native tools before.
the link works to take you there But the 'get' button does not work for me
They did this a few years back with the Media Encoder & audio\video toolset, too.
Fortunately prusa slicer has 2 ways to repair an stl, also the mesh tools addon in cura also works well.
No, it doesn't... never repaired any faulty model for me, just teils me to repair it outside Cura and re-import
@@christianbottger493 open cura click marketplace scroll down to mesh tools click the install button follow the prompts restart cura. In the top menu under extensions there will be mesh tools, in the sub menu it will say fix model normals. Make sure your model is high lighted then select fix model normals works every time
@@christianbottger493 its called mesh tools it's an add on you can get in cura been using it for years
FreeCAD can make STL meshes manifold. I believe Cura can too . 3D builder is like a MS paint enough to be frustrating.
I will be happy to do a FREECAD video to demonstrate.
Let me know when you do.
The functionality is not gone, prusa slicer, and orca slicer call the api that 3d builder uses with 'fix with windows algorithm'.
Yes, but it doesn't let you export to upload.
@@3dpprofessor you can't??? All those slicer have an "Export as STL" function for the repaired (and all other models loaded), that should do the Trick. But: is that Windows API still available without 3DBuilder???
The "3D building" of 3D Builder always appeared to be built by someone that never did any kind of 3D designing
I use 3d Builder daily for my hobby needs. It is so easy and intuitive to make basic designs!
love your videos, went to download but doesnt show as a download being available now?
In today's video I explore how you can get it and some alternatives: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
I use the Mesh Tools plugin in Cura. I'm not sure if it does the same thing.
I've also generally had better luck with 3D Builder than Meshmixer for repairing models. Maybe it's time for a new video on how to perform similar repairs in Fusion (360) (Personal).
or onshape
Take a peek at Orca Slicer :) I have not used another slicer since using it... it is very powerful
I thought i would download befroe it disappeared from the store, but alas the link isnt on the 3d Builder page of the Store, info on the app is but the link is missing.
I just tried to download 3D Builder from the link you provided but there is no way to get the download.
I will be downloading this as soon as I can fix that fabulous Windows 10 (the constant problems addition)
If I am not mistaken there is a way do download executables from the microsoft store trough some powershell command
And there are sites that are hosting them: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
3d builder doesn't have a download link for me following your link. i think its now gone.
The basic problem is that you want to rely on Microsoft as a private person! Don't do it.
I run every model i make or download through 3D builder. Not only does it fix the model, but the save files are also *way* smaller.
You can also open some wierd formats and save them as stl, which has saved my bacon a few times.
I followed the link and got to the MS Store download option, clicked it and the resulting page has no download option... Looks like MS got ahead of me... Am I missing something? Thanks for putting this out there!
The page can be found from you link but the download page route to the MSFT Store and the Get button is grayed out so it appear it currently can not be downloaded
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
too late it seems to have gone already, there is a link to the page but there is no downloadable 😞
Fortunatly there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
I did what you have suggested. I'm running windows 11. And tried to get it downloaded. And guess what they have greyed out the get button on the store looks like it is no more available to anyone. I was hoping to try it out over here myself.
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
Microsoft should do the right thing, and donate the algorithm to the open source community. This would go a long way keeping innovation alive. And it would help Microsoft immensely by looking better and less shitty like they already are.
Agreed. But M$ does not have a great track record when it comes to getting their fingers into open source projects.
Just went to the windows store on windows 11. No download button.
ive downloaded it but i couldnt get it from the store only from the link with a different browser
i normally use bambulab slicer
Well, when I open the store link, the button says "Get" and not "open". It appears it isn't working now. I could be doing something wrong.
Fortunately, there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
There are several offline installers of it floating around. Also, worse case, it was included with earlier releases of Windows 10. If you have an older install disk or an ISO, you are good to go...
I can’t seem to be able to download it :-/
Agreed, this is an amazing tool. I use it in my workflow and essential since I started 3d printing 5 years ago. Not a smart move by Microsoft.
I just tried downloading this (10/25/2024 - 14:14 CST) and it appears to be gone.
FreeCAD also has this feature its called Mesh Evaluation.
I wonder if it's the same thing.
A big part of the way this worked is that it didn't change the underlying mesh more than it needed to. I really liked that. As opposed to some other tools that remesh it.
Interesting. I don't do mesh manipulation in FreeCAD (haven't learned the techniques yet), so my only use of the Mesh Workbench so far has been to export stl files. Though, I've stopped exporting stls and now export step ever since PrusaSlicer started supporting step import.
How easy is the Mesh Evaluation to use on FCv1RC2+?
@@Sembazuru step is superior to stl.
@@3dpprofessor Truth to be told I never have used it because i always export in step that do not seam to produce that kind of error.
@@segment932 step may be superior to stl, but neither you nor I can control what format others release their models in. ;-)
I've used 3D Builder ever since I started 3D printing over 4 years ago. I use it to modify existing STLs and to create other simple models. I don't have the expertise to use Fusion 360 or anything like that, so if 3D Builder was ever removed by Microsoft I would not be happy!
I just use blender and the 3D Print Toolbox addon but it's part of my workflow and I already use blender to create models anyway.
In today's video I explore this and it's downsides: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
The "Get" button is greyed out for me now on Windows 10 in the store to install 3d Builder.
Were is the link that will allow me to download 3d Builder? The one you have listed is Like an online version. thanks
See my latest video: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
Since we are talking the same Microsoft that thinks everyone should keep their task bar locked on the bottom of the screen, likely no, they will not free this great tool up.
I just tried and ... both buttons on the the one screen open the store, but the store no longer has a Download button for me.
same.
I wonder if it's gone if you didn't already install it.
Well that's even worse.
I find uit in the store but the download buttin appear gray
Fortunately there are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html
I've used that tool to repair models as well.
I wonder if that functionality is in Blender or Cura or a common slcer?
It's not in Blender for sure.
Too late. It's gone. Link opens the store, but there's no download button to get it.
I use 3D builder all the time, its just so handy to make my model manifold. I t is worth a try posting reviews on the download link with the reasons not to kill off this bit if software.
I use Bambu Studio and I gets a non-manifold edges or whatever statement usually when I'm cutting a model up in the slicer. I've never downloaded the program you're talking about and I have this option to repair whatever problem this is. I just thought it came standard now and Windows because it says Windows will repair this now.
I guess I'm confused when you say you can't download it anymore and it might be going away.
Can MeshMixer fix non-manifold meshes like this?
does not work for me. It's grayed out. I can't download it
I 100% agree with this video...3d Builder for all its simplicity and lack of ability to do much is still my #1 go-to on a daily basis to check & repair files before sending them to my slicer...definitely a huge loss of a fantastic quick-fix tool!
Where can I get a 3D builder for Win 7. the Appx install file does not run on Windows 7. Getting desperate... Is there another Win 7 install file some where.
Did it ever run on Windows 7?
Man; i now understand why it just crashes everytimr i open it; and couldn't find it..
I don't have many errors, when i use blender, and 3d builder together. Kinda went without it because it wasn't really needed so long as i went throigh my 'checklist' of potential errors in my head.
Getting back this, software would be nice though.
Was amazed at how how user friendly it is, and there is very few options to distract the eye.
Links do not work - Im sure its out there but just where????
There are options: th-cam.com/video/G10kNtq-E6M/w-d-xo.html