3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital model file. 3D printers are the machines that make these three-dimensional objects by laying down successive layers of material, one layer at a time, to build up a complete object.

3D printing enables users to prototype and manufacture a wide range of parts for a variety of uses, both quickly and cost-effectively. In addition to choosing the right 3D printing technology and 3D printer, choosing the right material is critical to the success of a 3D print.

3D software is computer software designed to create and modify 3D models, as well as prepare files for printing on a 3D printer. From preparing your model to managing the printing process, there are several types of software used in 3D printing.