Paint 3D Models: Add, Import and Export (2026)

Paint 3D › Tutorials › 3D Models

Paint 3D Models

Everything you need to work with 3D models in Paint 3D, from built-in shapes to 3D printing.

6 min readUpdated October 2026

3D models are what set Paint 3D apart from classic Microsoft Paint. You can drop ready-made models into a scene, build your own from basic shapes, import files from other 3D software, and export your creations for 3D printing. This guide covers each step. If you are brand new to the app, read the Paint 3D beginner guide first.

3D models in Paint 3D: a cube, sphere and cylinder on a transparent canvas, with Add, Import, Edit and Export options and 3MF, GLB, FBX and STL formats

Add built-in 3D models and shapes

  1. Click the 3D shapes tab in the top toolbar.
  2. Under 3D models, pick a ready-made model such as a person, dog, cat, or fish. Under 3D objects, pick a basic shape such as a cube, sphere, cone, or cylinder.
  3. Click and drag on the canvas to place it.
  4. Change its color and material (matte, gloss, dull metal, or polished metal) in the side panel.

Create your own model with 3D doodle

The 3D doodle tools turn any closed outline into a solid object. Sharp edge extrudes flat shapes; soft edge inflates rounded ones. Our 2D to 3D tutorial covers this in detail.

Import 3D models from other apps

Click Menu > Insert and choose a model file. Paint 3D imports 3MF, FBX, OBJ, PLY, STL, and GLB, so you can bring in models made in Blender, Tinkercad, or downloaded from free 3D model libraries. 3MF and GLB usually import most reliably, with textures intact.

Edit a 3D model

  • Rotate and position: use the three rotation handles and the depth handle around the selection box.
  • Resize: drag the corners of the selection box.
  • Paint it: choose a brush from the Brushes tab and draw directly on the surface.
  • Add textures: open Stickers and drag a sticker or texture onto the model; it wraps around the shape.
  • Group objects: select several objects together to move them as one.

About the 3D library: the 3D library tab pulled community models from Microsoft’s Remix 3D service, which was retired in 2021. It may show no models today; import files instead.

Export Paint 3D models for 3D printing

  1. Click Menu > Save as and choose 3D model.
  2. Pick 3MF (recommended for printing, keeps color) or STL (supported by every slicer). GLB and FBX are best for other 3D apps and the web.
  3. Open the file in your slicer software to prepare it for printing.

FAQ

Where can I find free 3D models for Paint 3D?

Free model libraries that offer OBJ, STL, or GLB downloads work well. Import them with Menu > Insert.

Is Paint 3D good for 3D printing?

It is fine for simple models and learning. For precise, measured parts, a tool like Tinkercad is better. See our Paint 3D alternatives.