Where to sell your 3D models
Compare four ways to sell your 3D models, from files and memberships to printing rights. Find the approach that fits your work.
By Fabio, The Genesys
When choosing where to sell your 3D models, I would start with what you want to offer: a file, a growing collection or the right to print your design. Here I compare four alternatives to help you choose an approach that fits your work and the people you want to reach.
The alternatives at a glance
| Alternative | When I would consider it | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| The Genesys | You want to sell printing rights while keeping the file within the platform’s network. | The buyer’s journey, model preparation and payout terms. |
| Cults3D | You want a marketplace focused on models for 3D printing. | Creator’s share: 80% of each sale; no fixed fee or subscription. Creators choose the licences, including commercial options. Payout thresholds and methods were not stated on the public pages read on 23 October 2026. |
| Thangs | You want to build an audience around models and recurring content. | Designer memberships, Bundle and individual sales; payouts through Stripe. Compare the chosen offer and its applicable terms. |
| Etsy | You want to offer a digital product in a shop that also reaches people looking for creative ideas. | US$0.20 listing fee; 6.5% transaction fee; separate country-specific payment processing fees. Offsite Ads add a fee to attributed orders. |
The Genesys: sell the right to print your designs
On The Genesys, you upload your models, set the price and offer them through your shop. Customers buy the right to print within The Genesys network; the file cannot be downloaded. I would choose this approach when the value of the design is tied to making it through the platform’s printing process.
You can also receive custom design requests through your shop, assess the project and send a quote. This is separate from selling catalogue models and calls for its own allocation of your time.
Cults3D: an audience interested in printable models
Cults3D invites designers to sell models made for 3D printing. I would consider it for a collection aimed at people already looking for that kind of content. Official creator page.
Cults3D states that creators receive 80% of each sale, with no fixed fee or subscription. Creators choose the licences, including commercial options. Details of payout thresholds and methods for creators were not stated on the public pages read on 23 October 2026. Creator’s share and costs · Licences. CMO verification: 23 October 2026.
Thangs: an ongoing relationship with your audience
Thangs presents designer tools and creator-specific memberships. It is an option to consider if you create regularly and want to build a recurring offer around your models. Official designer guide.
Thangs supports designer memberships with up to 5 tiers, Bundle and individual paid or free downloads; it also offers print-on-demand. Payouts go through Stripe. Compare the offer you choose and its applicable terms. Designer options · Terms of sale. CMO verification: 23 October 2026.
Etsy: a shop for digital products
Etsy describes selling digital products in its seller handbook. I would consider it if you want to present your designs as creative products, with images and descriptions focused on what the buyer wants to make. Official digital products guide.
For a digital item, Etsy lists a US$0.20 listing fee and a 6.5% transaction fee; payment processing is separate and varies by country. Orders attributed to Offsite Ads carry a 15% fee, or 12% above US$10,000 in annual sales under the applicable terms. These are separate charges, not a single all-inclusive commission. Official fees. CMO verification: 23 October 2026.
How I would choose
I would take a representative model and follow the buyer’s journey: what they receive, how they can use it and what remains of the sale after applicable costs. Then I would consider my own work: preparation, updates, support and content for my audience.
A collection you update regularly may suit a recurring offer. A clearly defined model may work as an individual product. If you want your design to be printed within a network without handing over the file, The Genesys offers that approach.
The Genesys payment details: a 20% commission; earnings mature after 14 days, with monthly payouts by the 3rd once at least €50 is available and a Stripe account is connected through Studio.
Bring your models to The Genesys
Create your account and start with the model you want to offer. The same account lets you create, buy and print.
