This was originally posted here as an article for Maker World, and has been backdated to reflect the original's post time.
Sometimes, I’d be in the final stages of uploading a model, and then I’d realize… I have so much that I want to say about a model that I don’t know how to format it all!
For a simple model, of course, it can be rather easy. I just introduce the model, maybe give a couple tips on print settings, and let the user be on their way.
But for more complex models, well… I wanna have an interesting intro, of course, but I also want to have clear instructions, and print setting recommendations… oh but for that, I should probably list out all the parts, and the filaments I used, too! But which one should I talk about first, and what information should I pair together, and how should I lay it all out in a way that’s easy to absorb…?
Well, I’m not going to claim that I’ve found the perfect, universal way to organize all the information you’ll need to convey about your models, but I think I’ve made one that’s pretty darn good. If you’re at all interested, you can check out the template with explanations below, and then below that, I’ve provided a blank one that is free for everyone to use! No need to credit me, and you can feel free to modify it to your liking.
If you want to see it in action, you can check out this model here.
Enjoy!
Title (Model name)
Intro
Talk about the reason you made this, inspiration, general overview of its function. If you have a video guide, mention it here.
Parts List
Files:
List each of the files included in your upload and any special info about them the user may need to know.
Filaments:
List any brands/colors/materials (and what they’re used for)
Printed Parts:
Special Print Instructions:
If there are any special settings in general that the user needs to keep in mind, put them here
If it makes sense to categorize parts into subgroups, you can do that here. Otherwise, just list them all in one list:
Subgroup 1
Name of part (and color, with any print instructions relevant
Subgroup 2
More Parts
Non-Printed Parts:
Anything like glue, washers, string, etc that can’t be printed
Assembly
Intro:
Use this space to give the user a general idea of how the assembly will be carried out, to make the process as smooth as possible. If there are any easy-to-make mistakes, it might be a good idea to list them here, for users to keep them in mind and avoid them (although, of course, it’s best to make your model as difficult to mess up as possible from the get-go!)
Ex: “All of the pegs are the same size, and all of the pieces have unique shapes on them –one side is bumped out, while the other side is caved in. This prevents you from putting anything on the wrong surface. Also, all of the pegs are the same size except for the two near the base, so make sure you don’t put those in any of the other holes.
Instructions:
Numbered lists are pretty handy. It may help to include pictures or GIFs if you really want to get your point across.
Conclusion:
Give a little thanks to your viewers, a sendoff, whatever you need to wrap it up!
I also like to give a little bit of a bigger thanks in general for anyone that supports me generally.
Maybe attach any assembly vids or something down here.
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Title (Model name)
Intro
Parts List
Files:
Filaments:
Printed Parts:
Special Print Instructions:
Non-Printed Parts:
Assembly
Intro:
Instructions: