Ever wanted to turn your logo or artwork into a 3D printable model, but didn’t want to drop cash on fancy software? You’re in luck. Today, I’m showing you how to take a simple 2D SVG file and convert it into a 3D model using completely free tools. Whether you’re looking to create a custom nameplate, keychain, sign, or just want to flex your maker muscles—this is a great way to get started.
Why SVG Files Work So Well for 3D Printing: SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. Unlike regular images that are made up of pixels (like JPEGs or PNGs), SVGs are made of clean, scalable paths. That means you can extrude the shapes directly into 3D geometry—no weird fuzz or cleanup required. If your logo or artwork is clean, you’re already halfway to having a print-ready model.
Step 1: Create or Convert Your SVG: You can create your SVG in just about any design tool—Canva, Inkscape, Illustrator—but the key thing is to make sure it’s black and white with a transparent background. That helps your slicer interpret the edges and depth correctly. Want to make it super easy? You can even use an AI tool (like ChatGPT with image generation) to help design your logo. That’s exactly what we did for Maker Build It. Once you have your design, save it in black and white. If you’ve got a PNG or JPEG but need an SVG, head over to Adobe Express. It lets you upload your image and convert it to SVG for free—and it even removes the background if you need transparency.
Step 2: Import the SVG into Your Slicer: Next, open your slicer (I’m using Bambu Studio, but this works with most slicers that support SVG imports), and import your SVG. You’ll see it show up as a raised 2D shape—like magic. But here’s the thing: if you printed it as-is, you’d just get a bunch of floating pieces. To fix that, we need to give it a base.
Step 3: Add a Backplate or Primitive: Add a simple 3D shape behind your logo. I used a cube and scaled it to match the size of my SVG. This backplate holds all the parts of the logo together, so you’re not printing a jigsaw puzzle. Adjust the height and depth as needed to give your logo a nice profile. Once everything’s aligned and looks good, you’re ready for the fun part: color.
Step 4: Paint Your Logo (If You’ve Got Multi-Color): If your printer supports multi-color printing (like a Bambu Lab printer with AMS), you can use the painting tools to assign colors to different parts of the SVG. I did this with both the logo I made in Canva and the one from ChatGPT—and it turned out awesome. You can make it as simple or wild as your printer can handle.
You just turned a 2D logo into a full 3D printable model—and you didn’t spend a dime. From converting your file to printing in multiple colors, this is an awesome way to bring your brand, project, or creative work to life. For more 3D printing tutorials, maker hacks, and DIY builds, make sure to follow MakerBuildIt.com and our YouTube channel. And as always—keep on making.