Updated MakerBot App Turns 2D Images Into 3D-Printable Files

MakerbotThe free iPad app MakerBot PrintShop version 1.5 is now available in the iTunes App Store. Version 1.5 offers a new feature called Shape Maker that turns 2D images into 3D-printable files. Designed for beginners who want to get started quickly with 3D printing, Shape Maker allows users to transform sketches, photos and screen captures into files that can then be sent to a variety of MakerBot printers. 

To get started with Shape Maker on MakerBot PrintShop, users open the app, select Shape Maker and use the iPad’s camera to snap a photo of a drawing or an item that has a distinct contrast and simple lines. The slider tools help select the areas of the drawing to 3D print and scale. When all of the items or lines to be printed turn green, users can choose a background and then select print or save right from the screen. 

Saved files are stored in the MakerBot Cloud Library and can be accessed through personal accounts on Thingiverse, the design site for viewing, sharing and 3D printing digital designs. Files can be sent via WiFi directly to a MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer, MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer or a MakerBot Replicator Z18 3D Printer. 

 To see a video of Shape Maker for MakerBot PrintShop in action, click here.

About the Author

Christopher Piehler is the former editor-in-chief of THE Journal.

Featured

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • reDesign Future9 report

    ReDesign Updates 9 Essential Competencies for K-12 Students

    ReDesign, a provider of support and resources for competency-based education, has updated its Future9 Competency Framework to reflect the essential skills K-12 students need today to thrive in their education and workforce journeys.