Files and Projects in 3DPrinterOS
In addition to 3D printer management, 3DPrinterOS provides a comprehensive solution for print job preparation. This makes it essential to store and process your files from the cloud.
Files
The Files page is the starting point of your 3DPrinterOS journey.
For example, your new account comes with default files from 3DPrinterOS.
File Structure
A file has the following information columns:
File Preview
File Name
File Type – Hovering over the file type tag provides more details.
For example, hovering over the STL text will display the maximum dimensions and model volume.
Hovering over the Gcode field will show the printer type, layer height, bed temperature, length of material needed, cost (for organizations), material needed for Extruder 1 and 2, and estimated print time.
Clicking on the File Type tag opens the app’s execution log, which is helpful for troubleshooting.
4. The ! icon may appear. Hovering over it reveals issues with file processing. For example, a gCode render issue will not affect print quality.
5. Estimated time (for Gcodes only), file size, upload date, and uploader.
6. Action buttons:
a. STL files: Layout, Slice
b. Gcode files: Preview, Print
c. CAD files: Convert – Launches the Magic Fix app to convert your CAD model into an STL
7. 3 Dot Menu with Other Actions
Clicking on the file row opens the Viewer app. The STL Editor will be used for .STL files, and the Toolpath Viewer will be used for .gcode files.
How to upload a new file
Use the Add Files button at the top-right corner.
A Drop Zone will appear. You can either drag and drop or select the file from your computer.
The uploaded file will appear on your Files page.
You need to select a printer for .gcode files before you can use them further.
Share a file
You can share a file with any 3DPrinterOS user or invite a new user by sharing the file with them.
Shared files cannot be downloaded. You can also specify how many times a user can print the shared file.
To Share a File:
Click the 3-dot menu button next to the file you want to share and select Share.
A dialog window will pop up. Specify the user’s email(s). You can enter multiple emails separated by commas. The quantity stands for security reasons. For example, specifying a quantity 1 for a .gcode file means the user can only print the file once.
If you enter an email for a user without a 3DPrinterOS account, a new window will appear to invite that person to 3DPrinterOS.
Workgroup sharing is available only for organizational license users. It allows you to select a workgroup and share a file or project with all its members.
3. A shared file will appear on the recipient’s Files page with the name of the user who shared it.
Download
You can download all your files except those you don’t have access to.
To Download a File: Click the 3-dot menu button next to the file and select Download.
Rename
To Rename a File: Click the 3-dot menu button next to the file and select Edit.
The dialog window with the file name field will appear.
Actions for multiple files
You can print, move to a project, copy to a project, or delete files in bulk.
To Select Multiple Files:
Hover over the file row to reveal the selection checkbox on the left.
After selecting a file, a checkbox will appear next to each file.
All possible actions will appear at the bottom of the page.
The checkbox on the left will select all files on the page or all files in the project.
Projects
A new file will be created after modifying or saving your STL model. Both the original file and the new one will be added to a newly created project.
A Project: Essentially a version history of the file.
How to Upload a File into a Project
Use the + button in the project header to select files from your computer.
Alternatively, drag and drop the file onto the page, dropping it into the desired project.
How to Create a New Project
Click the 3-dot menu at the top-right corner of the Projects page.
An empty project will appear. Specify the name, select a color, and upload a file by clicking on the Drop Zone or dragging and dropping the file into it.
Project Color: Helps distinguish the project from others.
Share a Project
Sharing projects is a great way to collaborate.
To Share a Project:
Find the Share button next to the project.
Specify the email address(es).
Click Share. The shared project will appear on the recipient’s Projects page.
Shared projects cannot be edited or shared further. The absence of the edit and share buttons distinguishes shared projects.