Agents HQShort version: pick a clear picture of one object, turn it into a 3D model with an image-to-3D tool, set the real size in millimeters, check it's solid, then slice it with a flat base and supports where needed.
1. Choose the right picture
Image-to-3D tools guess the back and sides from what they can see, so the picture decides most of the result.
- One whole object or character, with nothing cut off at the edges.
- A plain, light background. Busy backgrounds can end up in the model.
- Soft, even light without hard shadows.
- A three-quarter angle usually shows more of the shape than straight-on.
- For people and pets, a full-body shot standing up works better than a close-up of a face.
2. Turn the picture into a 3D model
AI image-to-3D tools build a textured mesh from a single picture in a few minutes. In Agents HQ, the Image to 3D add-on sends your picture to Meshy with your own Meshy key and brings the model back into the 3D Workshop. Whatever tool you use, download the model as GLB or OBJ if you want its colors, or STL for a single-color print.
3. Set the real size
Models from AI tools often come in at a random scale. Decide the height before anything else: around 60 to 120 mm is a good range for a figurine, 40 to 60 mm for a keychain. Small details under about 1 mm won't print well on most FDM printers, so very small figurines lose fine features.
4. Check that it will print
- Solid and closed: the model needs to be watertight. Most slicers repair small holes automatically. Agents HQ shows a print check on every model.
- Flat base: add a base or cut the bottom flat so it sits on the bed. A round base also makes figurines look finished.
- Thin parts: tails, ears and fingers under about 1.2 mm thick tend to break. Thicken them, or print larger.
- Too big for the bed: split it into parts with pegs or magnet holes and glue them after printing.
5. Slice and print
- Orient it so the flattest, largest side is on the bed and the face or best detail faces up or forward.
- Use tree or organic supports for arms and overhangs steeper than about 45 degrees.
- A 0.12 to 0.16 mm layer height brings out detail on figurines; 0.2 mm is fine for larger pieces.
- For a multi-color printer, paint the model's faces before slicing, or paint the print by hand afterwards.
6. Finish it
Remove supports carefully, sand the marks, and prime before painting. Clear coat helps painted figurines and keychains last.
Selling custom figurines from customer photos? Agents HQ's other agents can quote the job, reply to the customer and write the listing while you print. See Agents HQ for 3D printing businesses.