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Print Little You 3D Models at Home: A Guide for Educators and Hobbyists

  • Writer: Christina Guo
    Christina Guo
  • May 10
  • 4 min read

3D models are everywhere today, from real estate and science to education, technology, and of course, art. They're not only widely accessible but also a powerful way for people to tell their stories and create figures that reflect who they are.


That’s where Little You 3D shines! Our platform empowers users to design their own custom avatars or download files optimized for home 3D printing—bringing creativity and personalization to life like never before.


In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and show how you can turn your digital creations into real-life models using affordable and accessible technology.


Why Hands-On 3D Modelling?

We know that there are so many websites out there where you can find free or paid 3D models. These platforms, like Thingiverse, Cults 3D, and Sketchfab, are commonly used by hobbyists and designers. However, most models on these sites are generic, often made for specific games or technical projects. In fact, the creation of these websites might not be ideal for classroom use or personal expression, especially for the younger market. This is the reason why Little You 3D offers a very different approach. 


At Little You 3D, instead of downloading pre-made designs, you can create your own avatar using a user-friendly web platform. We have over 1,200 templates you can choose from, as well as tools that let you customize the hairstyle, outfit, accessories, and other things you want your avatar to be!


The interface is simple enough for beginners but flexible enough to support creative exploration. Once your model is ready, you can download the digital file and print it at home, or order a full-color figurine for delivery.


How to Download a Model on Little You 3D?

If you’re planning to use a 3D printer at home or in school, Little You 3D makes the download process simple. In this part of the article, we’ll show you how this process works:


  1. Create and customize your model

Use the Little You 3D design tool to select a base character and personalize its appearance. Simply click "Play" to access the application and start.


  1. Click Make Me

Once you’re done designing, click “Make Me”. If you don’t have an account yet, be sure to create one so you can save all your unique creations.


  1. Name your Avatar

Naming your design makes it easy to save to your account and helps you keep track of all your unique creations.


  1. Add to cart and check out

The cost to download a model is $4.99, and you’ll receive OBJ and MTL files, which are standard formats for 3D printing. Select the “Print at Home” option to add this model to your cart and proceed with your purchase.

  1. Download your purchased models

Once purchased, you will be able to find your models in your account, under "My Orders". Simply click on the file format to download it to your computer for easy use.


  1. Apply a school discount (if eligible)

Schools and educational institutions can purchase models at a discounted rate! For just $1, you can download any designs! Visit https://www.littleyou.ca/education and fill out the form to get a coupon code.


To learn more about the creation process, check out our tutorial video here!


What’s Inside the Download?

Your Little You 3D file package includes:

  • OBJ File: This is your 3D model file. It contains the shape and structure of your avatar.


  • MTL File: This file holds the texture and color data for your model. It ensures that your print reflects the design you created.


These formats are widely supported by most 3D modelling and printing software. You can easily convert them to STL if your printer requires it.


File Formats Explained: OBJ and MTL

For anyone new to 3D printing, understanding file formats can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown:


  • OBJ (Object File): A universal format that holds the shape of your 3D object. It works across many design programs and can be used to scale, rotate, or position your model in printing software.


  • MTL (Material File): This file stores the surface colours and materials applied to your model. While some desktop 3D printers only print in one color, these files are useful if you plan to paint your models or use full-color printers later.


Using both files ensures your printed model stays true to your original design.


Let’s Walk Through a Real Example

One of the featured models on Little You 3D is “Birthday Girl,” a cheerful character wearing a black-and-white outfit. You can choose to print it at home by selecting the 'Print at Home' checkbox, adding it to your cart, and completing the payment through PayPal or Stripe. You will then receive the OBJ and MTL files instantly.

The checkout page also allows you to enter a discount code—ideal for schools or organizations purchasing multiple files. No hidden cost, and you can check out securely within minutes.


Full Color 3D Printing

While printing at home is cost-effective and convenient, some users prefer to order full-color models, which are professionally printed using advanced materials. At Little You 3D, we use the most advanced full-color 3D printing technology to print your models, some of our materials include:


These models are shipped directly to you and come fully finished, no post-processing required.


Conclusion

If you’ve ever wanted to print a figure that looks like you or represents your imagination, Little You 3D makes that possible. With over 1,200 design templates, affordable print-at-home options, and special discounts for schools, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding platforms for beginners and educators alike.


So...what are you waiting for? Whether you're a teacher looking to bring tech into the classroom or a parent hoping to spark creativity at home, this platform is the perfect fit!


Ready to try it? Visit https://www.littleyou.ca and start building your model today.

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