From zero to first successful print.
Eight short lessons covering the CAD basics, file formats, design rules, and slicer hand-off you actually need to ship your first design. Beginner-friendly, practical, opinionated where it helps.
CAD basics, wall thickness, and the top-10 mistakes — the floor of what avoids a failed print.
Pick a Beginner Starter on the homepage. Each one drops a real, printable design into the workspace.
Export 3MF, open in OrcaSlicer / Bambu Studio / PrusaSlicer, and print. The exporting lesson covers each.
CAD basics in 4 minutes
4 minWhat CAD really is, why ForgeSlicer is a gentle starting point, and the three things you'll do over and over.
STL, 3MF, OBJ, G-code — what each is for
5 minFour file formats you'll see constantly. Here's exactly when to use which, no jargon.
Boolean operations — cut, combine, keep
4 minUnion, subtract, intersect. The three commands that turn LEGO bricks into actual designs.
Designing for FDM — orientation, overhangs, supports
6 minThe physics of FDM printing in 4 minutes. Knowing this lets you skip 80% of failed first prints.
Wall thickness — what's actually printable
3 minConcrete millimetre numbers for FDM. Save these and you'll never print a wall that snaps in half.
Tolerances and fit — actual slot-together numbers
4 minWhy your hole was too tight, and the millimetre clearances that just work.
Top 10 beginner mistakes (and how to dodge them)
5 minEvery mistake on this list has cost makers a wasted print. Catch them in CAD instead.
Exporting to OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio, or PrusaSlicer
5 minThe hand-off from ForgeSlicer to a desktop slicer. Step-by-step for each major slicer.
You can come back to any lesson with the Learn link in the header.