SnapFrames Guide
This guide walks you through generating, slicing, and printing your custom frame, along with practical tips to get the best results.
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Tutorial: Generate Your Frame
Enter Your Build Plate Size
Select your 3D printer's build plate size. Generated frame components will be automatically sized to fit your build plate, with parts split as needed for larger frames.
Set the Frame Interior Dimensions
Enter the exact interior opening you want for your artwork or photo. The frame will be generated to these interior dimensions.
Tip: Generate a frame about 0.2mm larger than your artwork for an easy fit.
Choose Your Frame Type
Picture Frame
Best for traditional photo and glass displays, HueForge 3D prints, and other thin artwork up to 6mm thick.
- Artwork secured from back with removable 3D printed prongs
- Optional glass/plexiglass sheet for protection
3D Art Frame
Great for 3D cityscapes, canvases, and floating-style displays that may extend above the frame.
- Artwork glued to the flange
- Ideal for Micropolitan 3D map art
- No lip over the artwork
Select or Design Your Frame Style
Choose from wood grains and preset patterns, or design your own frame pattern.
Wood Grains
When a wood grain pattern is chosen, Advanced Wood Options can be configured to customize the wood grain density, structure, and knot count for that preset wood species.
Pattern Presets
Pattern presets can be edited and saved as new customized patterns by clicking the pencil icon on them.
Pattern Composer (Beta)
Create your own 3D relief patterns to apply to the frame face. Inside the Pattern Composer, you'll find:
- A library of seamless images to choose from
- Option to upload your own images
- Draw custom edge profiles (rounded corners, moulded shapes)
- Layer-based editing with opacity and ordering controls
- Directional patterns can be rotated on each edge for uniformity
How it works: Images act as heightmaps — light (white) areas are elevated, dark (black) areas are embossed. Seamless patterns are recommended for a continuous look.
Tip: Click "Save patterns to PC" periodically to back up your custom patterns to import later.
Generate & Preview
Generate your frame and preview it in the 3D Frame Preview before downloading.
Tip: Use the Sample button to generate a small test piece to check texture and color.
Download Your Files
Click Download STL Files to get a ZIP containing all your frame parts, clips, prongs (if applicable), and a settings file for re-importing later.
Slice & Print
Unzip the folder and import all STL files into your slicer software.
- When prompted to load files as a single object, click No
- Right-click on the build plate and click Arrange to auto-arrange parts
- Parts are already in the correct orientation (faces print vertically for max detail)
Print Settings
SnapFrames print well with the default profile on most FDM printers. Use standard wall counts and infill settings (15-20%).
Arachne wall generator mode is recommended if your slicer allows it. This handles variable-width extrusions for sharper textures and more accurate corners.
Layer Height
We recommend a 0.20mm layer height for most frames. For very fine textures or high-detail patterns, 0.12–0.15mm will provide the best results.
Materials
Recommended
Matte PLA
Best overall choice for a premium, non-glossy finish. Darker colors help to hide the seams
Silk PLA (Gold / Bronze)
Great for accent strips or decorative features
PETG
For extra strength and durability
Not Recommended
Wood PLA
Tolerances are less consistent and may result in wider gaps at seams
Design Tricks & Advanced Tips
Multi-Color Frames (Even Without a Multi-Color Printer)
Assign a different color at a specific layer height for accent stripes or layered face details.
Single-color printers: Manual filament swaps at designated layers
Multi-color printers: Automatic swaps with minimal waste
Large Frame Tips
- Test small before printing large — use Sample mode to verify texture and color
- For large frames with many edge pieces, consider reinforcing joints with glue
- Mount the frame around chipboard or rigid backing material for added stability
- Hang from the backing rather than the frame parts for very large frames