New projects?

[nmontalegre 0]

Hi everyone! 

I"m pretty new to all of this, only about 6 months in. I was previously using Cura 3 and was able to create custom prints. Since the update to Cura 4, I cant figure out how to do anything unless I'm opening a file that I downloaded from someone else. I got this so I could create my own prints and now I'm stuck! I'm been searching for help online for months... any help is appreciated! Thank you!

[Smithy 1,133]

Can you elaborate your issue a little bit more, currently I have no idea what you mean.

[nmontalegre 0]

I apologize, in a previous version of Cura that I was using, there was a toolbar on the left side of the print bed that allowed me to input shapes and letters onto the bed to print. I was able to print things such as custom cake toppers etc. I can no longer locate that toolbar or a menu that allows me to put those objects on the bed. 

[Smithy 1,133]

You must always load an STL file to be able to print something. Cura is only a slicer but not a program to create 3D models. This was not possible with version 3.x and never will be.

 

Is it possible that you mix Cura up with another program?

[nmontalegre 0]

Nope, Cura is the only program Ive used and made several projects with. Any programs where this is possible that you recommend?

[Dim3nsioneer 557]

Have a look at Tinkercad from Autodesk.

[Swissengineer 25]

Just to give a bit more explanation:

You must first use a 3D modeler like my colleagues said (Tinkercad, Sketchup, Fusion360, or even paint 3D).

This is to shape what you want. Like a drawing but in 3D.

Then you export this file in an .STL format and open it with Cura.

Cura (slicer) role is to take your 3D for and transform it in a machine code for the printer to understand (what is called G-code).

 

If you want you can download STL files ready to go from https://www.thingiverse.com/ .

 

Good luck and happy 3Dprinting!

 

[kmanstudios 1,120]

There is an exception to the import of a 3D file. You can open images in Cura to create height maps and slice that geometry.

[Oliveros 11]

I use Sketchup PRO since I started out with 3D viz type stuff. 

 

Blender is a steep learning curve but it's free and very good if you take the time to learn it.