Converting Cut Designs into 3D Models

The Silhouette 3D software allows access to your existing Silhouette account library found in other programs, such as Silhouette Studio. 

You can choose design content from the Silhouette Design Store, and then create a 3D project using one of the following automatic import options:

  • Extrusion
  • Cookie Cutter
  • Jewelry Box
  • Stencil box
  • Stencil
  • Wax Pendant

To create one of these project types with an existing image in your library: 

  1. Open Silhouette 3D
  2. Go to the Library
  3. Double-click a design
  4. Select one of these options from the pop-up menu

Converting Designs Video



Silhouette 3D Snap Kits

Silhouette offers Snap Kit 3D designs for the Silhouette 3D software and Silhouette Alta® 3D printer. 

Snap Kits are 3D models that include a small bundle of related designs that can 'snap' together in the software in order to customize the project. 

Snap Kit Example

One of the free designs included when purchasing an Alta printer is called Design a Duck Kit. 

This gives you a duck model for the base and a number of accessories that can be added to the duck prior to printing, such as a bow tie. These parts will snap into place onto the base in the expected location when you move the part onto the base model. 

Snap Kit Video


Solid Models vs. Pieced Models

Some designs will print all pieces as one solid model while others may print each piece separately, to be adhered after printing. 

If your design is printing in separate pieces but you would like it to print as a solid piece, you can do the following to group the design together:

  1. Open the design(s) of choice in your work area
  2. Snap the pieces together as desired
  3. Click and drag the mouse to select all desired pieces
  4. Right-Click and select Group
Silhouette 3D File Types

Default File Type

The Silhouette 3D software, designed to be used with the Silhouette Alta 3D printer, uses S3D files as its proprietary file type.  

File Import

Silhouette 3D can import the following file types:

  • S3D
  • STL
  • OBJ

File Export

Silhouette 3D can only save files in S3D file format.

There are no other file export options in Silhouette 3D.


Sending Designs from Silhouette Studio to Silhouette 3D

Silhouette Studio can be used to create regular "flat" designs that can then be sent to the Silhouette 3D software program to automatically convert them into 3D models.

Sending Designs to Silhouette 3D


NOTE: You will need to have both the latest version of Silhouette Studio and Silhouette 3D installed on your computer


To send designs from Silhouette Studio to Silhouette 3D:

  1. Open Silhouette Studio
  2. Go to the Page Settings panel (on right-hand side toolbar)

  3. Select 'Alta' as your machine

  4. Create your design in Silhouette Studio within the platform workspace provided

  5. Once your design is sized and placed as desired, click on the 'S3D' icon on the top bar in Silhouette Studio

  6. Silhouette 3D will automatically open and display the design transferred into 3D model format

  7. Adjust your 3D model in the Silhouette 3D software, as desired