3D printing & CAD · Beginner

3D print supports

Temporary scaffolding that holds up overhangs while a model prints

What are 3D print supports?

3D print supports are temporary structures a slicer adds under overhangs, the parts of a model that stick out over thin air. They hold those areas up while printing and are snapped or cut away afterward. Gentle slopes usually print fine without them.

Think of it like this

Like scaffolding on a building site: it holds up the parts that cannot stand on their own yet, then comes down when the work is done.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Export: Saving and sharing the result: file formats, engines and printing.

How 3D print supports work

  1. 01The slicer finds overhangs steeper than a set angle, often around 45 degrees.
  2. 02It builds thin columns or branches up from the bed or the model below.
  3. 03A small gap between support and part keeps them easy to separate.
  4. 04After printing, you remove the supports and sand away any marks.

Where 3D print supports are used

  • Arms, chins and capes on figurines
  • Holes and overhanging ledges on mechanical parts
  • Almost every resin print, which builds upside down

Beginner tip

Rotate the model before adding supports. A better orientation often removes many of them, saves material and keeps marks off the surfaces that matter most.

Terms related to 3D print supports

3D print supports FAQ

Tree supports vs normal supports: which is better?
Tree supports branch out from a few points and touch the model less, so they use less plastic and leave fewer marks, which suits figures. Normal straight supports are sturdier under large flat overhangs. Many slicers offer both.
How do you remove supports from 3D prints?
Snap large supports off by hand, then use flush cutters or pliers for small ones, and sand or file leftover marks. For resin prints, remove supports before the final cure, while the resin is less brittle.
Can you 3D print without supports?
Often, yes. Overhangs gentler than about 45 degrees and short bridges print fine on their own. Splitting a model into parts or rotating it can avoid supports entirely.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms