Design in 3d cad software
Use simple, kid-friendly 3D CAD software to design a small toy or keychain, learning shapes, measurements, and basic digital modeling skills.
About this activity
Use simple, kid-friendly 3D CAD software to design a small toy or keychain, learning shapes, measurements, and basic digital modeling skills.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Sign in to your kid-friendly 3D CAD account.
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Step 2
Click Create New Project to start a new file.
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Step 3
On paper draw a simple sketch of your toy or keychain.
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Step 4
Write three measurements on your sketch: length width and thickness.
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Step 5
Pick one base shape from the shape menu such as a box or cylinder.
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Step 6
Place the base shape onto the workspace.
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Step 7
Use the measurement tool to set the base shape to the sizes on your sketch.
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Step 8
Choose one small shape to be a decoration like a star or letter.
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Step 9
Place the decoration onto the base where you want it to appear.
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Step 10
Create a small cylinder and set it as a hole for the keyring.
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Step 11
Move the hole to the edge of the base where the keyring will go.
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Step 12
Group all shapes so they become one solid object.
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Step 13
Use the align tool to tidy up and center parts of your design.
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Step 14
Save your project and export the file as STL or the format your software uses.
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Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you design a small toy or keychain in kid-friendly 3D CAD software?
Start by choosing a simple object (toy car, keychain, or animal). Open a kid-friendly CAD like Tinkercad or BlocksCAD and create an account. Use basic shapes (boxes, cylinders, spheres), resize and position them, then group parts. Teach measuring, adding holes for keyrings, and previewing in 3D. Export the model as STL/OBJ to share or 3D print; iterate and refine small features with child-friendly guidance.
What materials do I need to do 3D CAD design with kids?
You need a computer or tablet with internet access and preferably a mouse for better control. Sign up for a free kid-focused CAD tool like Tinkercad or BlocksCAD. Optional extras: keyboard for text, sketch paper, and a second screen. If printing, add a 3D printer, PLA filament, and slicing software. For safety, include adult supervision, gloves, and a storage spot for small finished items.
What ages is kid-friendly 3D CAD suitable for?
Generally suitable for children aged about 6 and up. Ages 6–8 work well with block-style interfaces and need adult help with measuring and mouse skills. Ages 9–12 can complete simple projects independently and learn grouping, scaling, and basic constraints. Teens (13+) can explore more advanced tools, parametric design, and prepare models for printing. Adjust complexity, session length, and supervision to the child’s attention and skills.
What are the benefits of kids learning 3D CAD design?
Learning 3D CAD boosts spatial reasoning, geometry understanding, and measurement skills. Kids practice problem-solving by iterating designs, develop digital literacy, and gain confidence sharing creations. It connects creative play with engineering thinking and introduces how digital models become physical objects through 3D printing. Celebrate small wins and use mistakes as learning steps to keep motivation high and build resilience.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we can't access the kid-friendly 3D CAD account or the software doesn't export STL?
Sign in to an alternative free browser-based kid CAD like Tinkercad or Onshape's free student plan and if your software doesn't export STL, export OBJ/3MF or use a free converter/slicer to create an STL file before exporting.
My hole didn't cut out when I grouped shapes — how do I fix it?
Ensure the small cylinder is explicitly set as a hole object, that it overlaps fully through the base shape, then use the align tool to center it and finally 'group all shapes' so the cut registers.
How can I adapt the steps for different ages or skill levels?
For younger kids pick one base shape and one decoration and have an adult set the measurement tool values, while older kids can hand-sketch more detailed dimensions, use multiple decorations, and adjust precise measurement tool settings themselves.
How can we personalize or enhance the toy/keychain after completing the basic design steps?
Place letters or thin decorative shapes onto the base before grouping to engrave or raise designs, export the STL, then 3D print, sand, paint, or share photos of the finished piece on DIY.org for extra personalization.