Introduction: Design and 3D Print a Cupcake Topper

By Design & Make Program
About: Welcome to the Autodesk Design & Make Instructables! The Design & Make program specializes in projects that demonstrate how to take an idea from concept to 3D model using Autodesk design tools and f…
Tinkercad Projects »

These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the basics of creating a cupcake topper using Tinkercad and preparing it for 3D printing. It can be a topper for any sweet treat, including but not limited to: pies, cakes, cupcakes, etc.

Tinkercad is a free web based CAD program: www.tinkercad.com

Step 1: Create Topper

1. Drag and drop a shape onto the workplane. Relatively any shape can be a cupcake topper

2. Scale the shape to about 40mm x 40mm

3. Adjust the height of the shape to 1mm

Step 2: Create Base

1. Drag and drop a box onto the workplane

2. Scale the box to about 2mm x 50mm

3. Adjust the height of the box to 1mm

4. Place the base so it intersect the middle bottom of shape. For a precise adjustment try using the align tool located under the adjust menu in the top right corner

5. Select the base and topper (ctrl + a) and press group in the top right corner

You now have a cupcake topper! You can continue working to personalize your design and create more toppers. 3D Print your topper and place it on a sweet treat for a fun decorative touch.

Step 3: Personalize Topper

1. Design With Holes

a. Any shape can be turned into a hole by selecting the shape and clicking “Hole” in the top right corner

b. Drag and drop desired shape onto workspace

c. Select the shape and turn it into a hole

d. Drag hole onto desired location on topper

e. Left click and drag over the shapes select the bookmark base and hole(s)

f. While selected group hole(s) and bookmark base, by clicking “Group” in the upper right corner Get creative and repeat the steps to create a fun custom design

2. Create Design with Extrusion

a. Drag and drop desired shape onto workplane

b. Raise shape 1mm off of the workplane (or the height of your topper)

c. Place shape on desired location

d. Group all shapes

Step 4: 3D Printing

1. Once design is complete select “Design” from the upper left corner

2. Click on menu option “Download for 3D Printing”

3. Select “.STL” button

4. The file will now appear in the downloads folder and can be opened in a 3D printing software