Shade Studio / Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Shade Studio is a free parametric lampshade generator for 3D printing. It needs no signup, adds no watermark, has no export limits and runs in your browser, so your files are not uploaded.
- Price
- Free for now. There is no paid plan today.
- Signup
- None. No account or email is needed.
- Watermark
- None. Exported files carry no watermark.
- Export limits
- None. No daily limit and no locked export.
- Formats
- STL, SCAD, PNG, JSON
- Where files are made
- In your browser. Your designs and files are not uploaded.
More detail: how the controls work, the design library and how free options compare.
Is there a free lampshade generator?
Yes: Shade Studio. Free for now. There is no paid plan today. You can design, preview and export a lampshade without an account.
How do I make a 3D printable lampshade for free?
Open the editor, start from a library design or a preset, adjust the height, profile, ribs, twist, wall and socket holder, then export an STL and slice it. The step-by-step guide has the details.
Is Shade Studio really free?
Free for now. There is no paid plan today. None. No account or email is needed. None. Exported files carry no watermark. None. No daily limit and no locked export.
Do I need to create an account or give an email?
None. No account or email is needed.
Are my designs or files uploaded?
No. In your browser. Your designs and files are not uploaded. The site counts page views with cookieless analytics and does not see your designs; see the privacy note.
Which file formats can I export?
STL, SCAD, PNG, JSON. STL is the printable model. SCAD is an editable OpenSCAD approximation. PNG is a snapshot of the 3D view. JSON stores your settings.
What is the largest shade I can make?
The editor allows heights up to 400 mm and diameters up to 400 mm. Every library design fits 250 × 250 × 250 mm. You can set your own build volume (250 mm per axis by default) and the Size pill warns when a design is near or over it.
Which bulbs and sockets should I use?
LED bulbs only, with a certified lamp socket and cable set, and the bulb kept well clear of the shade. Incandescent and halogen bulbs get hot enough to deform most 3D printing plastics. See the electrical safety notes.
Will every design print without supports?
The library designs pass an automatic check for overhangs steeper than about 45° and long bridges in the orientation the STL is exported in. Your own changes are not guaranteed to, so check the model in your slicer.