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# Effortless 3D Modeling Apps
MakerBot PrintShop's Shape Maker Turns 2D Drawings into 3D Models

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-04-20 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printshop
References: [3dprint](http://3dprint.com/58653/makerbot-shapemaker/) & [makerbot](http://www.makerbot.com/printshop)

With many 3D printing machines coming down in cost, this mode of creation is becoming more affordable and accessible to the public—[MakerBot's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerbot-sketch-large) PrintShop makes it even more so with its tools for modeling.

A new update to the MakerBot PrintShop app unveiled a new feature called Shape Maker, which transforms [2D sketches into models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh-tonic) that can be used for 3D printing. Unless you're using an intutive program or app in the creation of your own [3D-printed design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-3dmodelling), a knowledge of CAD software is generally required. Shape Maker bypasses this need by making it possible for anyone to create a design and see it come into fruition. As MakerBot's CEO Joey Neal says: "If you can draw a sketch, you can use MakerBot Shape Maker to transform your creations from the flat 2D world of pen and paper to the exciting 3D world of 3D printing."

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.1/10
- Popularity: 81% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Accessible 3D Modeling:** Developing affordable and intuitive tools for 3D modeling will make 3D printing more accessible to the public.
- **Simplifying 3D Printing:** The development of new tools for 3D printing such as MakerBot's Shape Maker can simplify the process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to create their own custom designs.
- **2d-to-3d Transformation:** Tools that can transform 2D sketches into 3D models like MakerBot's Shape Maker can revolutionize the way in which individuals and businesses approach the process of 3D design.

### Where This Applies

- **3D Printing:** The 3D printing industry can continue to innovate by creating affordable and intuitive tools for 3D modeling like MakerBot's Shape Maker.
- **Architecture and Construction:** Simplifying the 3D printing process for architects and construction companies through the use of tools like MakerBot's Shape Maker could lead to the creation of more precise and customized designs.
- **Education:** Developing easy-to-use 3D modeling tools like MakerBot's Shape Maker could help introduce students to the world of 3D printing and potentially inspire future innovation in the industry.

## Related on Trend Hunter

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- [Sketch-To-Code Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sketch2appio.md)
- [AI 3D Modeling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meshy4.md)
- [AI-Assisted Jewelry Design Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blng.md)
- [Beginner-Friendly 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xmaker-smart-3d-printer.md)
- [Classroom-Focused 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerbot-sketch-large.md)
- [Accessible 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digilab-3d20.md)
- [Classroom-Focused 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sketch-print.md)