Open this lesson in your favourite AI. It'll walk you through the why, explain the demo, and quiz you on the try-it list.
Every project teaches lessons. Documenting your design + decisions makes future iterations easier and helps when sharing your work with the community.
Project documentation.
Use these three in order. Each builds on the one before.
In one paragraph, explain project documentation.
Walk me through writing a Printables description.
I have 10 projects to document. How do I batch?
DOCUMENT FOR YOURSELF:
PHOTOS:
- Initial mess.
- During design (CAD screenshots).
- Each iteration.
- Final installation.
FILES:
- CAD source (Fusion / OnShape file).
- Final STL.
- Slicer project (.3mf).
NOTES:
- Parameters used (cable_diameter, desk_edge).
- Material chosen.
- Print settings.
- What worked.
- What didn't.
ORGANIZATION:
Folder structure:
/projects/cable-management/
/v1/
design.f3d
cable-clip.stl
photo-v1.jpg
notes-v1.md
/v2/
design.f3d
cable-clip.stl
...
/final/
design.f3d
all-stls/
slicer-project.3mf
photos/
notes.md
Easy to find later.
DOCUMENT FOR SHARING:
If you want to share to Printables / MakerWorld / Thingiverse:
WRITE-UP:
Project name + description.
Why you made it.
Materials needed.
Print instructions.
Installation instructions.
PHOTOS:
Hero photo (front).
Multiple angles.
In-use photo (cables installed).
Print-in-progress (optional; some appreciate).
All in good light.
VARIATIONS:
Note any variations you offer.
E.g., 'for 22mm desk edge' vs 'for 30mm desk edge'.
PARAMETERS:
List the parameters you used.
Help downloaders customize.
REUSING:
When designing the NEXT cable solution:
- Reference your notes.
- Reuse parameters.
- Avoid re-doing work.
Compound learning over time.
EXAMPLE WRITE-UP:
Title: 'Modular Cable Clips for IKEA Bekant Desk'
Description:
Custom cable management clips for an IKEA Bekant standing desk.
Clips attach to the 22mm desk edge without screws or damage.
Materials:
- PETG (any brand, ~50g per 8 clips).
- 3D printer with 0.4mm nozzle.
Print Settings:
- Layer height: 0.20mm.
- Walls: 3.
- Infill: 20%.
- Material temp: 235°C.
- Bed temp: 80°C.
- No supports needed.
Installation:
- Snap onto desk edge.
- Press cables into holders.
- No tools required.
Includes 3 sizes:
- small (4mm cable).
- medium (5mm cable).
- large (6mm cable).
Parametric STL available for custom sizes.
Files: cable-clip-small.stl, cable-clip-medium.stl, cable-clip-large.stl,
cable-clip-source.f3d.
PUBLISH:
If you upload to a platform:
- Choose a clear title.
- Tag appropriately (cable management, desk, etc.).
- Use license (CC-BY-SA usually).
Community can download + use.
GETTING FEEDBACK:
Comments on Printables:
Read them.
Some are useful (e.g., suggested improvements).
Refine your design over time.
RECEIVING DOWNLOADS:
If your design is popular:
Many people use it.
Validates your design choices.
Inspiration to design more.