Arguably the most significant Danish contribution to global culture since Hans Christian Anderson, Lego has found its way into millions of people’s homes, hearts, and (let’s face it) feet all over the world.

From the plastic bricks so many of us know, to the critically acclaimed movies, it’s no wonder that the imagination-stimulating building blocks have many people wondering how to 3D print Legos for themselves.

The 3D printing process, especially considering FDM printers, seems to almost have been designed for both traditional Lego bricks to custom Lego figures. Its use of plastic to bring the machinations of the imagination to life is perfect for bringing new life into the pieces used by children and adults alike to build whatever they can think of.

Here, we’re going to look at some of the coolest and most interesting 3D printed Lego models and figures still available to make yourself and continue to, as the Lego group would say, play well.

Looking for a 3D printer to print Lego?

Read our top picks in our guide to the best 3D printers for Lego bricks and figures

3D Printed Lego Minifigures

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Christoph
Price: Free

Any form of creative pursuit begins with the equivalent of a blank canvas, and this design for a 3D printed Lego mini models is exactly that.

The basic shape we all know and love is there in the dimensions we expect, and once finished, the minifigures are open to painting, drawing, or decorating with decals for the clothes and face to give the blank little person some personality.

The parts, which you can download here, are all printed separately and connected together so they can be disconnected and posed just like the official models.

See also: our list of the coolest downloadable 3D printed figurines.

Customizable Text Bricks

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: Lyl3
Price: Free

Starting with the basics, Lego bricks are quite literally the foundation of any build. While there are some simple designs for basic bricks, these files come with a changeable file that will print bricks of various sizes with whatever text you want.

This means that you can use the included customizer to print standard Lego bricks with a name, slogan, or text emojis depending on your project. This gets even cooler when you realize just how much fun text-based art can make something look.

The files found also include a default style for a simple, textless brick, so adding letters is an optional feature.

3D printed Lego bricks with text make for excellent additions to a build, and even has a separate key fob design for a cool key chain addition or gift.

Basic Lego Brick Pack

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: educa_thos
Price: Free

While customization is the name of the game for a lot of 3D printer projects, maybe it’s not what you’re looking for. So if you want to 3D print Legos that match the sets you already own, then 3D printing standard pieces that are compatible with pre-existing and official models is likely exactly what you’re looking for.

These STL files are the simplest of these. Designed to be exactly like the kind of Lego parts and pieces you’ll find in any store-bought Lego set. Whether you just need a couple of pieces to finish that all-important build, or you want to 3D print entire sets of assorted parts to get the creative juices flowing, these basic Lego bricks in different sizes are perfect for all your master builder needs.

Working Lego Cable Car

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: JonsBrunno
Price: Free

Building a Lego ski resort? Then this is the project for you. This 3D printed cable car has included slots and holds to make it Lego compatible.

It’s motorized and uses a pulley system to really move for that extra realistic feel, and is designed to reach up to around 13 feet, but can be altered to reach as long as you like if you’re dreaming a little bigger.

3D Printed Lego Ferry

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Tomaz Tomsic
Price: Free

If there’s one downside to traditional Lego bricks, it’s that they don’t float. Many a builder has designed and created their own boat for their figures only to find it sinking to the bottom of the bath in no time.

In response, this designer made a 3D printed a Lego ferry with included files for floaters to keep this lovely looking boat above water where it belongs.

Made as a design for his son, whom he says adores it, a lot of love went into this 3D printed Lego compatible ferry. Complete from hull to cabin roof, this design will delight and entertain for a long time.

3D Printed Lego Weapons

A Lego figure’s hands are designed to perfectly hold a variety of weapons. From bows to lightsabers, there are a lot of things that our little plastic friends can wield. Very few of these are available to purchase separately, so many have turned to 3D printing Lego items to suit their building needs.

Bow and Arrow

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: CharlisaP
Price: Free

This simple 3D printed Lego bow and arrow is a cool little model for anyone building a warrior. The original STL files were deigned on a 1:1 scale, and then blown up to fit the large Lego models pictured.

The drawstring is designed to look pulled back, this adds to the dynamic look of the bow and arrow as well as making it fit more comfortably in the model’s hands.

3D Printed Lego Swords

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: gt_tiekartasto
Price: Free

Continuing the weapons theme, this 3D printed Lego fantasy sword is a neat little addition to a warrior’s or knight’s ensemble.

This standard broadsword is great for any fantasy or medieval build that adds a little extra detail to your tiny stalwart defenders.

For something a little more creative, there’s also this half-serrated blade designed by a child to make their own playtime more personal. The fancy hilt and katana-style blade shape is an interesting take on the classic weapon.

If you’re looking for more of scimitar or broadsword, then have a look at this sword collection available to 3D print from one source!

Magic Wand

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: MPay
Price: Free

Not all weapons are sharp or pointy, and these designs for a classic lightsaber and star-tipped magic wand are printed to standard Lego dimensions to turn any one of your figures into a Jedi, Sith, or wizard.

Lego Scythe

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: rcanalsr
Price: Free

Another cool little addition for any Lego tableau featuring farmers or the Grim Reaper, this simple and cool looking 3D printed Lego scythe makes for one of those little details that can make all the difference.

Lightsaber

Download: Cults3D

Designer: REIGUN

Price: $1.11

While I was going to talk about a simple 3D printed Lego lightsaber here (and this will not be the only lightsaber I talk about…), what I actually came across ended up being a lot cooler. These STL files come with not only a lightsaber for any person-shaped Lego model to hold, but also comes with a fully functional and articulated Darth Vader Lego mini that looks incredible!

Designed in a 1:1 scale, this Vader piece and accompanying lightsaber are ready to be added to your Lego sets, fitting right in as long as you get your print settings and post-processing right. With an infill setting of 20% and printed in sturdy material like ABS or PLA+, you’ll find this to be a great 3D printed Star Wars model for fans of the franchise and Lego alike.

Speaking of 3D printed Lego lightsabers, you can also check out this life-sized one! Who says Lego people should have all the sword-swinging fun?

3D Printed Lego Pop Culture Figures

These days it feels like there’s nothing that hasn’t been reimagined with Lego, but that doesn’t mean all the imagining has been done for us. Learning how to replicate characters and icons from all sorts of media is part of the fun, and offers great opportunities for celebrating your favorite IPs .

Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Head

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: TangyKeys
Price: Free

The blue blur is as recognizable today as he was in 1991, and this design for a Lego figure compatible Sonic the Hedgehog head is hard to beat.

It’s difficult not to think of how satisfying adding a Sonic the Hedgehog you made yourself to a Green Hill Zone build would be.

Lego Batwing

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Ruben Gomez
Price: Free

Lego Batman found a new audience with his memorable role in The Lego Movie, so much so that he even got a feature all to himself!

This Lego compatible Batwing brings one of the caped crusader’s many vehicles to life for your little vigilante.

Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: DanielJosvai
Price: Free

3D Printed Lego Star Wars Kylo Ren Lightsaber

Sometimes professional designers don’t quite hit the mark in recreating our favorite film memorabilia. That’s what this designer thought when they received their Kylo Ren Lego figure, and so decided to 3D print their own and share their creation.

This memorable twist on the famous sci-fi sword is remade as a 3D printed Lego cross-guard hilt. The designer even included the files to recreate the original Lego design for anyone else who wants to make their own customizations.

Lego Gohan

Download: Cults3D
Designer: MIMIC
Price: $22.19

Dragon Ball has permeated Western culture in a way once unforeseen, arguably helping to give rise to just how massive anime is all over the world now, not just in its birthplace of Japan.

One of the greatest moments in the show’s history (and one of my personal favorites) is the final confrontation in the Cell Games, where all the power Son Gohan had been foreshadowed to hold inside burst forth in one of the most memorable bouts in the show’s long history.

Of course, one user couldn’t help but use 3D printing to recreate Gohan’s appearance in the build-up to the awesome climax as a Lego model. These STL files contain the likeness of the show’s oft-unsung hero in his ‘Teen’ iteration (even though he was only 11 at the time…) in amazing detail and to the scale so it’s the perfect fit for any standard Lego collection.

Christmas Lego Pieces

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: DirkS2106
Price: Free

Lego trees are important for fleshing out any scene, but they don’t come in many styles. Standard Lego trees may feel out of place in a Christmas scene, for example.

Fortunately, this designer uploaded their files for a 3D printed Lego compatible pine tree. The beauty of this tree lies in its minimalist design, meaning it’s easy to decorate to suit your festive tastes!

If you want to finish off your little Christmas scene with style, you can also check out this 3D printed Lego Santa to add a little more magic to your build.

Practical 3D Printed Lego Models

Not all 3D printed Lego models are for use with traditional Lego sets and minifigs. Many people have taken to designing and printing practical Lego-inspired creations for use around the house.

Usable Lego Cup

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Arden Markin
Price: Free

This scaled up Lego cup is a simple design that can be 3D printed with safe materials and used as an actual cup.

This makes for a really cool addition to your kitchen cabinet for any Lego fan, and makes for an adorable and shatter-proof tumbler. It can also be used to store things like sugar or salt, or be modified for use as a measuring cup.

Harry Potter TP Holder

Download: Thingiverse
Designer: grafwasserrutsche
Price: Free

Lego figure toilet paper holders are a surprisingly common find in many homes, but this designer wanted to create their own.

This scaled-up 3D printed Lego Harry Potter comes with a removable broomstick to hold your toilet paper, and is a fun addition to any bathroom.

Lego Man Storage Container

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Fynn Große-Bley
Price: Free

Every Lego builder needs somewhere to store their bricks. While it’s easy to find or make a box to store your pieces in, there’s always a more creative option.

This giant 3D printed Lego man head has a removable top for storage. While clearly a perfect way to put your Lego away for later, it can be used to store anything from screws to stationary.

Lego Pen Storage

Download: MyMiniFactory
Designer: Arden Markin
Price: Free

This desktop design for stationary storage is a simple and easily modifiable 3D printed Lego project that leaves room for decals and further personalization.

It’s simple enough that it can be printed on any machine, and the lack of stress in using the product means almost any material will do.

Top Tips for 3D Printing Lego

Because creating a Lego collection is all about creativity, it’s important to find STL files that matches what you’re looking for, or at least makes for a good substitution. Despite how well 3D printing lends itself to Lego parts, it can be difficult to find exactly what you want if you’re not up to designing your own Lego pieces from scratch.

If you can find and download an STL file that you like, then you’re free to resize it to match standard Lego dimensions or make them bigger or smaller depending on your project and desired use, which is especially important if you want to make sure you 3D print Lego compatible parts and bricks.

Perfect Filament

Lego pieces are made from ABS, meaning they’re perfect for recreating with ABS filament. But be warned, the official company has recently been cracking down on unofficial Lego pieces and figures.

If you don’t have access to ABS, other sturdy materials like PLA+ work just as well.

Measure and Remeasure

All Lego parts need to be exactly the right size. While many of the STL files we’ll talk about here are designed to be on a 1:1 scale with standard Lego collections, it’s still a good idea to double-check the sizes in your preferred editing software to avoid disappointment.

There’s nothing more painful than being excited about your new Lego pieces only to find out that they’re a millimeter or two off from fitting the way you want them to. Aside from stepping on them, of course.

Post-Processing

When making Lego pieces, you’ll need to make sure each brick is the right size and shape so they can all fit together. But to make sure they all fit together nicely, you’ll need to take great care in post-processing to get the smooth surface you’ll need for the Lego pieces to all attach the way they’re supposed to.

Each filament will need different kinds of post processing to get the ideal results. So be sure to look at the recommended steps for your type and brand before you get to work.

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Scott Hamill

I'm Scott, a professional writer currently living in Edinburgh. My interest in 3D printing began with a college peer of mine was building his own as part of his Masters. Since then I've become very involved with 3D printing, ever fascinated by its seemingly endless potential.

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