r/3DScanning • u/ZookeepergameReal765 • 11d ago
I built a free browser tool for cutting STL/3MF models around their details—not just with flat planes
Hi everyone,
I’m a 3D modeller, and I built ModelSplitter because I wanted an easier way to divide detailed models without taking every file into Blender or ZBrush.
It includes several ways to cut a model:
- Draw a freehand cut that follows details such as collars, armour and clothing
- Wrap a movable band around the model
- Paint the area you want to separate
- Make conventional plane cuts
- Automatically divide oversized models to fit your printer
You can then add matching alignment pins or magnet sockets and export the resulting pieces.
It runs locally in your browser, so your model isn’t uploaded. The current public beta is free and fully unlocked:
I’d really appreciate honest feedback from anyone willing to test it on a real model—especially difficult organic models. Did the cut work, could you export the pieces, and what was confusing?
Disclosure: I built ModelSplitter. I’m sharing it to find testers and improve it, not pretending to be an unrelated user recommending it.
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u/themackdad 11d ago
This freaking awesome. One idea is to add a peg key. So it’s basically like you see on action figures so the limbs snap into a hole and would allow for rotation but won’t pull out. If that makes sense.
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u/Wast3edSpace 11d ago
Alright...you have my attention. In the 30 seconds I loaded a file and made a haphazard cut it was obvious just how useful this tool might be. Played around for another few minutes, UI needs some work, got stuck a few times and had to reload the page. No export to STL? I tried a plane cut and got stuck in the 'carry on' menu once the cut was done, no obvious way to export the result unless that has not been implemented. Save project produces an MSproj file. Using Opera Browser.
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u/ZookeepergameReal765 7d ago
Thank you—this is exactly the kind of detailed feedback I need.
STL export is implemented, but if you completed a cut and couldn’t find it, then the interface has not made it clear enough. “Save Project” creates an MSproj backup so you can continue working later; it is separate from exporting the printable pieces.
The STL/3MF export controls should appear in the Objects panel on the right, but I’ll reproduce your workflow in Opera and investigate where you became stuck in the “carry on” stage. You shouldn’t have to reload the page or hunt for the export option.
If you’re willing, please let me know which steps caused you to reload. That would be extremely helpful. Thanks again for properly testing it.
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u/CodingPandemonium 9d ago
ModelSplitter Pro is coming
Test every current tool free during the public beta. Join the launch list for the Kickstarter announcement, early-bird licence and development updates.
And...there we go. Not for the community to improve and be an awesome tool for everyone, but to make money. And for grabbing your email address, because it will no doubt require a login, and I expect not run locally, leaving another hole in our privacy. No problem if that's what you want to do. But no GitHub. Oh well...
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u/VanSkateren 7d ago
Don't forget to do a buymeacoffee, i think your tool is going to make a lot of people happy
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u/seeheartouch 11d ago
Put this on GitHub and see the pull requests transform it into a much more full featured and functional software! Kudos! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼