The Complete Gridfinity Guide

What is Gridfinity?

Gridfinity is a modular, open-source storage system designed by Zack Freedman that has taken the 3D printing community by storm. The concept is simple: standardized grid baseplates with snap-in bins of various sizes. Think IKEA's organization systems, but fully customizable and 3D printed.

Why Everyone is Printing It

Before Gridfinity, 3D-printed storage was a mess of incompatible designs. Every designer had their own dimensions, and nothing fit together. Gridfinity changed that by establishing a universal 42mm grid standard. Now, thousands of designers create compatible bins, holders, and inserts — and they all work together on the same baseplates.

Getting Started: What to Print First

Step 1: Baseplates. Print a few 4x4 or 6x3 baseplates. These are the foundation — bins snap into the grid. Use 3-4 wall lines and 15-20% infill for baseplates.

Step 2: Basic bins. Start with 1x1, 2x1, and 2x2 bins in various heights. These are your general-purpose containers for screws, bolts, SD cards, and small tools.

Step 3: Specialized inserts. This is where it gets fun. The community has created Gridfinity inserts for almost everything:

• Screwdriver holders
• Caliper cradles
• Nozzle organizers
• Battery holders (AA, AAA, 18650)
• USB and SD card slots
• Soldering iron holders
• Tweezers and plier racks
• Drill bit organizers

Print Settings for Gridfinity

Gridfinity parts are designed for tight tolerances, so settings matter:

• Layer height: 0.2mm (standard quality is fine)
• Wall lines: 3-4 for baseplates, 2-3 for bins
• Infill: 15-20% for baseplates, 0-10% for bins
• Material: PLA works great. PETG if you want more durability
• Supports: None needed for most designs
• Speed: Normal speed is fine — these aren't detailed prints

Advanced Gridfinity: Weighted Baseplates

For a premium feel, print baseplates with holes designed for magnets (6x2mm are standard) and add steel weights. This prevents your storage from sliding around and adds a satisfying heft. Some designs even include magnet slots in bins for a secure snap-in connection.

Gridfinity Generators

Don't want to search for the perfect bin? Several online tools let you generate custom Gridfinity bins with exact dimensions. Specify the grid size, height, number of compartments, and label style — then download the STL and print.

Finding Gridfinity Models

There are thousands of Gridfinity-compatible designs across Printables, Thingiverse, MakerWorld, and other platforms. Search for "Gridfinity" on 3DSearch to browse all of them in one place — sorted by downloads to find the most popular and tested designs. You'll find everything from basic bins to highly specialized tool holders.

Is It Worth the Filament?

Absolutely. A full Gridfinity workshop setup might use 2-3 rolls of filament, but the organization improvement is dramatic. Once you start, you'll find yourself measuring every drawer and shelf for Gridfinity potential. Welcome to the addiction.