We do our best to listen to the community, and we're always working hard to improve the software that helps control the hobby we all know and love. One of the most recent features, is our new Text Creator. Designing parts can be difficult for the average person, and sometimes it's nice just to be able to write something and have it printed, instead of waiting for someone to design the particular thing you want. Let's get started, shall we?

Using the Tool

The first thing you wanna do, is head towards the Library. From there, look towards the bottom section and click on Create. A window should pop up with the Text Creator menu option. Click it. You should see three main areas: the sidebar, the viewport, and the text entry box. We’ll start by typing a word.

MatterControl Text Creator workspace with text edit controls and grid build plate

So many possibilities. So many letters. 26 to be exact.

After we type the word, we press insert and then look to the sidebar.

MatterControl Text Creator showing MatterHackers 3D text on build grid

Your first word! A little self indulgent perhaps.

We can make it really small.

MatterControl Text Creator showing MatterHackers text on 3D print bed grid

Beautifully tiny, yet unprintable.

We can make it huge!

MatterControl Text Creator editing underlined MatterHackers text on a 3D print grid

There we go. Wait, what's my build volume?

We can make it all squished together.

MatterControl Text Creator with MatterHackers 3D text on build grid

Can I read it? Of course I can. I'm a printing wizard.

We can shrink or heighten the letters.

MatterControl Text Creator editing 3D text reading MatterHackers!

These are tall, but I'm sure you can imagine what a flat thing looks like.

And of course, we can add an underline for structure.

Underline formatting button

Check the box for maximum cohesiveness.

Also fun to note, there is no character limit, so go crazy!

MatterControl Text Creator editing angled 3D text with word settings controls

Wow, so many letters!

So, the last thing to note, are these guys.

3D model viewer controls for rotate, pan, zoom, and select

The options you know and love.

They’re just like your normal panning and scaling tools in the print preview, however, there is one tool you may want to experiment with. This fellow.

Hand pointer click icon

Yeah! We'll call him Sherman.

While it’s active, you can drag your letters around to your hearts content. Arrange them any way you like!

MatterControl Text Creator editing extruded “Woooo!” text on a 3D print bed

It's barely recognizable, but still amazing.

Those are all the basic functions of the Text Creator.
Good luck, and happy printing!

-The MatterHackers Crew

MatterControl Text Creator editing 3D extruded welcome text on a grid

You're ready to embark on a creation adventure! Have fun!