The Sloyd blog

Techniques, tips and strategies for creating amazing 3D content!
3D Modeling

3D Print Layer Height Guide: Best Settings For Every Material

Improve print quality, strength, and speed with optimal layer height. Practical tips for PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, and resin.
3D Modeling

Write Better 3D Model Prompts: Boost AI Output Quality with These Tips

Learn how to write better prompts for 3D model generation with clear tips, practical examples, and techniques that help AI produce more accurate and creative 3D assets.
3D Modeling

Base Color vs. Albedo Maps: Key Differences in 3D Textures

Confused about base color vs albedo in PBR? See when to use each map, common mistakes to avoid, and how they affect realism in 3D materials.
3D Modeling

How to Rig AI Models for Animation in Minutes

Learn how to rig AI models for animation in minutes using fast, automated tools and streamlined workflows, no complex manual rigging required.
3D Modeling

How to Evaluate 3D Model Quality: 7 Key Metrics for Better Results

Learn the 7 essential metrics for evaluating 3D model quality. From geometric accuracy to mesh integrity, with clear explanations and practical examples.
3D Printing

15 Best-Selling 3D Printed Items in 2025 (Profitable Niches + Selling Tips)

15 best-selling 3D printed products to sell in 2025—plus pricing ideas, niche tips, and what sells best on Etsy. Includes starter product checklist.
Game Development

Mastering Level of Detail (LOD): Balancing Graphics and Performance in Game Development

Struggling with performance vs visuals? This guide explains LOD, polygon budgets, and modern approaches like Nanite and smart LOD workflows.
3D Modeling

Mastering the Unity Asset Store: What The Best Developers Do

Explore the Unity Asset Store for thousands of high-quality assets that streamline game development and enhance creativity.
3D Modeling

6 Proven Tips to Make AI-Generated 3D Models Print-Ready

AI-generated 3D models often fail to print. These 10 practical tips show how to fix mesh errors, wall thickness, and geometry for reliable 3D printing.
3D Modeling

Best Layer Height for Every Nozzle Size (0.2–1.0mm Guide)

Find the best layer height for any nozzle size (0.2–1.0mm). Includes a simple table, speed vs quality tips, and expert 3D printing advice
3D Modeling

Top 4 AI Tools for Custom 3D Asset Creation

Explore the best AI tools for creating custom 3D assets, from text-to-3D to photorealistic models. See which tool is best for game devs, architects, and designers
3D Modeling

Best Cheap 3D Modeling Software: Pricing + Best Use Cases (Updated 2026)

Compare 6 budget-friendly 3D modeling tools with updated pricing, what each is best for (beginners, sculpting, architecture, 3D printing), and quick picks by use case.
Game Development

Can You Create Game Assets with AI? Yes—Here’s How

A practical AI workflow for props and environment assets—what to generate, what to refine, and how to keep performance tight in Unity & Unreal.
3D Printing

Convert a Sketch to an STL for 3D Printing (Fast, Watertight)

Turn a hand sketch into a 3D-printable STL in ~5 minutes. Follow 4 steps, use the 3D-Printing preset, and export a watertight mesh—no CAD required.
3D Modeling

How 2D Drawings Are Converted Into 3D Geometry

Turn 2D sketches into game-ready 3D models with generative AI! Discover how Sloyd's image-to-3D tool simplifies creation for developers & printers.