Contest rules

The Thangs Designer Contest is a recurring opportunity for designers to share their work, gain visibility, and earn real-world rewards from trusted partners. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just getting started, this is your chance to push your ideas further, get your work recognized, and have fun!

Thangs.com

The challenge is back, redesigned to better showcase your creativity and reward great design.

What You Can Win

Contests on Thangs are designed to reward both creativity and craft.

Prizes include but are not limited to:

  • Vouchers toward 3D printers (across a range of brands and 3D printer types)
  • Filament and accessories
  • Gift cards from partners such as MatterHackers or 3DJake (depending on region)
  • Additional partner rewards and promotions

How to Enter

Participating is easy!

  1. Design a model that fits the contest theme
  • Create an original model that aligns with the challenge
  • Models must be printable on FDM/FFF or SLA printers unless specific contest guidelines state otherwise

2. Upload your model to Thangs, including:

  • A .STL or .3MF file
  • At least one image (photo of printed model)
  • A clear and informative description & instructions

3. Submit your model to the contest

  • Click the “Enter Now” button on your model page
  • Select the appropriate model(s) from your library

You may submit up to five models per contest. Both free and paid models are allowed to be entered into the contest, but we recommend making it available for free while the contest is open.

We encourage you to share your model on social platforms (make sure to tag us!) to help increase your visibility and engagement and invite others to join in the fun.

How Entries Are Judged

Winning entries are selected based on a combination of creativity, quality, and usability.

Judges will evaluate:

  • Originality and innovation of your concept
  • Functionality and real-world usefulness
  • Visual appeal and overall presentation
  • Completeness, including instructions where needed
  • Relevance to the contest theme

Additional considerations include printability, ease of assembly, quality of images, and overall clarity of the model page.

Contest Guidelines

To ensure your submission qualifies:

  • Upload new & original models only
  • Models must be printable and complete
  • Include clear images and a detailed description
  • Submit your models within the contest period
  • Assign your model to the correct category

Models that do not meet the theme or guidelines may be removed from the contest.

During the contest, all submitted models must be available for free download. Once the contest ends, you’re welcome to make your models paid if you’d like.

Key Rules & Requirements

  • You must be the original creator of your model and images
  • AI-generated models are not permitted
  • Models must be appropriate for all ages and follow Thangs’ community guidelines and content policy
  • Misleading titles, thumbnails, or excessive promotional tactics may result in disqualification
  • Models must be placed in an appropriate category
  • Entries must be new designs: No models published more than 30 days before the contest opening are eligible.
  • Use of multiple accounts or artificial engagement is prohibited

Repeated violations may result in disqualification or temporary suspension from contests.

Regions & Eligibility

  • Participation is open globally
  • Rewards are distributed through partners such as MatterHackers and 3DJake
  • If your country is not currently supported for prize fulfillment, you may still participate, but rewards may not be available

We are continuing to expand regional support.

Prizes will be delivered by partners such as MatterHackers or 3DJake, depending on your region. While shipping costs are typically covered, winners may be responsible for any applicable import duties, taxes, or fees required by their country.

Winner Notifications & Prize Delivery

If you are selected as a winner:

  • You will receive an email notification within 5–7 days
  • To claim your prize, you must complete the following within 72 hours:
  1. Select your country of residence
  2. Allow Thangs to share your email with fulfillment partners (in your account settings)
  3. Ensure your email address is accurate and up to date

Failure to complete these steps may result in forfeiture of the prize.

Prizes will be delivered by partners such as MatterHackers or 3DJake, depending on your region.

Tips for Creating a Strong Entry

To improve your chances:

  • Focus on originality and thoughtful design
  • Ensure your model prints successfully and reliably
  • Provide clear instructions for assembly if needed
  • Use high-quality images
  • Present your model clearly and professionally

Final Notes

  • Only models uploaded during the open contest time are eligible
  • Winning models must remain on Thangs for at least one year
  • Judges’ decisions are final

Thangs reserves the right to modify contest conditions, remove entries, or disqualify participants to maintain fairness and quality.

Terms & Conditions

Participation in the Thangs Designer Contest is subject to the following terms:

Eligibility

  • No purchase is necessary to enter
  • Participants must be at least 13 years old (or have parental permission where required)
  • The contest is not open to Thangs employees, contest sponsors, contractors, or their immediate families

Account Requirements

  • Participants must maintain a valid and up-to-date email address
  • Participants must select their country of residence in their profile
  • Participants must agree to allow Thangs to share their email with fulfillment partners for prize delivery

Prize Claim Requirements

  • Winners must complete all required account steps within 72 hours of notification
  • Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the prize

Submissions

  • All entries must be original works created by the participant
  • AI-generated content is not permitted
  • Reposting or copying models from other platforms is prohibited
  • Entries must be submitted during the official contest period
  • Each participant may submit up to five entries per contest

Content & Conduct

  • All submissions must be family-friendly and comply with community guidelines
  • Models must be placed in appropriate categories
  • Misleading or sensational thumbnails or titles may result in disqualification
  • Manipulation of engagement, including coordinated voting or downvoting, is prohibited
  • Use of multiple accounts is prohibited

Contest Integrity

  • Thangs reserves the right to remove entries or participants at its discretion, including for:
  • Community reports
  • Inaccurate or misleading content
  • Excessive promotional behavior
  • Technical issues that create unfair advantages
  • Thangs may disqualify entries without prior notice to preserve fairness

Judging & Results

  • All judging decisions are final
  • Thangs reserves the right to modify or terminate the contest at any time

Prizes & Fulfillment

  • Prizes are fulfilled by third-party partners such as MatterHackers or 3DJake
  • Prize availability may vary by region
  • Shipping and handling may not be included in certain locations
  • Thangs is not responsible for delays, delivery failures, or issues caused by third-party partners
  • Shipping costs are generally covered by Thangs or its partners; however, winners may be responsible for any import duties, taxes, or additional fees required by their country
  • Thangs reserves the right to modify or revoke prizes in cases of technical or fulfillment issues

Regional Limitations

  • Participation is open globally, but prize fulfillment may be limited by region
  • Participants in unsupported regions may not be eligible to receive rewards

Model Usage

  • By entering, participants agree to keep submitted models on Thangs for the duration of the contest and review period
  • Winning models must remain on the platform for at least one year
  • Thangs may use submitted models and creator names for promotional purposes

Support & Appeals

Join our Thangs Discord community to connect and share your feedback!

Also, remember to include @Thangs3D in your social media posts. Posts with this tag receive an automatic boost from Thangs Marketing, enhancing your engagement at no extra cost.