Know Before You Order

STL Sources & Licensing

Not all STL files can be legally printed for hire. This guide helps you find the right files and understand what your license actually allows.

The Basics

Why licenses matter

When you download an STL file, you're purchasing the right to use it — but the scope of that right varies enormously. Most free files and many paid files are licensed for personal use only, which means printing them for a paying customer technically violates the designer's terms. We take this seriously, which is why we require license confirmation on every order. The good news: there are plenty of fantastic designers who explicitly support commercial printing.

Source Types

What's generally allowed

GENERALLY OK
Designer Patreon — Merchant Tier
Many TTRPG miniature designers offer a dedicated "Merchant," "Commercial," or "Seller" Patreon tier that grants print-for-hire rights for that month's files.
Look for: A tier explicitly named Merchant, Commercial, or Seller. Standard subscriber tiers are personal use only — even if you're paying, the tier name matters.
GENERALLY OK
Direct Commercial License Purchase
Some designers sell standalone commercial licenses alongside their STL files — a separate product that explicitly authorizes selling prints.
Look for: A "Commercial License," "Print & Sell License," or similar listing in the designer's store, purchased separately from or bundled with the STL.
CHECK FIRST
Kickstarter Backer Files
Some TTRPG Kickstarters include commercial print rights in backer rewards — but many don't. It varies significantly by campaign and reward tier.
Look for: Explicit "print and sell" or "print for hire" language in the campaign FAQ or backer updates. If it isn't stated, assume personal use only.
CHECK FIRST
Paid Files on MyMiniFactory
Paid files on MMF are most often personal-use licensed. Some designers offer a separate commercial upgrade, but it must be purchased explicitly.
Look for: A "Commercial License" add-on listed on the product page. Buying the STL alone is not enough.
PERSONAL USE ONLY
Free Files — Thingiverse & MyMiniFactory
The vast majority of free STL files are licensed for personal use only. Printing them for a paying customer violates the license regardless of the print price.
How to check: Look for the license badge on the file page. CC BY-NC or "Personal Use Only" should be treated as off-limits.
NEVER PERMITTED
IP-Owned Characters & Designs
Files based on official D&D monsters, Warhammer models, video game characters, or other licensed IP cannot be sold commercially — regardless of where you got the STL.
This includes: Official D&D and Pathfinder monsters, Games Workshop models, any named franchise character. Original independent sculpts are fine.
Where to Shop

Designers with commercial options

Click any card to visit their page. Always verify current license terms before ordering — tiers and policies can change.

mz4250
6,000+ TTRPG minis covering nearly every D&D creature. Commercial rights available through the Dragon Tiers on Patreon — even the $1 tier includes 400+ presupported commercial-safe models.
DRAGON TIER VISIT PATREON →
SolGood Terrain
Wargaming and RPG terrain for 28–32mm scale. Merchant tier available through their MyMiniFactory Tribe — grants commercial print-for-hire rights on their full catalogue.
MERCHANT TIER VISIT MMF TRIBE →
Titan-Forge Miniatures
High-detail fantasy & sci-fi minis, 100+ per month. Merchant tier is exclusively on Thangs — allows selling prints of models tagged FREE or MERCH. Note: their Patreon merchant tier is suspended.
MERCHANT TIER VISIT THANGS →
Terrain Essentials (Cast n Play)
Fantasy terrain and scatter by Cast n Play. Their Merchant Tier Patreon allows selling printed versions of all models from the Patreon and MyMiniFactory store. Credit required on listings.
MERCHANT TIER VISIT PATREON →
STL Miniatures
High-detail tabletop miniatures with a large catalogue. Commercial print-for-hire rights granted through their MMF Tribe merchant tier — subscribe there, not through Patreon.
MERCHANT TIER VISIT MMF TRIBE →
PRIMAL Collectibles
Classic RPG fantasy miniatures with 648+ models and a huge back catalogue. Commercial print-for-hire rights granted through their MMF Tribe merchant tier.
MERCHANT TIER VISIT MMF TRIBE →
Quick Reference

License terms decoded

LICENSE TERMWHAT IT MEANSCAN WE PRINT IT?
CC BYAttribution required — commercial use allowedYES
CC BY-SAAttribution + share-alike — commercial use generally allowedYES — VERIFY
CC BY-NCNon-commercial only — personal use, no sellingNO
CC BY-NC-SANon-commercial + share-alike — personal use onlyNO
Personal Use OnlyExplicitly personal — cannot be printed for saleNO
Print & Sell / Commercial OKExplicitly allows third-party commercial printingYES
Merchant Tier LicensePatreon/platform tier that explicitly grants commercial rightsYES
No license listedUnknown — could be anythingASK DESIGNER
STILL NOT SURE?
If you can't find clear commercial printing language in your file's license, assume it's personal use only. We'd rather help you find the right file than print something that creates a problem. Send us a message and we'll look at the license together before you order — no commitment required.

Found a file you're cleared to print? Let's make it.

REQUEST A PRINT