How to Design a Gift Box using 3D CAD Software
Creating a custom gift box is a fun way to add a personal touch to any present, and it’s also a great project for learning 3D design basics. This article walks through how simple shapes and tools in SelfCAD can be combined to create a neat, functional box ready for 3D printing. From designing the main container to making a lid that fits just right, the process shows how practical designs don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re designing for a special occasion or just practicing your modeling skills, this project demonstrates how SelfCAD makes it easy to turn creative ideas into real, usable objects.
Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2f1m4l594q456i5d1448286d4434o605r6e4
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click to activate face selection; Click on highlighted region to select it
Click delete button to delete selected objects
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 5
Tick the checkmark to finalize add thickness
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 20, height to 90, depth to 5, position z to 57.5
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, click copy button to create copies.
Click on mesh 3 to select it. Click on mesh 7, 7(1), 7(2), 7(3) to deselect
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to top
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 125, z to 125, y to 25
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 90 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose L Shape; Set height to 20, front width to 5, front length to 25, side width to 5, side length to 70, position x to -30, position y to 90, rotation x to 90
Tick the checkmark to finalize L shape
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, click copy button to create copies.
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose 3D sketch
From the tool panel choose ellipse; Set minimum step size to true, click on mesh 11, 11(1), 11(2), 11(3) to deselect, click on highlighted point
Click on highlighted point to draw ellipse
Click on highlighted point to draw ellipse
From the tool panel choose rectangle; Click on profile 1 to deselect, click on highlighted point to draw rectangle
Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle
Click ‘x’ to close 3D Sketch, Click on profile 1 to select it
From the tools category on the toolbar choose follow path; Set mode to extrude, direction to bottom/top
Tick the checkmark to finalize follow path
From the deform category on the toolbar choose taper; Set plane to left/right, z to 80
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click move on the toolbar; Set x to 35, y to 120, z to 0
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 11.36
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to pivot, amount of copies to 3, click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 12, position y to 125
Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 5
Click on mesh 12, 12(1), 12(2), 12(3), 3, 11(2), 11(3), 11, 11(1) to select
Click Boolean on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Tick the checkmark to finalize union
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace.
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