> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://monasheng.gitbook.io/zerotohero/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://monasheng.gitbook.io/zerotohero/3d-printing-zero-to-hero/3d-printing-workflow.md).

# 3D Printing Workflow

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:man\_mage: **Important**: The 3D Printing Workflow entails:

1. Capturing an idea by modelling it in CAD, or downloading a CAD model from e.g. GrabCAD.
2. Discretising this CAD model to a faceted approximation `.stl` file using your CAD program via a [STL Export](/zerotohero/3d-printing-zero-to-hero/core-skills/stl-export.md) feature.
3. Encoding your print settings and parameters by [Slicing](/zerotohero/3d-printing-zero-to-hero/core-skills/slicing.md) the `.stl` file and producing `.gcode` machine instructions.
4. [Printing](/zerotohero/3d-printing-zero-to-hero/core-skills/printing.md) your part by uploading the .gcode to a printer (usually via an SD card or USB stick).
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