Meta 3D (M.3D) User Guide & 3D Solid CAD Modeling | MetaFile Cloud
Parametric 3D Solid CAD Modeling, CSG Booleans & 3D Printing STL Export.
Overview
Meta 3D (M.3D) is a browser-native parametric 3D solid modeling and mechanical engineering application powered by WebGL and a high-performance Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) kernel. Engineered for product designers, makers, and mechanical engineers, M.3D allows you to combine primitive solid geometries (Cubes, Cylinders, Spheres, Cones, Toruses) using robust Boolean operations (Union, Difference/Cut, Intersection) to manufacture complex mechanical assemblies. It features real-time 3D camera orbit controls, material shaders, physical dimension inspection, and watertight STL/STEP export for 3D printing and CNC machining.
Core Capabilities & Features
Parametric Primitives & Gizmo Control
Spawn 3D primitives with customizable dimensions, radius, and segment counts. Position, rotate, and scale solids with an intuitive 3-axis transform gizmo.
Robust CSG Boolean Operations
Execute complex solid operations: Union (fuse bodies together), Difference (cut holes, pockets, and slots), and Intersection (isolate shared volume).
3D Printing Inspection & STL Export
Check mesh manifoldness, identify non-watertight holes, and export clean binary STL or OBJ files ready for Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio.
AI 3D Shape Synthesizer
Prompt the AI: "Create an ergonomic drone motor mount with four 3mm bolt holes" to automatically generate parametric solids with exact geometry.
Step-by-Step User Guide (How to Use)
Follow these simple steps to start working productively with M.3D:
Start with Base Solid or Choose a 3D Template
Open a blank 3D canvas or select our Parametric Gearbox Assembly template to study real mechanical part hierarchies.
Combine Solids with Boolean Operations
Add a base cube (e.g. 100x60x20mm), add a cylinder (diameter 10mm), place it through the cube, and apply Boolean Difference to drill mounting holes.
Verify Mesh & Export STL for 3D Printing
Check volume metrics, ensure normal vectors point outward, and click "Export STL" to send your CAD model directly to your 3D printer slicer.
Interface & Ribbon Toolbar Reference
Detailed explanation of every button, menu action, and tool available on the interface:
| Tool / Action | Shortcut / Access | Detailed Functionality & How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Add Cube / Box | Add Menu | Creates a parametric rectangular solid with width, height, and depth parameters. |
| Add Cylinder | Add Menu | Creates cylindrical solid bodies ideal for shafts, pins, bushings, and bolt holes. |
| Add Sphere / Torus | Add Menu | Creates curved organic and rotational shapes with customizable tessellation. |
| Tool / Action | Shortcut / Access | Detailed Functionality & How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean Difference (Cut) | CSG Cut | Subtracts the secondary tool solid from the primary solid to cut holes or cavities. |
| Boolean Union | CSG Join | Fuses two overlapping solids into a single continuous watertight mesh. |
| Camera Orbit / Pan / Zoom | Mouse Buttons | Left-click drag to orbit camera; right-click drag to pan; scroll wheel to dolly zoom. |
Template Library (storage.template)
Explore standardized, professionally pre-designed templates stored in storage.template. You can click Preview (Read-Only) to inspect any template in view-only mode, or click Use / Edit Template to duplicate it directly into your private workspace.
Parametric Industrial Flange Assembly (STEP/3D)
Solid parametric 3D assembly with hub cylinder, chamfered collar, and bolt-circle array.
Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
| Keystroke | Action Executed |
|---|---|
| Left Click + Drag | Orbit 3D camera around target point |
| Right Click + Drag | Pan 3D camera view horizontally & vertically |
| Scroll Wheel | Dolly zoom camera in and out |
| G / R / S | Activate Translate (Grab), Rotate, or Scale gizmo |
| Delete | Delete selected solid object from scene |
| Space | Focus camera view on selected object |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The CSG boolean engine guarantees watertight 2-manifold geometry, ensuring zero slicer errors when exporting to binary STL.
No. M.3D is optimized with lightweight WebGL shaders that run smoothly on standard laptops, Chromebooks, and integrated graphics.