OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL DESIGN LAB
TINKERCAD
Tinkercad is a web-based 3D modeling program that can be used on a computer or iPad app. Either choice is great since the app is almost exactly the same as the website. As long as you are logged into the same account, you can switch between the two and your designs will always be up to date.
Since Tinkercad is web based, you can access your designs from any device. It has a low learning curve and is easy to learn quickly. However, this does not mean there aren't important skills to learn! The biggest issue with Tinkercad is students often just try to "wing it" without learning any of the tools. This usually leads to poor designs that cannot be printed.
1. Sign Up for a Free Account
Click here to sign up for a new account if you have never used Tinkercad.
Choose "Create a Personal Account", then sign in with your school Google account.
2. Learn How to Use Tinkercad
Tinkercad has some built in tutorials to get you going, but they're not very helpful, so I recommend you skip them.
1. Click "Create a new design" to begin a new project.
2. Rename your project. Tinkercad automatically names every new project with something strange like "Glorious Wluff". It's annoying. Please click on the name and rename it to something that makes sense.
3. Watch the videos shown in the YouTube playlist below. Click on the arrow to advance to other videos. This YouTube playlist is the best resource I have found for teaching everything you need to know in order to use Tinkercad effectively!
Other Tinkercad Resources
3. Start Designing!
The best way to learn Tinkercad is to watch the videos and practice what you learn. Have this page open in one browser tab and the Tinkercad workspace open in a different tab.
Watch one video, then practice that skill for at least five minutes. When you're ready, move on to the next video.
I'm sure you're excited to make a 3D model, but I strongly encourage you not to rush through this process. It's better to take your time and learn how to use Tinkercad well rather than trying to quickly make something in one day.