The Best Online 3D Printing Course for Beginners in 2024: A Complete Review
Are you fascinated by 3D printing but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve seen 3D-printed toys, tools, or even prosthetics and thought, “That looks awesome—but seems so complex.” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are beginner-friendly 3D printing courses that make diving into this exciting world not just possible, but easy.
In this review, we’ll break down one of the most popular beginner-focused online programs available today: 3D Printing for Beginners on Udemy. If you’re looking for the best beginner 3D printing course online without spending hundreds of dollars or struggling with confusing jargon, keep reading.
What You’ll Learn in the 3D Printing for Beginners Course
“3D Printing for Beginners” on Udemy is exactly what it promises: a smooth entry point into the world of 3D printing. It’s tailored to people with no prior experience and answers a lot of common questions like:
- What type of 3D printer should I buy?
- How do I prepare a 3D model?
- What slicing software should I use?
- Can I start without buying a printer?
The course walks you through the full journey, starting with the fundamentals and building up to your first real or simulated print.
Here’s what’s inside the course:
- A brief history and evolution of 3D printing
- Core 3D printing processes, especially FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- How to choose your first printer
- File preparation using slicing software (like Cura)
- Post-processing and finishing techniques
- Tips to avoid beginner mistakes
- Access to free downloadable 3D model files
It includes 5–6 hours of video across 40–65 lectures. The structure is ideal for busy learners—you can break it into bite-sized sessions.
Why Beginners Love It
What makes this course stand out among dozens of options for learning 3D printing is simple: accessibility. While you can spend hours watching random YouTube videos scattered across multiple creators, this course compiles everything into a clean, organized framework.
Pros mentioned by real users include:
- No printer required—ideal if you’re still window-shopping
- Straightforward explanations of tech-heavy concepts
- Covers both theory and hands-on exercises
- Multiple printable models to practice with
- Q&A section and community support via Udemy
“Perfect course to introduce 3D printing to an absolute beginner. Great overview, without getting lost in the myriads of paths inherent in 3D printing. I’ve already recommended this course to several of my fellow newbies!” — S.M., Udemy
Where It Falls Short
No course is perfect. Here are some real drawbacks shared by users and reviewers:
- It’s beginner-only. If you already own a printer or have some 3D modeling knowledge, it might feel basic.
- Advanced processes like resin (MSLA) or SLA printing are not covered.
- Some modules may be slightly out of date, especially if software updates have occurred in recent months.
- Not ideal for those who want to deep-dive into design software like Blender or SolidWorks.
However, these cons are relatively minor considering its goal: serving true beginners.
How It Compares to Other Courses
When stacked up against other entry-level offerings, “3D Printing for Beginners” holds its own. According to Udemy internal stats as well as external reviews on Class Central, comparable courses tend to differ in one major way: depth.
Courses like “3D Printing From Zero to Hero in Blender” cover modeling software and more advanced technology like MSLA. They’re amazing—but overwhelming for a true beginner. Similarly, academic-style videos on Coursera may feel too formal or slow-paced for hobbyists just trying to jump in and start printing.
So, if you’re new and want more hand-holding than forum threads and Reddit posts can offer, this course delivers. And best of all? It’s often on sale.
Pricing and Why It’s a Good Deal
The full retail price is listed at $64.99—but Udemy regularly offers discounts, often dropping the price to as low as $15–20. For the value you get—a structured course, downloadable content, and beginner support—it’s a no-brainer at that range.
According to Class Central, many students start with this course and move on to advanced Blender-focused or resin printing classes later.
Real-World Use and Student Success
Another review on The3DPrintingZone.com echoed this:
“You don’t need a 3D printer in hand to enjoy the course. By the end, though, many students are confident enough to pick one up and start printing at home.”
People genuinely start printing after finishing this course—even those who feared they were “technologically challenged.” That’s the power of clear instruction and a supportive learning environment.
Who This Course Is For
This course is best for:
- Total newcomers to 3D printing
- Hobbyists who want a simple start
- Parents or educators wanting to introduce 3D printing to kids
- Creators exploring a new medium
It may NOT be the best choice if you already own a printer and want to troubleshoot advanced issues, or if you plan to design museum-quality digital sculptures in Blender. For that, “Zero to Hero in Blender” is the better route.
Final Thoughts: Is 3D Printing for Beginners Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re a beginner overwhelmed by choices and ready to stop browsing and start learning, this course clears the path. With thousands of positive reviews, structured content, and an instructor that explains complex topics simply, it’s earned its spot among the best beginner 3D printing courses available.
And remember—it’s often found heavily discounted. So you don’t need to break the bank to get started with 3D printing.
Before enrolling, double-check for a sale, review a few preview lectures (they’re free on Udemy), and get ready to start your maker journey.
Ready to begin building your own 3D models and printing real-world objects?
Bonus Tip
Start bookmarking free 3D model sites now (like Thingiverse and Printables.com). You’ll thank us later!