Print Prep Pack
FreePromote to Body, mesh promote, batch STL export, and body report utilities.
Print Prep Pack is a set of free FreeCAD macros we use in-shop to finish a model for editing and printing: get geometry into a PartDesign Body, convert meshes when needed, export bodies to STL in batch, and inventory what's in the document.
What It Does
- PromoteToBody — solid → PartDesign Body (BaseFeature handoff)
- PromoteMeshToBody — mesh / messy geometry → Body (best effort; can be slow)
- ExportBodiesToSTL — batch STL export of bodies
- ExportBodyReport — body inventory (text / CSV / spreadsheet)
Good For / Use Cases
- A generator or imported solid needs PartDesign sketches next — promote to Body first
- A customer sent an STL and you need a Body to continue work (mesh promote is best-effort)
- Exporting every body in a document to STL for slicing without clicking one-by-one
- Auditing a complex file: which bodies exist, labels, rough sizes
Requirements
FreeCAD: 1.0, 1.1 · Run: PromoteToBody / ExportBodiesToSTL / ExportBodyReport / PromoteMeshToBody
Install
Install (Windows)
- Download the
.zipand unzip it. - Copy all files from the unzipped folder into your FreeCAD Macro folder:
| FreeCAD | Typical Macro folder |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Macro\ |
| 1.1 | %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\v1-1\Macro\ |
- Restart FreeCAD (recommended).
- Macro → Macros… → select
PromoteToBody / ExportBodiesToSTL / ExportBodyReport / PromoteMeshToBody→ Execute.
Linux/Mac: FreeCAD → Edit → Preferences → General → Macro shows the equivalent path.
How To Use
- Open your FreeCAD document.
- Select the object (for the promote macros) or just run export/report with the document open.
- Macro → Macros… → pick the utility → Execute.
Tips & Limitations
- Mesh promote can be slow or fail on dense scans — expected, not a bug.
- Utilities only; always verify solids before printing.
FAQ
Will PromoteMeshToBody work on any STL? Best-effort — very dense or messy scans may be slow or fail. Simplify the mesh first if it struggles.
Can I export just some bodies, not all of them? ExportBodiesToSTL batches every body in the document — hide or delete ones you don't want exported first.
No warranty. This software and any models you generate are provided as is. The Gizmo Grotto is not liable for failed prints, unfit parts, or consequential damages. You are responsible for verifying dimensions, materials, and suitability for your use.
Early release. Features and defaults may change. Files you download today may be superseded by newer versions.
Utilities only. Mesh conversion is best-effort and may be slow or fail on dense scans.