objekto vs Thangs: find a model or design one?
Updated 5 November 2026 · 2 min read
In short
Thangs is for finding: it's a search engine and community for 3D models, with shape-based search and print on demand made by Shapeways. objekto is for designing: it creates an object that doesn't exist yet, to your dimensions, then has it made. If the model already exists (a figurine, a popular accessory), Thangs is quicker; if you need something made to measure, objekto.
- Thangs: model search (including by shape, from a model or a photo), community, print on demand.
- Shapeways has held a majority stake in Thangs since December 2024.
- objekto: made-to-measure, multi-part design with an exploded view and assembly guide.
- Both have a community gallery; on objekto, any design can be remixed to your dimensions.
What Thangs does
Thangs is a 3D model platform: you search files published by creators, including by shape similarity (by uploading a model or a photo), follow creators, download or buy models, and join contests. Shapeways took control in December 2024 and launched print on demand there in 2025: a model found on Thangs can be ordered as a print, made by Shapeways.
What objekto does
objekto starts from a description, a photo or a sketch: its AI designs the object as parametric CAD, part by part, checks it's print-ready, provides an exploded view and an assembly guide, then has it made by an industrial 3D-printing workshop and delivered in France. A simple part costs 950 credits to design, and new accounts get 2,000 credits free at signup.
objekto's gallery collects the designs the community has published: each one can be ordered as is or remixed, meaning taken and adjusted to your dimensions.
The differences, point by point
| Thangs | objekto | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A search through existing models | A description of the object you want |
| Made to measure | Limited to the model you find (scaling) | Exact dimensions, dimension sliders |
| Model quality | Varies with the creator | Printability checks for each material |
| Manufacturing | Print on demand (Shapeways) | Partner workshop, delivered price shown up front |
| Best for | Figurines, popular objects, files to print yourself | Custom functional objects, spare parts |
When to pick Thangs
- The object already exists as a 3D model (miniatures, figurines, common accessories).
- You have your own printer and want files to download.
- You want to follow a community of creators.
When to pick objekto
- You can't find what you need, or not in the right size.
- You're replacing a specific part with dimensions to match.
- The object has several parts that assemble with standard hardware.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a model from Thangs into objekto?
If the model's licence allows it, yes: Repair / replace mode accepts a 3D file (STL, 3MF, OBJ, STEP) as a reference, and the AI rebuilds it as parametric CAD.
Does Thangs design custom objects?
No: Thangs is a library and community of models. The models are made by their authors.
Sources
Public information read on 3 November 2026 from the sites listed; it may have changed since. Spotted a mistake? Write to bonjour@objekto.io.