How to choose a library
Start with what the model is for. A render or a product shot needs a detailed, realistic model. A game needs light, matching asset packs that share one style. A 3D print needs a closed mesh in a print format like STL.
| Type of library | Good for | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| CC0 libraries | Any project, no strings in the license | Trademarks or brands a model might show |
| Game asset packs | Prototypes and finished games in one style | Rules on reselling the assets themselves |
| Community platforms | Huge choice of single models | The license on each model page |
| Science collections | Space hardware, molecules, anatomy | The usage guideline or license per model |
CC0 and the other licenses
CC0 is the simplest case: the creator waives their rights, so you can use, change and sell work that includes the model without credit. Poly Haven says all its assets are CC0 and may be used for any purpose, even redistributed inside a product you sell. Kenney says its game assets are public domain licensed (CC0) and attribution is not required.
Community sites mix licenses. The OpenGameArt FAQ explains CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, OGA-BY and GPL: CC BY needs credit, CC BY-SA also means your changed version must use the same license. Sketchfab and Poly Pizza offer free models under Creative Commons licenses set per model, so read the label before you download.
Royalty free is not the same as CC0
Some libraries use their own royalty free license. It lets you use the model in your work, but not pass on the model itself:
- Quaternius allows personal, educational and commercial use with no attribution, but you may not resell or redistribute the assets, even modified, for example in an asset pack.
- Blendkit (formerly BlenderKit) says everything you download is available for commercial use; under its Royalty Free license you may not resell the asset in the same form, even if you modify it. Its Free plan lists 23,705 models and 200 MiB of private storage.
- CGTrader lets each seller choose the license of a free model. The default Royalty Free license limits use to models built into a larger product such as a render, game or app, and free downloads may not be used to train machine learning models.
So putting a model in your game or render is fine, while selling the model file on its own usually is not.
Models for 3D printing
For printing, look for STL or similar files. NASA 3D Resources has a 3D Printable filter and STL among its formats, and says its assets are free to download and use under the NASA usage guidelines. The NIH 3D FAQ recommends STL for single color printing and WRL for full color powder bed printing, and says licensing varies per model.
Before you print, measure the model in your slicer and convert sizes with the length converter if the file uses inches and your printer uses millimeters.
Make the model your own
A free model often looks better with your own materials and colors. Make a tileable surface with the noise texture generator, pick a matching scheme with the color palette generator, and keep texture files small with the image resizer and the image compressor. For ready-made materials, see our list of free textures and patterns.
Keep a note of every model you use: the page URL, the author, the license and the download date. Poly Pizza, for example, says the Creative Commons license in effect at the time of download applies.
How we checked
On 2026-10-22 we opened each library's own license, terms or FAQ page and wrote down only what it says. If a page did not mention credit or commercial use, the table says "Not stated". Several popular model sites are missing because their terms page could not be opened on that day. This list is not legal advice; for a commercial release, read the full terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use free 3D models in a game I sell?
Yes, with most libraries here. Poly Haven and Kenney assets are CC0. Quaternius allows commercial use without credit but forbids reselling the assets themselves. On Sketchfab, Poly Pizza, OpenGameArt and CGTrader the license is set per model, so check it before you ship.
Do I have to credit the creator of a 3D model?
Not for CC0 models from Poly Haven or Kenney, and not under the Quaternius license or the Blendkit Royalty Free license. Models under CC BY or CC BY-SA, which you find on OpenGameArt and other community sites, need credit. NASA asks to be acknowledged as the source.
Can I sell a free 3D model or put it in an asset pack?
Usually only with CC0 or other open licenses. Poly Haven says redistribution is allowed, even inside a product you sell. Quaternius forbids reselling or redistributing its assets, Blendkit forbids reselling an asset in the same form, and CGTrader's Royalty Free license does not allow passing on the model file.
Where can I find free models to 3D print?
NASA 3D Resources has a 3D Printable filter and offers STL files, and NIH 3D offers science and medical models in STL and WRL. Several big printing platforms are missing from this list because their terms page could not be opened when we checked.
Can I use free 3D models to train an AI model?
Not on Poly Pizza, whose terms forbid using the service for machine learning or AI training without written permission, and not with free downloads from CGTrader. Most other libraries did not address it on the pages we checked, so read the full terms first.