Gridfinity explained: the 3D printed storage system everyone is printing
Gridfinity is a storage system you print yourself: a grid of baseplates that bins snap into, so a drawer or shelf can hold exactly the tools and parts you have. It’s one of the most printed things in 3D printing, and once you know how it works, finding the right pieces is easy.
What it is
Gridfinity was designed by Zack Freedman, who released it as an open design in 2022 so that anyone could print it and design pieces that fit it. That openness is why there are now thousands of compatible bins, holders and accessories from all kinds of designers.
How it works
- Baseplates are flat grids that sit in a drawer or on a shelf. Each square of the grid is 42 mm by 42 mm.
- Bins sit on the baseplate. Their size is counted in grid squares, so a “2x1 bin” covers two squares by one. They lift out and move around, but don’t slide.
- Height is counted in units of 7 mm, so a “3 unit” bin is shorter than a “6 unit” one.
- Holders are bins shaped for one thing: screwdrivers, pliers, batteries, drill bits, pens, SD cards, and many more.
Some versions add small magnets underneath, or weights to keep a baseplate still. Check what a design needs before you print it.
Getting started
- Measure the inside of your drawer, and divide by 42 mm to see how many squares fit.
- Print a baseplate to fit. Big drawers need several baseplates side by side, since most print beds can’t fit the whole thing at once.
- Print a few plain bins in different sizes, then holders for the things you use most.
Finding the pieces you need
Search for “gridfinity” plus what you want to store:
- Gridfinity baseplate
- Gridfinity bin
- Gridfinity screwdriver holder
- Gridfinity battery holder
- Gridfinity pliers holder
On Yigo’s home page, the Tools tab includes Gridfinity pieces among its popular models too.
Tips
- Print one small bin first and check it sits nicely on your baseplate. If it’s too tight or loose, your printer may need calibrating (see our first prints guide).
- Bins don’t need to be strong, so a low infill and a fast profile save a lot of time and filament.
- Labels on the front of bins help you find things in a full drawer. Many bins have a lip for one.