Gridfinity is a free, open-source storage system built on 42 mm squares: you 3D print a baseplate sized to your drawer, then drop in bins of any whole-number size. Because nothing pokes past the grid, any bin fits any baseplate.
It was created by Zack Freedman, a YouTuber and maker. For beginners, Uncle Jessy, a YouTube channel that teaches 3D printing, advises searching for an existing model before designing your own, and uses free Tinkercad and cheap digital calipers for custom inserts.
How Gridfinity Works
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
Gridfinity was created by YouTuber Zack Freedman. Everything is based on 42 mm squares. You print a baseplate grid that fits your drawer, desk or toolbox, then print bins in whole-number grid sizes (1×1, 2×1, 3×2 and so on) that drop into it. Because nothing pokes past the grid, any bin fits any baseplate.
| Part | What it does | Print tip |
|---|---|---|
| Baseplate | The grid the bins sit in | Size it to your drawer; split big plates |
| Bins | Hold parts and tools | Use vase mode or few walls for speed |
| Labels | Name each bin | Multicolor printers can print labels in |
| Custom inserts | Fit specific tools | Use a generator or Tinkercad |
What to Print First
- Measure your drawer and generate a baseplate to fit.
- Start with a few 1×1 and 2×1 bins for screws and small parts.
- Add a Gridfinity ruler (yes, there is one) to plan layouts.
- Then make custom-shaped bins for tools you use often.
Gridfinity Generators and Tools
Search for “gridfinity generator” or “gridfinity baseplate generator” on Printables and MakerWorld. These parametric tools make bins and baseplates in exact sizes, so you don’t need CAD.
Is Gridfinity Worth It?
It uses a lot of filament and print time for big drawers, and some creators argue it wastes space compared with simple dividers. But for drawers where the contents change, the swap-anything layout is the point.
Best Printers for Gridfinity
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | 256 mm bed fits a 6×6 grid section | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Fast and enclosed; AMS for color-coded bins | Check price |
| Flashforge AD5X | $349.00 | Budget 4-color for labeled bins | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About Gridfinity
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- Zack Freedman (Zack Freedman: “Gridfinity: Your Ultimate Modular Workshop is FREE!”) introduced Gridfinity as a free, open-source system that is almost entirely 3D printed. He explained that every storage block is contained in whole-number 42 mm squares, which guarantees any configuration is compatible.
- Uncle Jessy (Uncle Jessy: “Gridfinity for Dummies”) walked beginners through measuring, using a printable Gridfinity ruler, and designing custom inserts in free Tinkercad with a cheap pair of digital calipers. He advised searching for an existing model before designing your own.
- The YouTube channel FromSergio called Gridfinity “easily one of the best uses for a 3D printer”. The YouTube channel The Den of Tools made a counterpoint video on its downsides, and Switch and Click described not getting it until trying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Gridfinity grid?
Each grid unit is 42 mm square. Bins come in whole-number multiples of that.
Do I need special software?
No. Free online generators create baseplates and bins at the sizes you need.
What filament is best for Gridfinity?
PLA is fine for drawers and desks. Use PETG for a hot garage.
Can I print Gridfinity on a small printer?
Yes. Print baseplates in sections. Small 180 mm printers like the A1 mini can do it with more pieces.
Sources
- Zack Freedman: “Gridfinity: Your Ultimate Modular Workshop is FREE!”
- Uncle Jessy: “Gridfinity for Dummies”
- FromSergio: “Every USEFUL 3D Print I Actually Use”
- The Den of Tools: “The Dark Truth About Gridfinity!”
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: What Can You Make With a 3D Printer at Home? | Best Budget Multicolor 3D Printer | Bambu Lab A1 Review
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.