On this page
Yes, it still works. In our test on Windows 11, the library loaded its categories, found models and placed them on the canvas. It needs an internet connection, because the models are downloaded when you pick them. Click the 3D library tab, pick a category or search, and click a model to add it.
Some sites suggest the library went away with Remix 3D, Microsoft's old model-sharing website. Remix 3D did close, but the library inside the app kept working. Here is what it offers now and what to do when it does not load.
How to open it
There are two ways in:
- Click the 3D library tab at the right end of the top tabs.
- Or, in the 3D shapes tab, click Open 3D library at the top of the right panel.
The panel shows a search box and a grid of categories. In our test these included Latest 3D collections, Animals, Space, Dinosaurs, Vinyl Toy, Realistic, Flowers and Plants, Best of Minecraft, Cool Cars and Characters, with more further down.
How to add a model
- Click a category to open it, or type in the Search 3D Models box.
- Click the model you want.
- A loading card shows the model's name while it downloads. Click Cancel if you picked the wrong one.
- When it finishes, the model appears on the canvas.
Bigger, more detailed models can take longer to load. Once a model is placed, it is a normal 3D object. You can move, turn, resize and recolor it like any shape you draw yourself. Our guide to Paint 3D 3D shapes covers those controls.
Make a library model your own
A library model is only a starting point. Select it and click Edit color in the right panel to recolor it. Add a texture or a sticker to it from the Stickers tab, as shown in our guide to Paint 3D stickers and textures. Combine it with shapes you draw, then select them all with Ctrl and click Group so they move as one.
What the error messages mean
The library has a few messages of its own. Here is what each one tells you.
"There was a problem communicating with the 3D content service. Check your internet connection and try again later." The app could not reach the online library. Check that your PC is online. If it is, the service may be busy or down, so try again later.
"There are no 3D models matching your request that can be loaded." Your search found nothing. Try a shorter or more general word, such as dog instead of golden retriever puppy.
"Couldn't open this model. Try again." or "We couldn't place this model. Try again later." The download started but did not finish. Click the model again. If it keeps failing, pick a different model, or try later.
If the whole 3D library tab is missing or Paint 3D itself will not open, our guide to Paint 3D not working walks through the fixes.
Using the library offline
The library needs the internet. Without a connection, it cannot download new models, and the app tells you it could not reach the 3D content service.
You can still work offline in two ways:
- Draw your own shapes. The 3D shapes tab, including 3D doodle, works without the library.
- Insert your own model files. Click Menu, then Insert, and pick a 3D file from your PC. Paint 3D opens
.glb,.fbx,.obj,.stl,.plyand.3mffiles.
That second option is also the best backup plan. If you rely on a certain library model, place it in an empty project, then save the scene as a 3D file with Menu, Save as, 3D model. You can insert that file again later, even offline. Our guide on how to save in Paint 3D shows the steps.
Will the library keep working?
We cannot promise that, and neither can anyone else. Paint 3D gets no more updates, and Microsoft has not said how long it will keep serving the library. It worked in our test on Windows 11. If it stops, this page will say so. For the wider story, see what happened to Paint 3D.
Can I use library models in my own work?
Check before you use them commercially. We could not find current license terms for the models in the Paint 3D library. Some models are based on well-known brands, such as the Best of Minecraft collection, which makes extra care sensible. For personal projects and learning, the library is a fine place to start.
FAQ
Does the Paint 3D 3D library still work?
Yes. In our test it loaded categories, searched and placed models on the canvas. It needs an internet connection.
Why is the 3D library not loading?
Usually because the PC is offline, or the online service is busy. Check your connection and try again later. Our troubleshooting guide covers other causes.
Is the 3D library the same as Remix 3D?
No. Remix 3D was a separate website for sharing models, and it closed. The library inside the app kept working after that.
Can I use the 3D library offline?
No. Models download when you pick them. Offline, draw your own shapes or insert 3D files from your PC.
Can I save a library model to my PC?
Yes. Place it in an empty project, then use Menu, Save as, 3D model, and save it as GLB or 3MF.
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