When orienting STL 3D models for gifts, focus on two key goals: ensuring printing stability and aligning the most visually important features (like names or designs) to the primary viewing angle.
- **Prioritize stability**: Minimize overhangs—supports leave messy marks or ruin details during post-processing, spoiling the gift’s clean look. - **Highlight key details**: Position decorative/personalized parts (e.g., a coaster’s message, a figurine’s face) outward so they’re visible when used or displayed. - **Use practical examples**: For a name keychain, face the name outward when held; for a figurine, front-face the face/main design for shelf display. - **Refine with tools**: New users can use free slicers like PrusaSlicer or Cura—rotate the STL, preview orientation, and check for red-highlighted overhangs before printing.