Gridfinity for beginners

Gridfinity is an open storage system for 3D printers: small bins click onto a baseplate with a 42 mm grid and can be rearranged at any time. This guide explains how the system works, what you need to get started and how to plan your first drawer.

What is Gridfinity?

Gridfinity was introduced in 2022 by maker and YouTuber Zack Freedman. He released it under the MIT license – anyone may use it, modify it and design their own parts for it. A huge community has grown around it since, with thousands of models on platforms like MakerWorld and Printables.

The idea is simple: everything is based on a grid of 42 × 42 mm units. Because all parts share the same dimensions, bins from different designers fit together.

The two building blocks

Baseplate: sits in the drawer and forms the grid. It holds the bins in place.
Bins: take up one or more units, come in different heights and can have compartments, labels, lids or snug pockets for tools.

Height is counted in units of 7 mm. A 2 × 1 bin with 6 units therefore covers two grid units and is 42 mm tall. All dimensions are in the guide Gridfinity dimensions.

What you need

A 3D printer: any common FDM printer will do. If the drawer is bigger than the print bed, the baseplate is split into parts.
Filament: PLA is ideal for most uses – cheap, easy to print and dimensionally stable.
Optional magnets: round 6 × 2 mm neodymium magnets if bins should sit extra firmly.
A tape measure: for your drawer's inner dimensions.

Your first drawer in five steps

Measure: inner width and depth at the bottom, plus the usable height. Many pieces of furniture such as IKEA ALEX have ready-made templates.
Plan: drag out bins on the grid in the drawer planner. Gridmint calculates units and padding automatically.
Design: set compartments, scoops and labels as needed.
Test print: print a small part and check the fit – Gridmint offers a fit test for that.
Print: export and print the baseplate and bins, as a ready-made project for Bambu Lab printers.

Printing tips

Gridfinity parts are designed to print without supports.
0.2 mm layer height is a good balance of time and quality.
Two walls and low infill are usually enough for bins – saving time and filament.
For large baseplates, print one part first, then the rest.

Design your own or use ready-made models?

There are thousands of ready-made models for standard bins. Gridfinity gets really good, though, when everything fits your drawer and your things exactly. That's what generators like Gridmint are for: enter sizes and wishes and get print-ready files – no CAD skills needed. You can mix both freely.

Plan your first drawer

Frequently asked questions

Is Gridfinity free?

Yes. Gridfinity is an open standard under the MIT license. Many models and tools such as Gridmint are free as well.

Who invented Gridfinity?

Zack Freedman, a maker and YouTuber. He introduced the system in 2022.

Can Gridfinity bins be stacked?

Yes. Bins with a stacking lip can be stacked. With a lid that has a Gridfinity grid on top, more bins click onto it.

Gridfinity is an open standard by Zack Freedman. Gridmint is an independent, Gridfinity-compatible tool and not officially affiliated with the Gridfinity project.