We’ve scoured the internet to compile a list of the coolest, most interesting, and most impressive 3D printable bookmarks and bookends.
While printing settings vary slightly, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Of course, bookends need to be sturdy as they hold a lot of books! You may need to secure the printed piece to a base to add weight and stabilize everything. Stronger filaments, infill percentage and patterns, and the model’s design all affect how well they hold books.
On the other hand, bookmarks are a great starting point for 3D printing beginners, as they print quickly, are simple, and are usually straightforward.
- Bookshark
Can you imagine a tiny shark fin sliding between the pages of a book? Bookshark turns this image into a lightweight and fun item to mark your reading progress. Simple yet funny, it stands out for its fast printing time and economical filament usage, deserving to be a new classic in the 3D bookmark world.
No major adjustments are needed to print it: the model is printed flat without supports, saving a lot of time. A layer height between 0.12mm and 0.2mm works well, and PLA filament does the job perfectly. The only thing to note is removing the model from the print bed. Because it’s thin, the Bookshark may warp if removed carelessly, so using a spatula makes the process smoother.
Download link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6261415
- Claws
The Claws bookmark is anything but understated. It looks like it’s straight out of a horror movie, with bony fingers and large nails clinging to the edge of the book. It’s the kind of bookmark that sparks conversations, whether you’re reading casually or displaying it on your home bookshelf. This print screams “look at me” without making a sound, so if you love something truly unique and impressive, this is for you!
Using a thinner layer height (0.16mm or smaller) is a reliable way to capture the model’s smooth curves while preventing the parts from becoming brittle. Many user reviews mention that the claw tips can be fragile if the first layer adhesion isn’t perfect, so a brim or raft helps keep everything in place. As a final touch, a simple paint job on the claw tips can turn this print into a predatory little work of art!
Download link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5222826
- Cat Paw
It’s only fair to have our feline friends represented in our reading! This paw print bookmark is charming and incredibly popular; it’s cute, visually simple, and highly recognizable. Ideal for cat lovers, children, or any reader who wants to add a warm touch between the pages, it works both as a bookmark and a decorative gift.
Another advantage is its quick production time; for example, a profile shared on MakerWorld shows that printing 3 pieces at once takes an average of 22 minutes.
It’s worth noting that this is an FDM-printable model. Users like assertchris report that while resin printing is possible, post-processing can be quite frustrating. Maker gidden tested three different height ratios corresponding to different layer counts (using a 0.2mm nozzle and 0.12mm layer height): 3 layers for the 40% ratio, 4 layers for 50%, and 8 layers for 100%. They recommend 3 layers as sufficient, but you can choose more for a sturdier or more durable bookmark.
Download link:
https://www.printables.com/model/674534-cat-paw-bookmark
- Multicolor Patterned
These bookmarks are a joy to play with in terms of style! With over 20 pattern variations, they turn the simple habit of marking pages into a creative opportunity. Each model is designed to play with colors, perfect for users with automatic filament-changing printers or those wanting to experiment with unusual combinations. The modern, geometric designs are ideal for readers who love adding an artistic touch to their books.
The designer created this model to test their Prusa XL printer. They share that the simplest designs require at least 3 colors to achieve the same effect, while more complex ones need up to 5 color changes. Each bookmark is 1mm thick. To add cool anisotropic highlight patterns like those in the video, the designer recommends using silk filament with a high infill percentage and avoiding sanding the top.
Download link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6556835
- Page Marker
This bookmark wins with simplicity. It’s one of those brilliant ideas that seems obvious only after seeing the finished product. Its compact, understated format not only saves filament but also allows multiple prints at once—perfect for avid readers, as gifts, or for organizing by color, genre, or author. As its name promises, it’s truly a project that can be ready in a minute.
The designer makes things easier by including G-code for printing a single piece or a batch of 12, all set with a 0.2mm layer height. Three thickness options are available: 0.4mm (the author’s favorite), 0.6mm, and 0.8mm (for extra sturdiness). No need to worry about compatibility—both PLA and PETG work perfectly, so you can use whatever material you have on hand.
Download link:
https://www.printables.com/model/344856-page-marker-holder-1-minute-print
- Deathly Hallows
This model exudes pure magical elegance. The angular Deathly Hallows symbol, paired with a sturdy two-part base, not only pays homage to the Harry Potter series but also serves as excellent bookends. The minimalist design appeals to both die-hard fans and those who simply want a subtly themed piece on their bookshelf. Enchanting without being over-the-top, it’s a must-have for your decor.
Maker Oldandnerdy scaled the model up by 150% to reach a height of approximately 280mm. To ensure more stability, they printed the model flat on the bed and added sand to the infill to strengthen the parts. On the other hand, PurpleLionPrints chose to print the parts upright, using tree supports in Cura, and rainbow filament to make the pieces truly stand out.
Download link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5970355
- Kindle Stand
This bookend has a touch of irony. While holding physical books, it also doubles as a Kindle stand with space for a charging cable! It’s almost a visual jest about the end of printed books. The design is simple, functional, and comes in four variants. Perfect for those living in both physical and digital reading worlds.
The model is already oriented for optimal printing, so just pick a nice filament, like the silk PLA chosen by SandyK. The designer states that the model should fit any Kindle model and makes a great gift for friends or family.
Download link:
https://www.printables.com/model/452132-end-of-books-kindle-stand-bookend
- Dinosaur
These dinosaur-shaped bookends are full of color and fun! With a cute dinosaur on each side, they transform any bookshelf into a Jurassic scene. They’re sure to catch the eye of kids and even nostalgic adults. Despite not being printed many times, the download count shows the model is loved by those seeking fun, child-friendly designs.
The model is optimized for the Bambu Lab X1C but can be printed on any well-calibrated machine using a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.12mm layer height. The designer recommends adaptive layers, light infill (15% for the dinosaur, 10% for supports), and tree supports only on the base. They note that while hidden areas may have marks, sanding with 400-grit sandpaper should fix this. A brim is also recommended for best bed adhesion.
Download link:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6626892
- Practical
True to its name, this model is simple, functional, and prints quickly. It’s the kind of bookend that doesn’t try to be the star of the shelf but performs its duty efficiently. The clean look allows it to blend into any environment, and the slight inward curve helps hold books without warping their covers—earning high praise from many users. For example, STLDad6 says he printed several for his wife’s book club.
The designer recommends printing the model on its side for strength, with minimal easy-to-remove supports. He suggests enabling adaptive layer height, two walls, and 5% infill. It can be scaled to fit larger or smaller shelves if needed, which is straightforward.
Download link:
https://makerworld.com/zh/models/386012-practical-book-end-holder?from=search#profileId-286366
- The Struggle
“The Struggle” bookend model humorously (and painfully accurately) depicts the challenges that may come with sticking to reading. This functional counter is perfect for challenging yourself, tracking how many times you’ve kept reading versus doing something else. The counter itself is a remix based on MuchMore’s design.
Labels can be customized to your needs. While the designer suggests using markers and correction fluid to color certain parts, other methods work too. For example, you can try the “pause at height” method to change filaments, altering the color of the label letters and edges.
Download link:
https://www.printables.com/model/451083-the-struggle-bookend
For more information, please contact us at Debaolong Seiko. You are also welcome to upload your designs to Debaolong Seiko for a quotation.
