While a little more complex than your standard projects, 3D printing articulated octopus models that move and wriggle just like the real cephalopods is a rewarding experience that any fan of the deceptively cute little guys will love.
Personally, I’ve always found octopi to be fascinating creatures. They’re remarkable intelligence is only made more impressive by their adaptability, and while nature may not always be kind to them, they even manage to outsmart humans from time to time.
If you want to know more, you can check out how octopi have managed to learn aquarium schedules so they can break out of their habitats to steal food at night. Needless to say, their cognitive complexity has made them a focal point of higher intelligence studies for decades now.
That and they’re just really darn adorable. Making them excellent for 3D printing, either as articulated toys or as fun statues and even plant holders!
How to Make a 3D Printed Octopus
Finding a good 3D printed Octopus file can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. There are quite a few different octopus STL downloads out there that might be a little underdeveloped or just more complicated than they need to be. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you.
And if you don’t happen to be in the market for a 3D printed octopus with wiggly legs, you’ll be happy to know that I’ll also discuss some octopus files that just plain look great.
With the varying levels of detail and complexity in each model, I’ll be sure to include a wide array of different 3D printed octopus files here. This means that anyone, regardless of skill level, will find a 3D printed octopus on this list that is well within their abilities.
Please keep in mind that while I am aware that ‘octopuses’ is an acceptable term, I will be using ‘octopi’ throughout this article. All complaints regarding this can be submitted in writing to my now-retired high school Latin teacher.
Cute 3D Printed Octopus Models
All octopi are cute, I’m just going to say that right away. But of course, ‘cute’ has a range, and some 3D octopus prints out there like to push the envelope, breaking beyond cute and evolving into downright adorable.
Here are some of the cutest little octopus STL files for you to check out today.
Kawaii Octopus Container
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: B_Nackus
- Price: Free
Beginning our list of cute 3D printed octopus STL files is this little guy literally named after the Japanese word for ‘cute’. It’s an adorable and simple print that anyone should be able to achieve.
Even better, the Kawaii model is a practical 3D octopus. It’s hollow on the inside and is designed with a screw top lid to store just about anything from stationery to keys or even candy.
The big eyes and smiling D mouth make it a cute print that’s great for any desk or bedside table.
If you’re looking to 3D print a cute octopus as a graduation gift, then you can even check out this remixed version complete with mortarboard that makes for a lovely celebratory gift for any recent academics in the family.
If you’re new to 3D printing and are still having trouble making your own Kawaii octopus, then I suggest checking out the graduation version, as it includes some extra guidelines to make sure you get a successful print.
Cute Happy/Grumpy Octopus Keyrings
- Where to Download: Cults3D
- Designer: 3D-PRINT-WIZARDRY
- Price: ~$3
These keyrings are amongst the cutest 3D printed octopus models around. Containing files for two octopi, one happy and one grumpy, they’re fun additions to any keychain or as tassels for a backpack.
Inspired by the increasingly popular reversable octopus plush, which you can invert to be either happy or angry, these keychains are a cute take on the model and offer a unique 3D printed keychain that you can make in any colors you like.
These keyrings are great for beginners as they require neither supports nor adhesives, so you can simply print these little guys, sand and decorate them however you like, and enjoy your cute 3D printed octopi in no time.
The heads are even movable, so they also act as fidget toys as well as 3D printed octopi keychains for anyone to love.
And you have to admit, even the grumpy one is still pretty cute.
Cute Octopus Says Hello
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: MakerBot
- Price: Free
We’ve all heard of the drunk octopus that wants to fight (if you haven’t, look it up. You’ll never hang your coat the same way again), but have you heard of the cute octopus that just wants to say hello?
If not, then let me introduce you to this 3D printed octopus who’s waving a friendly hello to you. The upturned eyebrows cleverly give the impression of timidity, adding to it’s cuteness, and the tiny but still noticeable wave even comes with a little pattern to mimic suction cups.
This cute 3D octopus was designed for use with Makerbot. But if you don’t happen to use that software then you’ll be happy to know that the designer has included instructions for other slicer software along with the files.
And if you’re a fan of this little octopus model, then why not check out the tinier version you can use as a pencil topper too?
3D Printed Articulated Octopus Models
Are you after a 3D printed octopus with wiggly legs just like the real thing? Then you’ll be very happy to know that there are plenty to choose from.
The octopus’ natural shape and long tentacles make it perfect for wiggly, moving toys. So here are a few really fun and cool 3D printed articulated octopus files for all ages to enjoy.
Just be advised that articulated octopus prints do need to have working joints and hinges to move as they’re designed to, so precision is important. If you’re scaling any of the following models, be sure to match the joints’ ratio so they still wiggle as you’d like.
Funny Flexi Octopus
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: DrLex
- Price: Free
The Funny Flexi Octopus is one of the most popular articulated 3D printed octopus models out there, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a relatively simple print with really fun results, and it’s blank little expression gives it the right to be included as a cute 3D octopus print too.
If you like this little octopus toy, then why not give it its own stand, or turn it into a princess? If you’re feeling particularly creative, then feel free to make your own additions too!
This 3D printed octopus is something of a legacy in the 3D printed community, and has been mixed and remixed time and time again. If you’re planning on using these files for anything other than personal enjoyment or a gift, then I suggest you check out the licensing information, which has been succinctly explained by the designer of these particular files in the link above.
Yet Another Octopus
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: dcreemer
- Price: Free
While the name of this 3D octopus with wriggly legs may not be particularly inspiring, the model itself sure is. Designed similarly to the funny octopus above, this one has a more realistic head and longer tentacles, making it more closely resemble the real cephalopod.
The longer tentacles are designed as chain links, making this one of the most articulated octopi models you can print. They move and sway as a real octopus can, adding to the realism this designer has added to the model.
Articulated Octopus
- Where to Download: Cults3D
- Designer: PHIPO333
- Price: ~$3
The real award for most articulated 3D printed octopus almost definitely goes to this simply-named model. With a total of 64 points of articulation, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another 3D octopus that mimics the real deal quite like this one.
It’s also a lot less complicated a print than you’d think. With a print speed of only around 5 hours and no need for rafts or supports, this is a great 3D printed articulated octopus for anyone with a 3D printer, whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro.
You will need to do some careful post-processing, or just have access to some really cool filament, to get your octopus looking as good as the example images and GIFs here, but with a little hard work you’ll have a fully wriggling octopus that’s fun and impressively mobile.
3D Printed ‘The Rock’ Octopus
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: daath
- Price: Free
I’ll be completely honest here, I was actually looking for a 3D printed version of a Western Rock Octopus, and the internet in its infinite wisdom decided to show me this instead, and I couldn’t help but mention it.
This 3D printed The Rock Octopus (not to be confused with The Rocktopus below) is just as it sounds, an articulated 3D printed octopus with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s head where the octopus’ would be.
I can’t explain how this came to be, but I’m somehow very glad it does.
3D Printed Octopus Statues
Cute is nice, and articulated 3D printed octopus toys are fun, but sometimes you just want a nice 3D octopus to display in your home. Whether you’re a fan of them like I am, are looking for a new aquarium ornament, or need a cool and unique gift for a friend, 3D printed octopi are pretty great.
So here are a few 3D printed octopus files that catch the eye without needing any extra bells, whistles, or wiggly tentacles.
Octopus Bookends
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: o4saken
- Price: Free
Bookends are a good use for your 3D printer. There are a ton of creative options out there to keep your books in place in both efficient and fun ways, and one of those ways is with these realistically designed 3D printed octopus bookends.
What’s really cool about this specific example is that it also includes slots to go between the books to make it look like the tentacles really do wrap around in a tight embrace. Whether this 3D octopus is looking to hold on to the books or drag them into the briny deep is entirely up to you.
Just keep in mind that the example images here don’t include the L blocks that will be needed for them to work as reliably as possible, but even with them the aesthetic appeal of this tentacled helper isn’t to be ignored.
3D Printed Octopus Lamp
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: T_Design
- Price: Free
If you happen to have access to translucent filament, then I have to recommend you give this 3D printed octopus lamp a try.
It’s an easy print designed to be laid flat with enough space inside for an LED to shine and light up the print. It’s ideal as either a nightlight or as a lovely addition to a reading nook or den. The designer recommends putting the hole for the light in either the base or the back of the head, but I’d suggest you 3D print the former so as not to risk the overall shape of the model.
Octopus Succulent Plant Holder
- Where to Download: Cults3D
- Designer: JOHANCRAFT
- Price: ~$2
Succulents are an excellent house plant. They require little by way of care, and thrive well in just about any environment. This has made them common additions to many homes, as they’ll do well no matter how busy you are.
This 3D printed octopus succulent plant holder is a great, albeit somewhat large, decorative plant holder that would look great in any garden or greenhouse, quietly guarding your precious plants and looking cool while doing it.
For a more traditional succulent plant holder, you can also check out this detailed tentacle design for a less space-consuming project that still keeps your plants raised up.
Bonus: The Rocktopus
- Where to Download: Thingiverse
- Designer: LLScan
- Price: Free
Just as the internet inadvertently gifted me with the sight of the 3D printed The Rock octopus above, so too did it throw this ‘Rocktopus’ my way, and I’m oddly happy it did.
A simple 3D printed octopus throwing the heavy metal horns, the uncanny valley vibes are certainly worth the kitsch appeal that any metalhead should love.
Bonus: 3D Printed Squid
- Where to Download: Cults3D
- Designer: BIONICFACTORY
- Price: ~$1
While not quite as close to my heart as the marvelous octopus, I have to give some props to this 3D printed squid. It’s articulated just like the octopus files we’ve looked at so far, but with the recognizable triangular head and beak unique to these weird little guys.
While not entirely true to life, in that this 3D printed squid only had 3 limbs instead of the naturally accurate 10, it’s a cute little articulated toy that I felt deserved a special shout-out here.
And if you’re looking for something a little cuter, why not check out this 3D printed squid modeled after Blooper of Super Mario fame?
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