How to Design a Keychain Using 3D CAD Software

Designing a custom keychain can be a creative experience especially with the help of SelfCAD, a powerful 3D modeling tool. SelfCAD's user-friendly interface and diverse features empower both beginners and advanced users to craft keychains that reflect their personal style.

This guide will take you through the essential steps for designing a keychain in SelfCAD, covering everything from conceptualization to finalizing the 3D model. Whether you're making keychains for yourself, as gifts, or for a small business, SelfCAD offers endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. If you're just getting to know about SelfCAD, you can learn how to navigate its interface through

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3836m1q5k19a19474z5t6e6734434s454h2e

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 50, height to 3, depth to 20

Click to finalize cube

Click to activate edge selection; Click on highlighted region to select it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose fillet; Set intensity to 3, level to 10.

Click to finalize fillet

Click copy button to copy selected objects

Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 1, x to 49.05 using highlighted gizmo

Set z to 19.05, z to 18.05 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 2 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 2, Bottom radius to 2, height to 3, vertical segments to 128, position x to 21

Click to finalize cylinder

Click on mesh 4(1), mesh 4 to select

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 4(1), mesh 8 to subtract.

Click to finalize difference

From the generators category on the toolbar choose text generator; Set text to LEGACY 2025, font to helvetica, height to 5, depth to 3, position x to -1, position z to 5, rotation x to -90,

Tick the checkmark to finalize text generator

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose star; Set radius to 5, inner radius to 2, height to 3, position x to 15, position z to -4

Tick the checkmark to finalize star

Click on text 1, difference 1 to select

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.

Click to finalize union

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace

Designing a Keychain