Complete capability reference
Everything MeshVault does.
A public, versioned list of the features across MeshVault Desktop, Connect, Server, and MeshVault Mobile, not just the highlights that fit on the homepage.
Quick-start guide
From install to an organised first model.
This walkthrough covers installing MeshVault, adding MeshVault Connect, importing from MakerWorld and Dropbox, and bringing files in manually.
Library and importing
MeshVault works with normal files and folders. It adds a portable database beside them, then gives you several ways to bring an existing collection, creator pack, or new download into the same library.
Portable library
Stores models in a normal folder tree and keeps metadata in .meshvault/meshvault.db inside that library, Your whole library folder can be moved between desktop clients or servers.
Main and watched folders
Uses one portable main library as the editable library but you can add additional local, external, or network folders. These folders are indexed in place and are not editable.
Files, folders, and drag-and-drop
Import one or many files, complete folder trees, or dragged content. Folder structure is retained and loose files can go to Unsorted or the selected destination.
Batch-safe importing
Skips duplicate files without interrupting every item, continues past unsupported files, and reports importing, scanning, duplicate names, and thumbnail work separately.
Archive preview before import
Shows archive names and contained paths before you decide how a ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, or supported TAR variant should appear in the library.
Keep a pack intact
Keeps the original archive as one library model when a creator pack belongs together.
Virtual archive models
Keeps the source archive intact while indexing supported contents as individual models with their own metadata, thumbnails, and real nested paths.
Split or extract packs
Extracts supported contents as separate models into the current folder, an archive-named folder, or the preserved archive hierarchy, with an option to ignore the first wrapper folder.
Reusable archive decisions
Applies one archive choice to the rest of the current batch and remembers the last choice as the next default.
Imports to review
Finds undecided archives placed directly in the library and Connect imports deliberately saved for review, without stopping startup with repeated modal prompts.
Large-library setup
Counts supported files before indexing a large existing library, then lets you index everything, choose particular folders, or exclude folders you do not want catalogued.
Staged, resumable scanning
Discovers files first so models appear quickly, then reads hashes, archive contents, metadata, and thumbnails as resumable background work without repeating completed enrichment.
Import controls
Shows file-by-file progress for longer manual imports and lets you pause, resume, stop after the current file, or cancel the operation.
Scan and watch
Avoids unnecessary full startup scans, watches configured locations, detects new, changed, and missing files, and can generate missing supported thumbnails during a manual scan.
Hidden folders and cleanup
Excludes the recycle bin and configured hidden folders, removes missing records when files disappear, and keeps hidden folders on disk until you choose to index them again.
Browse and organise
The library browser is designed to work at both a quick visual level and a detailed folder level, without hiding the real source location of a model.
AI assistants (MCP)
Connect Codex, Claude Desktop, or Cursor to search library metadata and show results in MeshVault. Give each assistant browse-only access or permission to organise metadata, collections, favourites, and print status.
Spotlight search
Find local-library models in macOS Spotlight and open them in MeshVault.
Three library views
Switches between large visual tiles, compact tiles, and a list view while preserving the selected model and its source-folder context.
Search
Searches useful indexed information including titles, authors, tags, descriptions, folders, filenames, and source details.
Filters
Filters by file type, source, duplicates, and optional printed status, with remote models clearly marked when a server is connected.
Sort modes
Sorts by title, recently added, file size, or grouped folder order. Grouped sorting keeps each folder and its nested content together.
All, Recent, Unsorted, Favourites
Provides quick views for the whole library, recent additions, loose imports, and models marked as favourites—including compatible remote models.
Real folder management
Creates folders and subfolders, renames, hides, or deletes them, shows nested folder counts, and opens the real containing folder when appropriate.
Virtual collections
Creates, renames, deletes, and changes collection thumbnails without moving files. Collections can hold individual models or folder-backed groups including nested and future models.
Folder-aware collections
Offers both flat and navigable folder-aware collection views, with folders shown before models at each level.
Printed status
Marks models as Unknown, To print, or Printed for simple manual library tracking.
Duplicate detection
Uses file-content hashes during scanning and import rather than relying only on names, and exposes a duplicate filter for review and cleanup.
Batch Select
Provides an explicit multi-select mode with visible checkmarks, selected counts, favourites, collections, metadata, and other appropriate batch actions.
Remove without deleting files
Can remove local or server models from the library while keeping their files on disk. Scans remember the removal, and an explicit manual import restores the retained model.
Related files and versions
Keeps saved model versions, images, instructions, PDFs, and other supporting project content reachable alongside the primary printable file.
Complete packages and filament colours
Keep the model, its context and its recommended materials together.
.mvpack import and export
Share one or more complete model listings with metadata, images, print settings and attachments in one package.
Creator and generator details
Preserve author donation links, generator names and export support links with the model listing.
Filament colours and links
Show swatches in the details panel using supported 3MF filament profiles and matched creator guides. Reviewed creator matches take priority over automatic profile matches.
Optional affiliate links
Affiliate links help keep MeshVault free. Choose them during onboarding or turn them off in Options to use standard retailer links.
Metadata and images
Metadata is stored with the library and can come from repository pages, package contents, generated previews, or your own edits.
Shared PDF guides
Attach colour guides, assembly instructions, and reference PDFs to models or packs. Share one stored guide across multiple models and retain its links when an archive is reviewed or extracted.
Complete model record
Stores title, author, author profile, source URL, tags, summary, description, print settings, project type, package information, printed status, and slicer results.
FDM, resin, and CNC types
Assigns a making workflow to individual models or folders, with a configurable FDM or resin default for unassigned files.
Rich description editor
Uses a WYSIWYG editor with headings, emphasis, lists, links, tables, YouTube embeds, undo, and redo while preserving compatible HTML captured from the web.
Main and extra images
Stores a main thumbnail and gallery images, supports manual additions, and displays extra images in a selectable strip.
Image ordering
Reorders and removes images; promoting any image to the first position makes it the model thumbnail.
Portable image storage
Stores full-resolution model images in the library’s .meshvault/images folder, deduplicates identical image data, and keeps selected database recovery copies without filling the database with every gallery image or generated thumbnail.
Batch metadata
Applies selected metadata values to multiple models or every model below a folder, including nested folders.
Future-folder rules
Optionally keeps folder-level metadata rules active so chosen values are applied to models discovered there later.
Automatic geometry thumbnails
Generates centred renders for STL, OBJ, OFF, AMF, X3D, DXF, PLY, GLTF, GLB, DAE, FBX, 3DM, STEP, STP, IGES, and IGS in the background.
Embedded and derived thumbnails
Uses 3MF plate images, FreeCAD FCSTD and Fusion 360 F3D thumbnails, G-code/GCO/NC/CNC slicer images or a toolpath fallback, and supported models inside archives.
Existing image reuse
Prefers an unambiguous matching thumbnail, preview, export, or sole folder image already stored beside a model before spending time generating a new render.
Thumbnail controls
Configures render quality, colour, and parallel generation speed; generates images during import or scan; and regenerates thumbnails for a model, folder, or the library with up-axis and image-preservation choices.
Preview captures
Saves the current viewer render as the main thumbnail, an extra model image, or a separate screenshot without breaking the inspection workflow.
Preview and archives
MeshVault can catalogue far more formats than it renders. Previewable files get native inspection tools; indexed-only files remain searchable and can still open in their normal application.
Adaptive preview quality
Keep full model detail in Automatic mode when the memory budget allows, reducing complexity only when needed. Choose Performance or High detail to suit the task.
Display scale and orientation
Correct preview scale or Y/Z orientation without changing the source model or its print size. Camera-relative lighting helps reveal surface detail.
22 preview extensions
Previews STL, OBJ, OFF, AMF, 3DM, 3MF, STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, X3D, DXF, G-code, GCO, NC, CNC, GLB, GLTF, PLY, DAE, FBX, and supported .model archive entries.
Model navigation
Rotates, pans, zooms, and fits the complete model in frame with matching interaction directions across the desktop clients.
Visual controls
Configures viewer background and model colour, optionally gives separate bodies random colours, and preserves multi-body 3MF colour/material information where available.
Bed reference
Displays a build-bed reference for scale and allows measurement points on either the model or the bed.
Measurements
Keeps up to three measurements visible at once with distinct colours and selectable metric or imperial units.
Multi-plate projects
Switches between plates in supported 3MF and G-code projects instead of flattening a multi-plate job into one view.
G-code inspection
Displays toolpaths and layers so generated print files can be inspected from the same library record.
Archive browser
Lists supported contents without extracting the whole archive and provides model previews, slicer, default-app, and extraction actions where appropriate. The Windows client can also preview PDFs directly.
Archive preview picker
Opens the only previewable archive entry directly or presents a picker when several models are available.
Managed temporary extraction
Extracts only the virtual entry required for preview, export, slicer, or default-app actions, then cleans temporary content after use and on the next launch.
Slicers and manufacturing
MeshVault is not only a catalogue: it hands files to the applications you already use and can associate useful slicer output back with the source model.
Separate making applications
Configures different FDM, resin, and CNC applications and uses the model or folder project type to choose the correct one.
Program detection
Detects compatible installed manufacturing programs and lets you review or override the applications used for each workflow.
Slicer hand-off
Sends supported local, archive-contained, or remote files to the configured slicer; remote files use a managed temporary working copy. FBX and PLY models are converted to STL first, so they can be sent to any configured slicer. Conversion may not reproduce every model perfectly.
Slicer result association
Watches supported slicer output after a hand-off and connects the resulting metrics to the original model.
3MF compatibility choices
Prepare supported projects for OrcaSlicer, Snapmaker Orca or PrusaSlicer. Temporary conversions are cached and reused while the source and destination settings are unchanged. Keep original retains the source under Related files → Versions; Replace original saves the conversion without retaining a new original version. Choose in Options → Slicers.
Print metrics
Captures print time, filament length, weight, volume and cost, layers, maximum Z, layer height, nozzle size, printer, material, material changes, and multi-object counts when supplied.
Tested slicers
Tracks supported output from OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, Cura, and Creality Print.
MeshVault Connect
The browser extension preserves the context that usually disappears after a download. It can target a running desktop app or an unlocked MeshVault Server on the local network.
Dropbox reference PDFs
Select PDF guides alongside a Dropbox model or pack import to keep reference documents linked to the imported models. Dropbox import controls show when MeshVault is offline.
Repository capture
Captures supported downloads from Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse, Thangs, MyMiniFactory, CGTrader, GrabCAD, Creality Cloud, Cults3D, Makerables, and Tinkercad.
Complete Printables downloads
On Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, downloads every model file from a Printables page or only one named file group, preserves that grouping in a ZIP, and imports the result as one organised model package.
Supporting-file selection
On Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, adds selected Printables “Other files” or MakerWorld documentation and CyberBrick files to the model package instead of leaving useful supporting material behind.
Google Drive and Dropbox
Brings accessible creator packs from Google Drive or Dropbox into the chosen MeshVault folder without first reorganising them in a downloads folder.
Captured context
Sends available title, author, author profile, source page, summary, rich description, tags, thumbnail, gallery images, project/print information, and downloaded files.
Destination modes
Asks for a folder on each download, saves directly to a default folder, or sends models to Imports to review. The save prompt can also create a new folder at the root or inside the selected folder.
MakerWorld filename cleanup
Optionally replaces opaque MakerWorld download names with useful model-title-based filenames.
Owned and purchased flows
Handles repositories where the model page and later account-library download are separate, including the distinct Cults3D owned and purchased model flows.
Import review
Can save captured imports for review so their metadata is already attached while you place them into the right library folder.
Re-import choices and versions
When a captured download already exists, MeshVault can skip it, replace the existing file, keep a new copy, merge it as a saved version under Related Files, or ask each time.
Repository-to-slicer hand-off
Sends supported files from Thingiverse, Printables, MakerWorld, Cults3D, and GrabCAD, plus 3MF profiles from Creality Cloud, through a running MeshVault app to its slicer without first saving them to the library.
Complete Thingiverse downloads
Captures Thingiverse’s Download All flow and merges multipart ZIP downloads into one package before importing them into MeshVault.
Image capture controls
Chooses whether animated GIFs are included. Set the extra gallery image limit in the import prompt, with your choice remembered for the next import.
Local or server target
Sends to the local desktop connector or a selected LAN server, tests the connection, and refreshes the available destination folders. Server writes remain protected by the server PIN and write permissions.
Normal-download fallback
Allows the browser download to continue normally when MeshVault is unavailable or rejects the import.
Optional browser-only tools
When MeshVault is not running, can still save generated Printables collections through Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Chrome and Edge can also replace opaque MakerWorld filenames with useful model-title names.
Folder visibility
Hides selected destination folders or only their subfolders from Connect’s folder picker without hiding or changing those folders inside MeshVault.
Capture controls
Turns capture on or off, pauses individual supported sites, shows and cancels active transfers, clears stored page metadata, and reports when the selected MeshVault target is not running.
AI-model filter
Optionally hides model cards marked as AI-generated on supported sites that expose a usable AI label.
Selected-site page cleanup
Hides known advertising elements and obstructive overlays on selected supported repositories for a cleaner browsing and download flow.
Metadata validation
Tests the current supported model page without downloading a file and reports the scraper, source URL, captured fields, and normalised metadata that would be sent.
Diagnostic mode
Optionally writes detailed import and download events to the extension service-worker console for troubleshooting, with filenames and source URLs included only while the mode is enabled.
Browser support
Available for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox, with a native Safari extension included in the macOS clients.
Local-first privacy
Sends files and captured metadata to your own app or server rather than uploading the library to a MeshVault cloud service.
MeshVault Server
The optional server hosts a library on an always-on workshop PC, home server, or Docker-capable machine while keeping access on your local network.
Browser preview quality
Choose Performance, Balanced, or High detail in the web viewer. Your browser remembers the preference for later previews.
Background thumbnails
Finish imports while missing thumbnails render in the background. Library tiles load images as needed, with efficient folder counts for larger libraries.
PDF documents
Add, open, and remove model reference PDFs in the web library, or receive them with MeshVault Connect imports.
Image-storage maintenance
Inspect and migrate legacy database images, check for missing or unreferenced images, and compact the database after migration from the administration page.
Windows, Linux, and Docker
Runs as a dedicated Windows or Linux server build, with a Docker image for compatible self-hosted setups.
NAS-friendly Docker setup
Includes bridge-network guidance for Docker Desktop and a host-network configuration for TrueNAS, Unraid, and Linux NAS hosts where direct LAN discovery is wanted.
Browser library
Provides a local web interface for folder navigation, visual browsing, search, sorting, model details, downloads, metadata changes, and permitted library actions.
LAN discovery or manual address
Finds servers on the local network or connects with a manually entered address and PIN, then remembers the connection details in app settings.
Local and remote together
Shows remote models alongside the current local library with clear remote markers rather than hiding them under an artificial server folder.
Remote library actions
Browses, searches, filters, previews, edits metadata, deletes, creates collections, and generates or uploads missing thumbnails when the connection permits it.
Remote importing
Imports files, folders, drag-and-drop content, and Connect downloads to the server when Server import is enabled.
Client-assisted server imports
Can use the desktop computer for archive extraction and thumbnail generation during manual server imports, which is useful when the server has limited CPU power.
Local slicer for remote files
Downloads a managed temporary copy of a remote model and opens it in the slicer installed on the desktop computer.
Free server access
Desktop and server library features are free. PIN authentication and write permissions continue to control access.
MeshVault Mobile
MeshVault Mobile is the free phone-side library and transfer app for Android and iOS. The iOS version is currently in beta, and some advanced connected features remain Android-only.
Duplicate download choices
Merge a duplicate download, keep both copies, or replace the existing model. Improved thumbnail loading and hidden-folder filtering keep the vault easier to browse.
PDF guides
Attach and open PDF colour guides and assembly instructions from model details.
Files, archives, and slicers
Access the model library through Files or Finder, inspect supported entries inside ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and TAR variants, and send supported previews to a connected desktop slicer.
Native iPhone and iPad app
Provides a local vault, repository downloads with captured metadata and artwork, folders, collections, search, supported native previews, connected-vault browsing and download routing, and a foreground read-only Wi-Fi library server.
Phone-side vault
Stores a structured model folder on Android and provides visual folders, model tiles, search, sorting, collections, details, sharing, and duplicate cleanup.
Repository browser
Browses supported model repositories in-app and saves downloads with available title, source, creator information, and images.
Mobile preview
Previews supported mesh, CAD, and toolpath files, including Rhino 3DM, IGES/IGS, OFF, AMF, X3D, DXF, and NC/CNC. Memory-aware quality controls help with complex models; controls and availability vary by platform and tier.
Archive inspection
Opens ZIP and 3MF packages and lets you inspect or preview supported parts inside.
Metadata and images
Edits model details, tags, descriptions, source links, main thumbnails, extra images, and folder placement.
Local Wi-Fi server
Serves the phone library to a browser on the same network for browsing, details, downloads, selected-model ZIPs, metadata export, and permitted management actions.
Desktop discovery and transfer
Discovers compatible MeshVault apps on the LAN, sends individual models or the phone library to the desktop, and supports automatic backup/sync workflows.
Direct slicer hand-off
Sends a selected phone model through a connected desktop app to its configured slicer.
Platforms, options, and support
Core library outcomes are shared across the desktop clients, while installation, stores, security, startup, tray behaviour, and native pickers follow each operating system.
WinUI desktop client
Available as a direct installer and Microsoft Store package, with free library access, startup registration, tray support, and distribution-appropriate updates.
Native macOS clients
Uses SwiftUI, native menus and lifecycle, security-scoped access for libraries and slicers, and Safari Connect. Separate native Apple silicon and Intel direct builds are available alongside the universal Mac App Store app. Both distributions are free from 2.3.
Avalonia desktop client
Uses Linux-native file launching, pickers, desktop/menu integration, DEB packaging, and desktop-environment-dependent tray and startup support.
Onboarding
Chooses a language, local library or server, FDM/resin/CNC apps, a default making mode, and the optional affiliate-link preference.
Grouped options
Separates app, library, actions, viewer, connections, slicers and support settings rather than presenting one undifferentiated settings page.
Cache and database recovery
Can cache library images locally per device, clears or rebuilds the image cache, opens the settings folder, and provides a deliberate library-database reset route. Remote-server images are cached locally automatically.
Layout and onboarding recovery
Resets an off-screen or broken window layout and can rerun onboarding without deleting the library.
Localisation
Supports system-default selection and 13 language families with regional variants, including English, Czech, Danish, German, Spanish, Finnish, French, Hebrew, Norwegian, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Swedish.
Feedback
Sends optional feedback with app version, platform, and distribution context, with a contact address optional unless an email workflow requires it.
Diagnostics
Provides focused logs for startup, scan, import, thumbnails, preview, remote connections, updates and Connect, with automatic cleanup of old logs.
Free from 2.3
Full library access without a trial, licence key, store purchase or subscription. Optional filament affiliate links help keep MeshVault free; disable them in Options to use standard links.
No required account or vendor cloud
The core library stays in your folders and database. An account is not required to catalogue models, and local server access remains under your control.
Every indexed format
Indexing, thumbnail generation, preview, slicer hand-off, and archive inspection are different capabilities. This list separates them so a searchable library entry is not mistaken for a native preview claim.
50 indexed model, CAD, project, and G-code extensions
3DM, 3DS, 3MF, ABC, AMF, BGCODE, BLEND, BLEND1, CATPART, CATPRODUCT, CNC, DAE, DWFX, DWG, DXF, F3D, FBX, FCSTD, GLB, GLTF, GCODE, GCO, IAM, IFC, IGES, IGS, IPT, JT, NC, OBJ, OFF, PLY, SAT, SAB, SCAD, SKP, SLDASM, SLDPRT, STEP, STL, STP, USD, USDA, USDC, USDZ, VRML, WRL, X_B, X_T, X3D
Eight indexed archive variants
ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, TAR.GZ, TGZ, TAR.BZ2, TBZ2
Native preview
STL, OBJ, OFF, AMF, 3DM, 3MF, STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, X3D, DXF, GCODE, GCO, NC, CNC, GLB, GLTF, PLY, DAE, FBX, and supported .MODEL archive entries
Generated or extracted thumbnails
Geometry: STL, OBJ, OFF, AMF, X3D, DXF, PLY, GLTF, GLB, DAE, FBX, 3DM, STEP, STP, IGES, IGS. Embedded or derived: 3MF, FCSTD, F3D, GCODE, GCO, NC, CNC. Supported entries can also be processed inside the eight archive variants.
Slicer hand-off
Direct: STL, 3MF, OBJ, AMF, STEP, STP, GCODE, GCO, BGCODE. Converted to STL: FBX, PLY (results can vary).
Why some formats are index-only: a CAD or project file can still be titled, tagged, searched, grouped, collected, opened in its normal application, and kept with related files even when MeshVault cannot render it itself.
Reference status
Current, public, and correctable.
This reference was updated for MeshVault 2.3 and Connect 2.3.0.1 on 7 October 2026. Mobile details retain their September reference; release availability can vary by platform.
Windows is the desktop behavioural reference. Linux and macOS target the same library outcomes while using native controls, but operating-system integration and release timing can differ.
The 2.3 features describe the release being rolled out. If a released capability is missing or described incorrectly, report a correction.
Desktop 2.3.0.0 · Connect 2.3.0.1 · updated 2026-10-07Try MeshVault
See if MeshVault fits your library.
MeshVault 2.3 desktop and server builds are free on Windows, Linux and macOS. MeshVault Mobile is free to download.