MeshVault is a local-first 3D model library for organizing model collections, with desktop apps, dedicated servers, an Android companion, and browser extensions for capturing downloads before they become mystery files.
How MeshVault fits together
Most users start with the desktop vault, then add the browser extension for cleaner downloads. Servers and the Android companion are there when the library needs to live somewhere else or travel with you.
Send supported model downloads from Chrome, Edge, or Firefox straight into MeshVault with the useful page details kept with the file.
The main app keeps the library searchable, previewable, and ready for slicers without locking the actual model files away from you.
Use a dedicated server for a shared network library, or use the free Android app when models start on your phone.
Feature spotlight
Browser to library
MeshVault Connect is the workflow that makes the whole system feel different. Capture the title, author, source URL, tags, description, and gallery images from supported model sites, then see the model appear in the Windows vault with context already attached.
Import and image generation
Manual imports still matter. MeshVault can index loose files, folders, and archive packages across the supported library formats, even when a specific format cannot be previewed or used for automatic image generation.
Model viewer
The viewer gives users confidence before they send a file to a slicer. It supports common mesh/CAD formats, G-code layer inspection, measurement with Ctrl+click, build plate reference, and render capture back into the model gallery.
Android browsing and downloading
MeshVault Companion is free with no ads. It keeps a structured model folder on Android so files downloaded on a phone can still be browsed, checked, and moved later without relying on cloud sync.
Phone web server
The Companion's local web server lets another device browse and download phone-stored files over the local network. It is a practical bridge for moving models without cloud accounts or extra desktop software.
Downloads and platforms
MeshVault includes desktop apps for Windows and Linux, dedicated server builds for Windows and Linux, browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, plus a free Android companion.
A single direct license key unlocks the Windows desktop app, dedicated Windows and Linux servers, and supported Linux desktop builds. The Android companion is free, with an optional unlock purchase that can act as an unlock source for connected MeshVault apps and servers.
Use the desktop app when the library lives on the machine you are working from. Available for Windows and Linux.
Use a server when your MeshVault library should live on a workshop PC, mini PC, home server, or another always-on machine on your network.
Browse model repositories, keep a clean MeshVault folder on your phone, and share the phone library over the built-in local web server. Free, with no ads.
Install MeshVault Connect in your browser to send supported model downloads into a desktop app or server with title, author, source, description, tags, and images where available.
Useful details
After the main Windows workflow, these are the practical things that keep MeshVault useful day-to-day without needing cloud accounts or a locked-in folder structure.
The database is kept in the library folder so you can use it across multiple installs and still keep your entire library intact.
Orbit supported models, inspect the build plate, measure with Ctrl+click, and save preview captures back into the model gallery.
When an imported model has no useful thumbnail, MeshVault can generate images for supported geometry or use images already embedded in supported packages.
Keep downloaded packages intact while still seeing supported contents, previewing single-model archives, and opening other files with their default apps.
Hash checks help catch duplicate imports, missing files are cleaned from the database, and empty folders can be tidied as the library changes.
Use real folders for the filesystem and virtual collections for project groups, print queues, favourites, or anything that crosses folder boundaries.
Prepare supported files for PCBWay upload. Extracts ZIP archives to a clean temporary folder automatically, which is then safely cleaned up on the next launch.
File support
MeshVault indexes common meshes, CAD projects, G-code, and archives—complete with automatic thumbnail generation for popular geometry formats.
Frequently asked questions
MeshVault is local-first by design. Your models, images, and collections are indexed into a portable SQLite library database (.meshvault/meshvault.db) stored directly inside your library folder. No cloud logins, no mandatory internet connections, and your library can move freely between devices and platforms without losing metadata.
A single direct license key (available as a one-time purchase of $19.99) unlocks the full suite of MeshVault apps, including the Windows desktop client, standalone Windows/Linux servers, and supported Linux desktop builds.
Yes! Because the database file resides inside your library directory, you can place your MeshVault library on a shared cloud network drive (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive), a portable SSD, or sync it continuously with local tools like Syncthing or Nextcloud. Both machines will see the exact same layout and collections.
MeshVault Server is an optional lightweight headless client built for Windows and Linux. It allows you to run your model vault on a dedicated local machine (like a home server, spare PC, or workshop computer). You can then browse the library locally via web browser or connect the desktop clients and browser extension over your local area network (LAN).
Yes! MeshVault Companion is available for Android. It is fully free with no ads or in-app purchases. It allows you to browse, search, and preview 3D models stored on your phone, ZIP/3MF contents, and includes a built-in local web server to easily share files from your phone library to your PC or other local devices.
Ready to rebuild your model library?
Most users will start with Windows, then add the browser extension for imports, Android for mobile browsing, or a server for an always-on shared library.
