What is Gridfinity?
Gridfinity is a modular storage system you 3D print yourself. Zack Freedman, a maker and YouTuber, released it in 2022. There are now over 10,000 free designs on Printables alone.
The idea is simple: everything uses a 42mm grid. Bins rest on baseplates. Baseplates tile to fill any drawer. When you need to reorganize, pick up the bins and move them.
How It Works
A Gridfinity setup has two parts:
Baseplates go in your drawer. They're flat grids with a raised pattern that holds bins in place. You tile them to cover whatever space you have.
Bins hold your stuff. They come in grid sizes (1×1, 2×2, 3×1, etc.) and heights measured in 7mm units. A 3U bin gives you about 21mm of internal height.
The bins have a profiled base that mates with the baseplate pattern. They stay put when you open the drawer but lift out easily when you need them.
Why People Use It
You print exactly what you need. No buying a 12-pack of bins when you need 2. No hunting for the right size. If a bin exists for your specific drill bits or screws, you print it.
Everything is compatible. A 2×2 bin from one designer works with a baseplate from another. Every design follows the same spec.
It's free. The designs are open source. The only cost is filament. A typical bin uses 20-40 grams of PLA.
Finding Designs
The community has made bins for most common needs: screwdriver holders, battery organizers, drill bit trays, cable management.
The main repositories:
- Printables - largest collection, good filtering
- Thangs - search by similar shape
- MakerWorld - popular with Bambu owners
Search for what you need (e.g., "gridfinity 2x2 battery holder") and you'll find options.
What You Need to Start
- A 3D printer. Any FDM printer works. PLA is standard.
- Measurements. Your drawer's inside dimensions in millimeters. See the sizes reference for conversion.
- A plan. How many grid units fit, what bins you need, where they go.
This tool helps with step 3. Mock up your layout, see how everything fits, then export a list of what to print. You can also generate custom bins with STL, STEP, and 3MF export directly in your browser.
Common Questions
What filament should I use?
PLA for most things. PETG if you want more durability. ASA if it's going somewhere hot.
How long do bins take to print?
A 2×2 bin runs about 1-2 hours depending on height and your printer speed.
Can I buy pre-printed bins?
Yes, people sell them on Etsy. It's an option if you don't have a printer.
Do bins fall out when you open the drawer?
No. The baseplate pattern creates enough friction to hold them in place during normal use. They're not locked down, so you can lift them out, but they don't slide around.
Next Step
If you're ready to plan a drawer, the guide walks through measuring, planning, and exporting a print list.