How to Design a Simple Door Holder Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Simple Door Holder Using 3D CAD Software

A door that won’t stay open or one that slams shut unexpectedly, can be frustrating and even hazardous. Whether you're trying to improve airflow, prevent damage to walls, or simply keep a door in place, a door holder is a small but highly practical tool.

In this article, you'll learn how to design a simple yet functional door holder using SelfCAD, an intuitive 3D modeling software ideal for both beginners and experienced users. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the design process, helping you create a printable model that you can customize to fit your needs. By the end, you’ll have a useful household item and a bit more 3D modeling experience under your belt.

To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3016t43171ry6i4z236s2f363l5fw5d01m71

Once you’ve launched the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 10, height to 50, depth to 200, position x to -50.

Tick the checkmark finalize cube

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 30, Bottom radius to 30, height to 30, vertical segments to 128, arc to 260, position x to -21, position y to 10, rotation y to 140.

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click copy button to copy selected objects

Click scale on the toolbar; Set z to 50, x to 44.28 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 8 to select it

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

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set radius to 24, position x to -13.

Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 30, Bottom radius to 30, height to 30, vertical segments to 3, position x to 25, position y to 10, rotation y to 30.

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

Click copy button to copy selected objects

Click scale on the toolbar; Set x to 30, z to 33.96 using highlighted gizmo

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

Click on mesh 16 to select it

Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 16(1) to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

Click on mesh 12 to select it

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

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click on difference 1, mesh 4 to select it. Click on union 1 to deselect

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

Tick the checkmark to finalize union

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click pink

Click ok

Click on union 1 to select it. Click on union 2 to deselect

Click color picker button to change color of object; Click lavender

Click ok

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