Submitting a Project

1. Managing projects

Opening Print-Portal

From the home page, open the Print-Portal to work in the 3D workspace. The portal is where you load models, arrange them in the build volume, and request a quote when you are ready.

The interface is built for landscape use on desktop or tablet. If you are on a phone, rotate to landscape when prompted.

Welcome tips and optional guided tour

The first time you open the portal without opening an existing project link, a welcome dialog appears. You can:

• Continue where you left off — pick a project from the list (projects stored in this browser).
• Take a tour — short steps that highlight the top menu, file area, 3D view, tools, and the sidebar.
• View Docs — opens this documentation.
• Begin — closes the dialog and starts with an empty scene.

You can run the tour again later if the app offers it from the same area.

Creating a new project and naming it

Use New project from the top area (see the tooltip: projects are managed from the user menu / project manager). When you import a model and save, the app creates a project in your browser. Give the project a clear name so you can find it again—you will see that name when requesting a quote and in confirmations.

If you load files before a project exists, the app can create one for you when saving—follow the on-screen prompts if something could not be saved.

Saved projects and switching between them

Projects are listed in the project manager (from the user menu). Each entry is stored locally in your browser using IndexedDB—not on Updruck servers until you submit a quote request.

From the list you can open, rename, export, or delete a project. Opening a project loads its models and layout into the viewer. Deleting removes that copy from this browser only; it does not cancel an order already sent to Updruck.

Bookmarking your project in the browser

When a project is active, the page URL includes a project parameter (for example ?p= followed by your project id). You can bookmark that URL or share it with yourself to reopen the same project on this browser profile.

If you open the portal without that parameter, you start from the welcome flow or an empty scene—your saved projects remain in the project list.

What stays on your device and what we store online

On your device (until you submit):

• Project metadata and model data the app persists in the browser.
• Thumbnails and layout (positions, scales, copies) for that project.

With Updruck (after you request a quote and complete the flow while signed in):

• Submission details, selected files for production, shipping and contact information you enter, and the request record so we can review and price the job.

2. Managing models

Supported file types and importing models

The portal supports STL, GLB, and OBJ (with .mtl and textures). For OBJ you can multi-select all related files in the picker or upload a ZIP bundle.

For a full-color workflow and detailed preparation rules, read Supported file types.

Use Load file in the top menu, or drop files onto the drop zone when it is shown.

Using the 3D viewer

• Orbit the camera to inspect the model.
• Use the tour (if you run it) to learn where the viewport, toolbar, and sidebar are.
• Fit to build volume scales and positions the selection so it fits the printable box (see limits below).

The on-screen grid and axes are in millimetres (mm).

Moving and resizing your models

Select a model and use the toolbar tools to move, rotate, and scale. The file browser and scale controls let you adjust size precisely. Measurement helpers show dimensions so you can check real-world size before quoting.

Copies and duplicates

You can create copies of a model from the file browser when the app supports it. Copies are tracked for quantity; only unique model data needs to be uploaded when you submit—duplicates are handled so you are not charged multiple times for the same geometry file.

Build size limits and fit checks

The maximum printable volume in the portal is 203 × 203 × 76 mm (width × depth × height in the scene). There is an inner margin area slightly smaller than that box—models should stay within the visible build volume.

The app checks whether the model fits inside these bounds. If something is too large, scale it down or split the design before requesting a quote.

Working with several models in one project

You can place multiple models in one project. They are arranged in the build area with spacing so they do not overlap; use move/scale tools if you need to refine placement.

Thumbnails and model details

Each model can show a thumbnail and name in the sidebar, which helps you tell parts apart—especially when you have several models or copies.

3. Cost estimation

Coming soon. In-portal cost estimates are not available yet. When you are ready, request a quote; Updruck will review your project and provide pricing.

4. Submission

Signing in to send an order

Quote requests and uploads require an account. Use Sign in / Sign up (for example via Clerk) when the app asks—typically from the sidebar when you request a quote or confirm shipping details.

Requesting a quote

Open Request a quote (or equivalent) from the sidebar. You will fill in contact details, shipping address, and an optional message (special requirements, deadlines, or constraints). You can choose which files to include if multiple are listed.

Notes and special requirements

Use the message field for anything production needs to know: tolerances, color expectations, orientation preferences, or assembly notes. Clear notes reduce back-and-forth after submission.

Uploading your model files safely

After your request is accepted, the app uploads model data using secure, time-limited upload URLs. Wait until uploads finish; do not close the tab during upload. The system deduplicates identical model data so copies do not upload the same file repeatedly.

Email confirmation and completing your order

When the flow completes, you should receive a confirmation email with your submission reference. If something fails at this step, use your account area or support—don’t assume the job is in production until you have confirmation.

What happens after you submit

Your request is queued for internal processing (review, formal quote, and scheduling). You may receive further email as the status moves from review to production.

Tracking your order in your account

Signed-in users can use Account → tracking (or your locale’s equivalent) to see submissions and open a submission for status and pricing details. Use the reference from your confirmation email if you contact support.