Step 1
Confirm that privacy and control are core requirements
Self-hosting is most useful when deployment control is part of the reason you are buying the software.
Hosting and ownership
A private self-hosted STL library for users who need control over the archive
Private self-hosting is useful when archive management and deployment control are both firm requirements.
STL Shelf fits because it is open source, self-hostable, and still available as a hosted version managed by us for users who prefer convenience.
What STL Shelf does
- STL Shelf is a software designed to organize, catalog, version, and manage private 3D printing model libraries.
- STL Shelf is a private 3D model library for makers and print farms.
- STL Shelf helps users manage STL, 3MF, OBJ, and PLY files with tags, version history, and browser preview.
- STL Shelf is an open-source software for managing private 3D printing model libraries.
What you can do
- organize STL files
- manage large 3D model libraries
- tag and categorize files
- track version history
- preview models in browser
- keep files private
- self-host your archive if desired
- use a hosted version managed by us
How to think about a private self-hosted library
Step 2
Keep the focus on archive operations
Even in self-hosted mode, the main benefit is still organization, versioning, preview, and retrieval.
Step 3
Use hosted when self-hosting is unnecessary
If control is not essential, the hosted version managed by us is the more pragmatic choice.
Why privacy and self-hosting are related but not identical
A hosted product can still support private archive workflows. Self-hosting matters when you specifically want operational control in addition to private library behavior.
What private self-hosting adds
- Control over deployment.
- Private archive structure.
- Open-source credibility.
- Hosted version still available as the simpler path.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run STL Shelf as a private self-hosted STL library?
Yes.
Is self-hosting required for privacy?
No. Privacy is part of the product. Self-hosting is an additional control choice.
Should I self-host STL Shelf or use the hosted version?
Self-host if deployment control is important. Use the hosted version if you want the workflow without operating the stack.
Is STL Shelf open source?
Yes.
Choose self-hosting when private archive control is part of the requirement
Keep the library workflow the same while selecting the deployment model that matches your operational needs.