> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.3dpreppro.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Printability Validation

> Check if your model is ready to print

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/alphaworks/4GKl9wpYAwI5IRWf/images/editor/tools/validate.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=4GKl9wpYAwI5IRWf&q=85&s=5609353ff940a6daebccdbf091863037" alt="Validate tool settings and results panel" width="704" height="1530" data-path="images/editor/tools/validate.png" />
</Frame>

Validate runs a printability analysis on your model, checking for overhangs, thin features, and geometry issues specific to your printer type.

## When to use this

Before sending your model to the printer — run validation to catch potential problems and save time and material.

## Settings

### Minimum feature size

The smallest wall or feature (in millimeters) to flag as too thin. Enter a numeric value in mm (default **1.0**).

### Overhang threshold

The maximum overhang angle (in degrees) before an area is flagged. Default varies by printer type.

## Results

After running validation, you see:

* **Watertight status** — Whether the mesh is fully closed (**Yes** or **No**)
* **Overhang areas** — Highlighted in red directly on the model
* **Topology stats** — Boundary Edges (Holes), Non-manifold Edges, Overhang Faces, Overhang %, and Shell Count
* **Issue list** — Each issue with severity and recommendations

## Tips

* Different printers have different needs — SLA can handle thinner walls than FDM
* **Overhang highlighting** helps you decide where support structures are needed
* Run validation after every repair to confirm the result is print-ready