Question 1

What's a 'grid unit' and why 42 mm?

Accepted Answer

A grid unit is the base measurement for Gridfinity – essentially the size of one smallest bin footprint. The system was originally designed such that 1 grid unit ≈ 42 mm. Why 42? Partly because it's a nice size for small parts, and partly as a nerdy reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (42 is "the answer to the ultimate question"). So, 42 mm is the answer to ultimate organization, perhaps. All bin dimensions scale by this: e.g., a 2×2 bin is ~84 mm wide. Keeping this at 42 mm ensures compatibility with the vast library of existing Gridfinity bins out there. You can change it in Advanced settings, but then you're playing a different game.

Question 2

Will my custom baseplate work with standard Gridfinity bins?

Accepted Answer

Yes – as long as you don't change the advanced settings that alter the grid size or spacing. If you stick to Normal, Skeleton, or Click baseplates and set dimensions in whole grid units (or even arbitrary mm, with alignment/margins), the top grid geometry remains the Gridfinity standard. That means any bin that follows the standard (almost all do) will fit perfectly. Even if you enabled magnets or screw holes, those are added features but don't affect bin fitting (bins without magnets will still sit in a magnet-hole base, just not magnetized). The key is that the grid unit is 42 mm and the connectors are in the right places. Our generator preserves that by default.

Question 3

Magnets vs. screws vs. nothing – what should I use to hold bins?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your use case. Magnets (the classic 6×2 mm ones) are most popular for a reason: they provide a reliable hold but still let you easily lift bins off the baseplate with a tug. Use magnets if your baseplate will experience movement or jostling (e.g. in a drawer, toolbox, or if you like to show off by holding your baseplate upside down to friends – it's a cool party trick). Screws, on the other hand, are great if you want the baseplate itself fixed in place – for instance, screwed to a wall, or the bottom of a drawer for zero slippage. Nothing (neither magnets nor screws): This is viable too! If your baseplate lies flat in a drawer that doesn't move much, friction and the slight lip of the baseplate's pockets might be enough to keep bins in place for everyday use.

Question 4

Why can't I enable magnets with CLICKbase selected?

Accepted Answer

Because they're fundamentally at odds. The CLICKbase style doesn't have spots for magnets – its mechanism is mechanical arms. We intentionally disable the magnet option to prevent confusion. Trust us, you wouldn't want to try to mix them; the geometry for click arms lives exactly where magnet holes would go. If you need magnets, choose Normal or Skeleton. If you choose CLICKbase, enjoy the magnets-free life!

Question 5

My baseplate is larger than my printer. What now?

Accepted Answer

Turn on Split to Build Plates in the Build Plate section. This will automagically cut your design into smaller sections that each fit your printer's bed. You'll end up printing multiple parts and assembling them. For example, a 300 mm x 300 mm plate could be split into four 150 mm x 150 mm quarters for a smaller printer. The tool can even nest these parts to print multiple at once if they're small enough – just enable Nest onto Build Plates. After printing, align the pieces together. If you used Overtile margins, the connectors will line up across pieces. To securely join the pieces together, enable Parts Connector (Clips) – the generator will create connector holes along split edges and automatically include the connector clip model in your export. Print the clips and insert them into the holes to lock the pieces together permanently.

Question 6

How do connector clips work?

Accepted Answer

Connector clips are small plastic pieces that lock split baseplate pieces together. When you enable Parts Connector (Clips) and split your baseplate, the generator automatically creates connector holes along the edges where pieces connect. The connector clip 3D model is automatically packaged with your exported zip file. Simply print the required number of clips (the count is shown in the download modal) and insert them into the connector holes on adjacent pieces. The clips create a strong, permanent connection that keeps your baseplate pieces aligned and secure. Note: Clips are not available with Skeleton baseplates due to the structural design.

Question 7

Can I make a multi-color or multi-material baseplate?

Accepted Answer

Sure! While our generator doesn't directly create color-swapped models, you have a couple of options. One: use the split feature creatively – for instance, split a baseplate into sections that you print in different filaments/colors, then assemble like a puzzle for a funky patchwork baseplate. Two: use your slicer's capabilities (if you have a multi-material printer or Palette device) to assign different parts of the model different colors. For example, you might pause at a certain layer to swap filament so the top surface is a contrasting color for the grid lines.

Question 8

Help! I tweaked something in Advanced and now my bins don't fit!

Accepted Answer

😅 That's the risk of the Advanced settings. If you changed the grid unit size, or the connector shape dramatically, standard bins will indeed not fit correctly. To recover, you can either reset those settings (toggle off Advanced to revert to defaults, or manually set grid width/depth back to 42, etc.), or you'll need to also customize your bin models to match (which is a whole project on its own). When in doubt, stick to the default advanced values. The warning wasn't there for show. If you're experimenting for a custom system, make sure you adjust both sides of the equation (base and bins). Otherwise, welcome to Misalignment City.

Gridfinity Baseplate Generator – Custom Baseplates for Your Gridfinity Bins

Gridfinity Baseplate

Settings Guide

Baseplate Type

Baseplate Size & Dimensions

Grid Alignment

Margin Type

Attachment Options: Magnets vs. Screws

Printing Big? – Build Plate Splitting & Nesting

Frequently Asked Questions