# Orient model for 3D printing
**URL:** https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194
**Category:** Modeling Questions
**Created:** [April 7, 2023, 7:20pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194 "2023-04-07T19:20:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Johngerard](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Johngerard)
#### Post date: [April 7, 2023, 7:20pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194/1 "2023-04-07T19:20:35Z")
Hi all,
I just upgraded to Simplify3D v 5. My parts will do not lay flat on the Simplify3D simulated bed. Is there an easy way to orient my part to x, Y, or Z plane before exporting .stl file. I don’t want to have to rotate the model manually. I have tried that and it is to frustrating and time waisted. I need an automatic way to perform this function.
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### Author:  [@Dave\_P](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Dave_P)
#### Post date: [April 7, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194/2 "2023-04-07T19:36:40Z")
Try projecting to a plane
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### Author:  [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)
#### Post date: [April 7, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194/3 "2023-04-07T19:39:51Z")
I use Simplify3D as well. I’m on a Mac. I use **Command-L** which lets you select a surface to lay on the bed. Not sure what the shortcut key is on Windows.
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### Author:  [@Johngerard](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Johngerard)
#### Post date: [April 8, 2023, 12:14am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/orient-model-for-3d-printing/25194/4 "2023-04-08T00:14:27Z")
thanks I have a Mac M1 Max I will try it.