The Pros and Cons of Hand-Drawn vs. Auto-Generated Cookie Cutter Designs

Designing cookie cutters for 3D printing can be as simple or as precise as you want it to be. The method you choose will directly impact the quality of your prints, the efficiency of your workflow, and even the durability of your cutters. So, what’s the best approach?

There are three main ways to create a cookie cutter design:

1. Hand-drawing and vectorizing your design using a drawing tablet and software like Adobe Illustrator, then refining it in Fusion 360. This method offers total control over the final STL file, ensuring a smooth print and optimal filament use, but requires time and design skills.
2. Using an auto-generator like CookieCAD, which quickly converts an image into an STL file. While fast and beginner-friendly, this approach sacrifices control and precision, leading to potential issues like longer print times, jagged lines, and unpredictable wall thickness.
3. Hiring a professional designer (such as JLL Cookie Cutter Co.) to create a high-quality, optimized STL file for you. This option guarantees a clean, print-ready design and ongoing support but comes at a cost.

At first glance, using an auto-generator seems like the most convenient option. However, convenience comes with trade-offs, and relying on software to generate your cutters can lead to messy vector paths, inefficient prints, and wasted filament. If quality, precision, and efficiency matter to you, hand-drawing or hiring a professional designer will always produce better results.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each method, explore the technical issues with auto-generated designs, and help you decide which approach is best for your cookie cutter workflow.

Understanding the Three Methods

Before deciding on the best approach for designing cookie cutters, it’s important to understand how each method works. Whether you’re hand-drawing your designs, using an auto-generator, or hiring a professional designer, each method has its own workflow and level of control.

Hand-Drawn Designs (Using a Tablet + Illustrator + Fusion 360)

Hand-drawing your cookie cutter designs gives you full creative control, allowing you to create precise, clean vector files before converting them into a 3D model. This method ensures smooth curves, optimized thickness, and efficient prints, but it requires design skills and software knowledge.

How It Works:

1. Sketch the design on a drawing tablet (such as a Wacom Intuos).
2. Convert the sketch into vector artwork using Adobe Illustrator (or another vector program like Inkscape).
   • Adjust anchor points for smooth, clean lines.
   • Set stroke thickness to match 3D printing requirements.
3. Export the vector file as an SVG and import it into Fusion 360 (or another CAD program).
4. Extrude the design into a 3D shape and finalize the STL file for printing.

Key Features:

• Allows precise control over every detail of the cutter.
• Ensures optimal line thickness for successful prints.
• Produces smooth, efficient paths for faster printing.

This method is ideal for those who want complete control over their designs and are willing to invest time in learning the software.

Auto-Generated Designs (Using CookieCAD or Similar Software)

Auto-generators like CookieCAD allow users to quickly convert images into STL files without needing to draw or work with vector software. This method is fast and convenient, but it relies on automatic vectorization, which can introduce uncontrolled anchor points, jagged edges, and unpredictable line thickness.

How It Works:

1. Upload an image (JPEG, PNG, etc.) into the software.
2. The software auto-traces the image, creating a vector path.
3. The vector is extruded into a 3D shape based on preset parameters.
4. The user downloads the STL file, ready for 3D printing.

Key Features:

• Requires no drawing or vector design skills.
• Generates quick STL files from existing images.
• Limited ability to customize line thickness or refine anchor points.

While this method is useful for simple designs, it lacks fine control, which can lead to longer print times and inconsistent print quality.

Hiring a Professional Designer

For those who want high-quality, print-ready STL files without handling the design work themselves, hiring a professional designer is a great option. Businesses like JLL Cookie Cutter Co. specialize in creating custom cookie cutter designs that are optimized for 3D printing, structurally sound, and free from unnecessary artifacts.

How It Works:

1. Submit a request with the desired design concept or reference image.
2. The designer creates a vector-based design with clean, optimized paths.
3. The vector is converted into a precise STL file, ensuring correct thickness and structure.
4. The client receives a ready-to-print STL file, with the option for revisions or modifications.

Key Features:

• Ensures clean, professional-quality STL files.
• Eliminates the need for learning design software.
• Some services (like JLL Cookie Cutter Co.) offer ongoing support and updates.

This method is best for businesses, professional bakers, or makers who want a flawless STL file without spending time on design work.

Each method follows a different workflow and offers varying levels of control, convenience, and quality:

• Hand-drawing gives the most precision and flexibility but requires skill.
• Auto-generators are quick and easy but lack customization.
• Hiring a professional guarantees high-quality designs without the learning curve.

In the next section, we’ll explore the technical issues with auto-generated designs, explaining why software-based vectorization can lead to inefficient prints, wasted filament, and longer print times.

The Technical Issues with Auto-Generated Designs

While auto-generators like CookieCAD seem like an easy solution for quickly converting images into STL files, they come with significant technical drawbacks. These issues can lead to longer print times, excessive filament use, and poor-quality cookie cutters that may fail during printing or be structurally weak.

If you’ve ever used an auto-generated STL file and noticed rough edges, unexpected gaps, or inefficient paths, you’re not alone. Let’s break down the key technical problems with auto-generated cookie cutter designs.

1. Excessive Anchor Points → Longer Print Times & Rough Edges

Auto-generators use image tracing algorithms to convert an uploaded image into vector paths. However, these algorithms often add too many anchor points (or nodes) to the vector, creating unnecessarily complex paths.

Why this is a problem:

• More anchor points = longer print times (as the printer must process extra movements).
• Paths may appear smooth on screen but print with jagged or rough edges.
• If paths are too intricate, the slicer may struggle to interpret the design, leading to print failures.

How hand-drawn designs fix this:

• When manually vectorizing, you can control anchor points, keeping paths clean and efficient.
• This results in smoother, faster prints with better edge quality.

2. Uncontrolled Line Thickness → Print Failures & Wasted Filament

Auto-generators automatically assign a line thickness, but this thickness is not optimized for your specific printer or material.

Potential issues:

• Walls that are too thin → The printer may fail to print them, or they may break easily.
• Walls that are too thick → The cutter becomes bulky, wasting filament and increasing print time.
• Inconsistent thickness can cause slicer errors, leading to structural weaknesses in the cutter.

How hand-drawn designs fix this:

• Custom control over stroke thickness ensures walls are precisely sized for strength and efficiency.
• Allows for balancing durability with material use, avoiding excessive filament waste.

3. Unoptimized Paths → Messy, Inefficient Prints

Auto-generated designs often produce paths with extra loops, gaps, or unnecessary details, which don’t translate well in 3D printing.

Problems this can cause:

• Extra toolpath movements → Increases print time unnecessarily.
• Unexpected gaps or overlaps → Can cause failed prints or weak connections.
• Distorted edges → Leads to uneven or imprecise cutters that may not stamp clean shapes in dough.

How hand-drawn designs fix this:

• You can manually refine paths to remove unwanted details.
• Ensures smooth, optimized paths that print efficiently and accurately.

4. No Customization or Refinement Options

One of the biggest downsides of auto-generators is the lack of control—once an STL is generated, there’s no easy way to refine the vector paths without redrawing the entire design.

What this means for your workflow:

• If a design isn’t printing well, fixing it requires extra steps, such as manually cleaning up the STL in CAD software.
• Auto-generated designs can’t be easily modified—you’re stuck with what the software produces.
• Small adjustments (like fine-tuning wall thickness or smoothing curves) aren’t possible without a full redesign.

Why hand-drawn or professional designs are better:

• With a vector program like Illustrator, you can edit the original paths at any time before exporting to STL.
• Professional designers (like JLL Cookie Cutter Co.) provide ongoing support and modifications if adjustments are needed.

Auto-Generated Designs Cause More Problems Than They Solve

While tools like CookieCAD offer convenience, they also introduce technical issues that can negatively impact your prints. Excessive anchor points, poor line thickness control, unoptimized paths, and lack of customization all contribute to inefficient, lower-quality cookie cutters.

For best results, hand-drawing your designs or working with a professional designer ensures:

✅ Smoother prints with optimized paths
✅ Stronger, more durable cutters
✅ Less filament waste and faster print times

In the next section, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each approach, so you can decide which method fits your needs best.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

Choosing the right method for designing your cookie cutters depends on your priorities—whether it’s control, convenience, or quality. Let’s unpack the advantages and drawbacks of each approach, and shed some light on the important topic of design ownership when hiring a professional.

Hand-Drawn Designs (Using a Tablet + Illustrator + Fusion 360)

✅ Pros:

• Full Creative Control: Customize every detail, from line thickness to the smallest curve.
• Optimized Prints: Clean vector paths lead to efficient, smooth prints with minimal filament waste.
• Adaptable: Easy to make adjustments and refine designs as needed—no need to start from scratch.

❌ Cons:

• Time-Consuming: More steps involved and requires design software proficiency.
• Learning Curve: Requires understanding vector design and 3D modeling.

Overall: Best for those who prioritize quality and customization, and are willing to invest time and effort into learning design tools.

Auto-Generated Designs (Using CookieCAD or Similar Software)

✅ Pros:

• Fast & Easy: Create a basic cookie cutter design in minutes—no design experience required.
• Accessible: Great for beginners or for quick, simple projects.

❌ Cons:

• Poor Control Over Quality: Auto-generated paths can be messy, inefficient, and not optimized for 3D printing.
• Print Issues: Uncontrolled line thickness can lead to failed prints or wasted material.
• No Customization: Limited ability to refine or adjust designs—what you upload is what you get.

Overall: Works for quick fixes, but not ideal for those who care about precision or quality.

Hiring a Professional Designer 

✅ Pros:

• High-Quality STL Files: Professionally optimized for 3D printing, with clean paths and correct thickness.
• Saves Time: No need to learn design software—focus on your business or baking instead!
• Ongoing Support: Some services offer revisions, updates, and technical assistance.

❌ Cons:

• Cost: Quality comes at a price—though this is often worth it for businesses or serious creators.
• Design Ownership Nuances:
  • Exclusive Rights: Costs more but you fully own the design—no one else can use or sell it.
  • Non-Exclusive Rights: Cheaper, but the designer retains ownership—your design may be resold or shared.

Overall: Ideal for professionals who want top-tier designs without handling the design work themselves. Understanding the terms of ownership is crucial—especially if exclusivity matters to your brand.

A Quick Note on Design Rights

When hiring a professional designer or service, it’s important to clarify who owns the final design. Some services offer different pricing tiers based on rights:

• Exclusive Rights: You own the design outright—it’s yours to sell, distribute, or use however you like. This typically costs more, reflecting the value of exclusivity.
• Non-Exclusive Rights: The designer retains ownership, meaning they could potentially sell the design to others or use it in their portfolio. This is usually cheaper, but limits how you can use the design commercially.

For businesses, exclusivity might be key—protecting your brand’s unique products and designs. For hobbyists, non-exclusive might be fine—saving money while getting a professional-quality file.

Each method has its place, depending on your goals and resources. But for those who value quality, efficiency, and control—or want to ensure unique, exclusive designs—hand-drawing or hiring a professional is the clear winner.

Which Method is Best for You?

Now that we’ve explored the different approaches to designing cookie cutters, the question remains: Which one should you choose?

The answer depends on your goals, skill level, and the importance of quality in your final product. Let’s break it down based on different priorities.

If You Want Full Creative Control and the Best Print Quality → Hand-Draw Your Designs

If precision, customization, and efficiency matter to you, then hand-drawing your designs in Illustrator (or another vector software) and refining them in Fusion 360 is the best choice.

Best for:

✅ Professional cookie cutter makers who want unique, high-quality designs.
✅ Bakers or businesses selling custom cutters.
✅ 3D printing enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their designs.

Why?

• You control every detail, from smooth curves to exact wall thickness.
• Your STL files will be optimized for fast, clean prints—no jagged edges or inefficient paths.
• It allows easy edits and modifications without relying on auto-generated outputs.

Bottom Line: If you’re serious about creating high-quality cookie cutters, investing time into learning this method will pay off in better designs and fewer print failures.

If You Need Something Quick and Don’t Mind Imperfections → Use an Auto-Generator (Like CookieCAD)

If speed is your top priority and you’re okay with sacrificing some quality and control, an auto-generator may work.

Best for:

✅ Hobbyists who just want a quick, one-off cutter.
✅ Those who don’t have time to learn design software.
✅ Basic shapes that don’t require precision.

Why?

• You can upload an image and get an STL file in minutes.
• No drawing, vectorizing, or CAD experience is needed.

BUT…

• Expect longer print times due to excess anchor points and inefficient paths.
• The final design may require manual cleanup to print properly.
• No ability to refine details—you get what the software gives you.

Bottom Line: If you need a simple cutter fast, this method works—but don’t expect the same quality as a hand-drawn or professionally designed file.

If You Want a High-Quality Cutter Without the Hassle → Hire a Professional STL Designer

For those who want expert-quality STL files without dealing with the design process, outsourcing to a professional service (like JLL Cookie Cutter Co.) is a smart investment.

Best for:

✅ Business owners or bakers who sell cookie cutters.
✅ Those who need high-quality, unique STL files.
✅ Anyone who doesn’t want to learn design software but wants a polished result.

Why?

• You get a professionally optimized STL file with perfectly smooth paths and correct thickness.
• Saves you time and frustration—no need to struggle with design software.
• Some services offer ongoing support, updates, and modifications.

A Key Consideration: Design Ownership

• If you want exclusive rights to your design (so no one else can use or sell it), expect to pay more for exclusivity.
• If you opt for non-exclusive rights, the designer retains ownership and may resell or reuse the design. This lowers the cost, but limits how you can use the file commercially.

Bottom Line: If you run a business or want top-tier cookie cutter designs, hiring a professional ensures the best results without the learning curve.

Final Thoughts: The Best Choice Depends on Your Goals

Priority	Best Method
Full control & best quality	✏️ Hand-draw & vectorize your designs
Fast & simple	⚡ Use an auto-generator (like CookieCAD)
High-quality STL with no hassle	🎨 Hire a professional designer

 

If you’re a hobbyist, an auto-generator may be enough.

If you’re a business owner or a serious maker, hand-drawing or hiring a designer will give you the best results—ensuring optimized prints, clean designs, and better overall efficiency.

Quality vs. Convenience—Making the Right Choice

Designing cookie cutters for 3D printing isn’t just about creating a shape—it’s about ensuring clean prints, efficient use of filament, and a high-quality final product. The method you choose will determine how much control you have over these factors.

Here’s a final recap:

• If you want full control over your designs, optimized prints, and high-quality cutters, hand-drawing and vectorizing is the best approach. Yes, it takes time to learn, but the results are worth it—especially for businesses and serious makers.
• If you just need something quick and don’t mind imperfections, auto-generators like CookieCAD can work, but they lack precision and customization—often leading to messy prints and inefficiencies.
• If you want a flawless, print-ready STL file without the hassle, hiring a professional designer is the way to go. Just be sure to clarify design ownership rights if exclusivity is important to you.

Final Recommendation

If quality matters to you, hand-drawing your designs or working with a professional is the best investment in the long run. While auto-generated tools may seem convenient, they often lead to more troubleshooting, wasted filament, and inconsistent results.

What’s Next?

• Looking to improve your design skills? Start exploring Illustrator, Inkscape, or Fusion 360 to create high-quality STL files.
• Need a professional STL file? Consider working with a service like JLL Cookie Cutter Co. for a custom, optimized cookie cutter design. You can submit a custom design request here.
• Still deciding? Test each method for yourself and see which one gives you the best results for your needs.

No matter which path you choose, the key is to find a workflow that balances efficiency, quality, and creativity—so you can create cookie cutters that print well, look great, and perform beautifully in the kitchen!