A Faster Alternative to Hero Forge
Create a Custom Mini in Minutes
Use the Mini Builder to design a custom character, preview it in 3D, then get a high-detail resin mini printed and shipped by me.
Specifically building for D&D? See our Dungeons & Dragons miniatures page.
Get free tokens to start. Printed minis start at $16.99.
Feature Comparison
Hero Forge vs Make a Miniature
A straightforward comparison focused on workflow and output.
Feature
Workflow philosophy
Hero Forge
Manual sculpting
Make a Miniature
Best for speedFill out your character sheet → generate → print
Feature
Character creation
Hero Forge
Manual sliders
Make a Miniature
Best for speedGuided builder
Feature
Time to first result
Hero Forge
30–60 minutes
Make a Miniature
Best for speed1-5 minutes
Feature
Style variety
Hero Forge
Fixed parts
Make a Miniature
Best for speedMultiple styles
Feature
3D preview
Hero Forge
Yes
Make a Miniature
Best for speedYesYes
Feature
Physical prints
Hero Forge
Yes
Make a Miniature
Best for speedYesYes (high-detail resin)
Feature
Print resolution
Hero Forge
35 micron
Make a Miniature
Best for speed20 microns (almost twice as detailed)
Feature
Entry price
Hero Forge
Starts at $29.99
Make a Miniature
Best for speedStarts at $16.99
Feature
Download 3D assets
Hero Forge
$19.99/mo subscription required
Make a Miniature
Best for speedFree
Feature
Remix & iterate
Hero Forge
Limited
Make a Miniature
Best for speedFast regeneration
| FeatureWorkflow & output | Hero ForgeTraditional sculpting | Make a MiniatureFast-first workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow philosophy | Manual sculpting | Fill out your character sheet → generate → print |
| Character creation | Manual sliders | Guided builder |
| Time to first result | 30–60 minutes | 1-5 minutes |
| Style variety | Fixed parts | Multiple styles |
| 3D preview | YesYes | YesYes |
| Physical prints | YesYes | YesYes (high-detail resin) |
| Print resolution | 35 micron | 20 microns (almost twice as detailed) |
| Entry price | Starts at $29.99 | Starts at $16.99 |
| Download 3D assets | $19.99/mo subscription required | FREE |
| Remix/ Kitbash | $19.99/mo subscription required | No subscription required! |
Hero Forge is a trademark of its respective owner. Make a Miniature is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hero Forge.
Why use Make a Miniature?
Built by a Real Person. Not a Factory.
Make a Miniature isn’t a massive company with overseas factories or anonymous fulfillment centers. You are supporting a small business that prints and ships everything from Raleigh, NC.
Letter from the maker
It’s just me — Adam — my dog Pepper, and a growing fleet of resin printers running out of my workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina.
When you order a mini here, you’re not supporting a corporation — you’re supporting a one-person shop building something new for tabletop players.
Adam
Raleigh, North Carolina
How it’s made
Every mini is:
- Generated: generated on the site
- Printed: printed in high-detail resin
- Hand-finished: cleaned, cured, and hand-finished by me
- Packed and shipped: packed and shipped directly to you
Direct support
If something goes wrong, you’re talking to the person who made it.
No tickets. No handoffs. Just a direct response from the maker.
Built to be better
Why people choose us instead
People switch from Hero Forge because they want to:
Skip the slider grind
Start from a strong character concept and refine it with quick edits — no endless micro-adjustments.
Explore more ideas, faster
Generate multiple poses, outfits, and styles quickly to find the version that feels right.
Get a tabletop-ready resin print
Order a high-detail resin mini and we handle printing, cleanup, and shipping.
Every mini shown here was designed and printed through Make a Miniature.
Visual proof
Designed in our builder. Printed in high-detail resin. Packed and shipped by the maker.
Is this a replacement
for Hero Forge?
If you love manual sculpting and fine-tuning sliders, Hero Forge is a great tool.
If you want fast, creative results and a physical mini without friction, Make a Miniature is built for you.
Common questions
Hero Forge alternative FAQ
Quick answers for creators comparing tools and print options.
Can I download STL or 3D files?
Yes. Eligible creations include downloadable 3D assets, so you can print at home or use them in virtual tabletops.
Do I need a subscription?
No. Creation is token-based, with optional upgrades if you want downloads or physical resin prints.
What print material and resolution do you use?
We print in high-detail resin and focus on crisp tabletop-ready results. The exact settings are tuned per model.
How long does printing and shipping take?
Printing typically takes 5–10 business days before shipping.
Can I use my mini commercially or in streaming?
You keep broad usage rights for your creations, including streams and content, subject to the Terms and third-party IP.
Can I paint the minis?
Absolutely. Resin minis are ready to prime and paint like traditional tabletop models.
Next steps
Learn more before you build
Explore pricing, FAQs, and real player examples.
Ready to Get Started?
Build your next mini faster.
Go from idea to tabletop-ready mini in minutes.