Object support during 3D printing of an object based on a model

A computer implemented method of supporting on support elements during 3D printing on a print platform of a 3D print object to be 3D printed based on a 3D print model, comprising:

• obtaining the 3D model by the computer,
• displaying a visual representation of the 3D model on a display connected to the computer;
• displaying the visual representation of the 3D model comprising a plurality of faces of the visual representation, which plurality of faces are individually selectable by a user;
• receiving, by the computer, input from the user corresponding to a selection made with at least one paintbrush-like selection tool surrounding a cursor on at least one of the plurality of faces of the visual representation of the model on the display, wherein the input from the user results in at least one of the plurality of faces to be supported by a minimum number of added support elements to minimize scarring of the object by removal of the support elements after printing;
• orienting, automatically by the computer, the 3D model relative to a reference for printing the resulting at least one of the plurality of faces with the minimum number of support elements;
• generating, automatically by the computer, an extended version of the model with support elements added thereto for printing the object with the support elements, with the resulting at least one of the plurality of faces supported by the minimum number of added support elements;
• and
• 3D printing the extended version of the model.