# Becoming a Crowd Factory maker

Crowd Factory connects independent designers, local 3D printing makers and customers. Maker applications are open while Shop and Custom orders remain in pre-launch.

Makers present their equipment, materials and production capacity for review. Start with the [maker application](https://makers.crowdfactory.shop/en) and [participation guide](https://apply.crowdfactory.shop/ai/apply.md). Applying does not guarantee acceptance, production assignments or earnings.

Without an account, an assistant can read public resources and use application_get_requirements and application_get_maker_options. Through MCP, preparing, submitting and checking an application require an authenticated account. Submission requires explicit confirmation of the prepared summary and is not approval. Accepted makers use authenticated onboarding, qualification and assigned-work tools according to their permissions.

For a supported AI host, search its app or plugin directory for Crowd Factory by Crowd Factory Ltd, or use https://api.crowdfactory.shop/mcp as a custom Streamable HTTP connection if the host supports it. Connection and OAuth authorization remain user-controlled. Read the [connection guide](https://www.crowdfactory.shop/ai/connect.md); copying this guide does not install a plugin or connect an account.