Valve has quietly released the CAD design files for the exterior of its Steam Machine console, allowing enthusiasts to design and 3D-print their own custom front plates and modifications. The files are shared under a Creative Commons "Attribution-NonCommercial-Sharealike 4.0 International" licence, meaning fans can adapt and share designs freely but cannot sell anything made using them commercially.

Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais advised users to leave complex modifications to professionals, warning that any damage caused during customisation would not be covered under warranty, a point also reiterated in the files' readme document. The move follows an incident in June when accessory maker dbrand was forced to scrap a Portal-themed Companion Cube wrap for the Steam Machine after starting production and taking pre-orders without securing a licence from Valve.