The maker culture, maker culture, or maker culture*, is a contemporary subculture that represents an extension of the DIY culture (Do It Yourself or 'Do it yourself'), based on technology and the use of tools.[1][2]​.

The maker culture is interested in engineering-oriented activities, such as electronics, robotics, 3D printing, and the use of ˞˞numerical control tools, as well as being related to more traditional activities, such as ˞˞metallurgy, ˞˞carpentry, and traditional arts and crafts, in short STREAM (Science Technology Robotics Engineering Arts and Mathematics). This trend emphasizes the repeated use of "cut and paste" approach to standardized hobbyist technologies, and encourages the adaptation and reuse of published designs on websites and maker-oriented publications. A strong emphasis on the use and learning of practical skills and their application to reference designs is observed in this approach.[3][4][5]​.

Examples:

Your doorknob breaks, a maker would make one with 3D printing and install it himself, a person who is not a maker would call the hardware store and buy one.

Since 2006 the maker subculture has held regular events worldwide, for example the Maker Faires. The smaller ones, driven by the Maker Faire community, are called Mini Maker Faire, and are also held in various places where an O'Reilly-hosted Maker Faire has not yet been held. Maker Faire provides a starter kit for Mini Maker Faires to encourage the spread of local Maker Faire events.