But if you’re looking to expand your Ender 3’s functionality with hardware upgrades – such as automatic bed leveling, thermal runaway protection, and PID tuning – you’ll need to install more specialized firmware.

Firmware like Marlin and Jyers will expand the capability of your device and are easier to install than you might think.

Those are my top two recommendations, but the right firmware for you will depend on the specific changes you’re looking to make.

I’ll explain the particular merits of each to help you make the right choice – including how easy they are to install.

If you happen to own an Ender 3 V2, you’re in luck. A simple microSD card and the requisite files are everything you’ll need to install fresh firmware.

It’s a little more “hands-on” for Ender 3/Pro, but if you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to set it up without any of the beginner mistakes I made the first time around!

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Official Creality Ender 3 Firmware

If you want the most frictionless path to upgrading your Ender 3’s firmware and don’t want to tweak the code, drawing from Creality’s pool of official firmware updates is the way to go. 

Unsurprisingly, these are tuned to suit the Ender 3, meaning you won’t encounter any compatibility issues, and there’s a version for every iteration of the Ender 3. These include the older 8-bit mainboards and the newer 32-bit V4.2.2 and V4.2.7 boards found on the Ender V2.

Over on Creality’s official forum, you’ll find a wealth of firmware versions.

There is all manner available based on your printer and options for specific hardware upgrades such as BL a Touch and a filament runout sensor. You also benefit from thermal runaway protection in the latest Creality firmware, which itself is reason enough to push through an update.

To install on the Ender 3 V2, load the BIN file onto a microSD card and pop it into the mainboard’s microSD card slot.

The process is more involved for the stock Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro. You’ll need to flash a bootloader onto the printer using an Arduino Uno, then upload the new firmware to your printer’s mainboard.

Marlin 2.0

Marlin is an open-source firmware with a long history dating back to the early days of RepRap printers.

It’s used by many of the leading consumer printer manufacturers. Creality uses an altered and customized version for its official firmware.

So what sets it apart from Creality’s official Ender 3 firmware?

Adaptability, features, and self-configuration. If you need to tune the firmware to suit particular upgrades, fix bugs, and fine-tune the real-time coordination of the printer’s active parts, then Marlin 2.0 offers an extra degree of freedom.

PID heater control, linear advance, automatic bed leveling, power loss recovery – these are a taste of the advanced, sophisticated functions Marlin offers to those partial to tinkering their way to higher quality prints.

You can freely toggle features on and off to find the perfect mix for your needs.

Alternatively, there are great pre-configured Ender 3 profiles that you can upload straight to the printer. And, should you stumble, there’s strong community support ready to help you troubleshoot.

It’s compatible with both the older 8-bit Ender 3s along with the newer 32-bit variants, though the installation process differs as we saw above with the official Creality Ender 3 firmware.

TH3D Unified Firmware

TH3D Unified firmware is among the most accessible Ender 3 firmware options out there.

It makes tweaking settings easy while guaranteeing version stability through heavy testing, so you’re unlikely to meet any bugs or problems. Most of its iterations have pre-configured profiles specifically for the Ender 3, all tuned to work from the get-go.

TH3D is based on Marlin 2.0. It bundles in all the firmware’s basic benefits but throws in a few unique features such as:

• PID autotuning
• Power loss print resume
• Preheating for different filament types
• Assisted bed leveling
• Support for E3D V6 hot end upgrades
• Manual mesh leveling support

Much like the other firmware options in our guide, Ender 3 V2 owners have it easy with a simple microSD card upload to the mainboard. Ender 3 and Pro users will need to draft in an Arduino and flash the board with a bootloader before uploading the firmware file.

Klipper

A one-person-developed open-source firmware, Klipper is designed to dramatically boost the printing speed of the Ender 3.

Klipper achieves this by delegating computational duties to a single-board computer such as a Raspberry Pi. The board takes care of the G-Code processing side of things and calculates printer movements.

Doing so introduces more processing power into the mix than you’d get with the Ender 3’s mainboard alone.

With that extra outside SBC help, the Ender 3’s mainboard is left to concentrate exclusively on executing the G-Code commands, resulting in faster and quieter printing thanks to high-precision acceleration physics and machine kinematics-based stepper movements.

Aside from this unique approach, Klipper has a stacked feature set.

These include:

• Smooth pressure advance to reduce ooze
• Input shading to counter vibrations
• Custom programmable macros
• Automatic bed leveling support
• Thermal runaway protection
• Stepper phase end stop algorithm to improve first layer adhesion
• Support for filament sensors

Just to name a few…

It goes without saying that using a Raspberry Pi alongside the printer itself adds another layer of complexity.

In our estimation, Klipper is an advanced option better suited to seasoned tinkerers with experience working with SBCs and happy to configure the firmware themselves.

It’s also worth checking out Fluidd, a bespoke UI for Klipper if you decide to take the plunge.

It’s a lightweight and responsive interface to tame and shape the firmware to your needs. If you’ve never dabbled in similar projects, we highly recommend more beginner-friendly options such as TH3D Unified firmware or Creality’s official Ender 3 firmware.

Jyers

An up-and-coming firmware that’s slowly gaining traction among Ender 3 owners, the Jyers firmware is one to keep an eye on.

It’s based on Marlin 2.0 and is incredibly user-friendly.

Notable features include a revamped Ender 3 menu with manual leveling, Z offset, preheat, change filament menus, labeled error messages, M600 G-Code, PID autotune, and manual mesh leveling.

We can’t recommend it as it stands due to various major bugs hampering an otherwise excellent set of features. However, active development should see these smoothed out before long, at which point Jyers has everything to make it a superior alternative to the official Creality firmware.

If you are nevertheless tempted and don’t mind navigating the bugs, installation follows the usual Arduino Uno bootloader flash and firmware installation for the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro.

Installing Jyers on the Ender 3 V2 requires no more than a formatted microSD card and the firmware files.

What You’ll Need to Update Your Ender 3 Firmware

Depending on what Ender 3 version you have, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right gear to get started.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of everything you need if you have an Ender 3, Ender Pro, or the newer Ender 3 V2.

Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro

• Arduino Uno or other microcontroller
• Five female-to-female jumper cables
• One male-to-female jumper cable 
• USB cable
• PC
• Latest version of the firmware you plan to install
• Latest version of Arduino IDE software
• Single-board computer for Klipper
• Micro-USB cable for Klipper

Ender 3 V2

• A clean, formatted microSD card
• Latest version of the firmware you plan to install
• PC
• Unzip program such as WinRAR (optional – only needed if the download comes as a RAR file)
• Microsoft Visual Studio Code (optional – only needed to tweak and modify the firmware’s code)
• Single-board computer for Klipper
• Micro-USB cable for Klipper

Ender 3 S1/S1 Pro

• A clean, microSD card formatted to FAT32
• Latest version of the firmware you plan to install
• PC
• Unzip program such as WinRAR (optional – only needed if the download comes as a RAR file)
• Microsoft Visual Studio Code (optional – only needed to tweak and modify the firmware’s code)

Ender 3 V2 Neo

• A clean, microSD card with a capacity of no more than 8 GB formatted to FAT32
• Latest version of the firmware you plan to install
• PC
• Unzip program such as WinRAR (optional – only needed if the download comes as a RAR file)
• Microsoft Visual Studio Code (optional – only needed to tweak and modify the firmware’s code)

FAQ

If you enjoyed this article, check our other Ender 3 software guides to help get the most from your 3D printer:

• The Best Ender 3 3D Printing Software Overall
• Which Slicer Tool is Best for Ender 3? (Free and Premium)

Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy way to unlock the Ender 3 V2’s full upgrade and modding potential – pre-configured Jyers firmware. 

In this guide, we’ll lay out exactly what Jyers is, how it can be used to improve the Ender 3 V2, and, more importantly, provide a step-by-step guide detailing how to install Jyers on the Ender 3 V2.

Overview of Jyers Firmware

What is Jyers Firmware?

Jyers is a free open-source firmware based on Marlin – one of the most popular firmware options out there in 3D printing circles – but tweaked, reconfigured, and customized to allow for additional features, hardware, and functionality that overcome the limitations inherent in the stock Ender 3 V2 firmware. 

With Jyers, the Ender 3 V2 can be tweaked to accommodate new hardware like an automatic bed leveling probe, functionality like mid-print filament swapping, or software improvements like a much-improved, customizable on-screen UI and manual mesh bed leveling.

While the basic functions of the printer are identical, Jyers opens the door to customizing the Ender 3 V2 printing experience to your liking. The beauty of Jyers is that it’s based on pre-compiled configurations that make installation extremely straightforward and easy. 

These configurations cover virtually all possible needs and wants with versions for different motherboards, for those that want bed leveling, those that don’t, and default configuration profiles for those that want only the basic improvements.

The Full Steps:

• Step 1: Check the mainboard
• Step 2: Install Jyers Firmware
• Step 3: Install the necessary software
• Step 4: Prepare Ender 3 V2 for firmware flashing
• Step 5: Flashing the Firmware
• Step 6: Verify installation was successful

How to Install Jyers Firmware on Ender 3 V2

Step 1: Check the Mainboard

The first thing to do before installing Jyers is to check what mainboard version is in your Ender 3 V2. Doing so will allow you to choose the right Jyers firmware configuration on GitHub. 

Creality produces the Ender 3 V2 with the Creality V4.2.2 mainboard, but the manufacturer also produces the Creality V.4.2.7, a popular Ender 3 upgrade. As such, it’s especially important to check the mainboard version if you picked up the printer secondhand.

The easiest way to check the mainboard version is to dive into the innards of the Ender 3 V2. It sounds more daunting than it is: simply remove the mainboard casing cover and look at the board itself. 

Etched into the center PCB will be the mainboard version. To access the mainboard, remove the four screws (one on top and three underneath), then remove the cover. 

At this point, we recommend being gentle as you don’t want to disrupt the fan wiring which is attached to the cover. With the cover removed, check the middle of the board – it should read either V4.2.2 or Creality 4.2.7 right next to an imprint of the Creality logo.

Step 2: Choose The Right Jyers Firmware Version

Now that we know which mainboard is on your Ender 3 V2, it’s time to download the right version of Jyers. Over on the Jyers GitHub, you’ll find several different pre-configured binary firmware configurations as BIN files with names that can be a tad confusing. Let’s break it down.

Let’s take the E3V2-BLTouch-3×3-HS-v4.2.2-v2.0.1.bin configuration:

• E3V2 – refers to the printer. Here the Ender 3 V2.
• BLTOUCH – means this version supports a BL Touch probe.
• 3×3 – Bed leveling mesh size (3×3 = 9 points, and 5×5 = 25 points).
• HS – High Speed, indicates that this version uses a faster automatic bed leveling process where the probe uses a shorter retraction distance for every point.
• v4.2.2 – mainboard version, either Creality V4.2.2 or Creality V4.2.7.
• V2.0.1 – the Marlin version the configuration is based on.

In the configuration file names, you also find several other indicators:

• Default – for those not using an automatic bed leveling probe like the BL Touch.
• Non-HS – for these versions, the HS indication won’t appear, which simply means the BL Touch uses the Unified Bed Leveling system with normal probe retraction during leveling.

From here, you’ll want to select the Jyers firmware configuration that best suits your needs and whether or not you’ve installed a BL Touch.

Step 3: Load the Firmware onto an SD Card

​​Once you’ve chosen and downloaded your version, the next step is to load the file onto a MicroSD card in order to send it to the Ender 3 V2 for flashing. 

We recommend taking a clean MicroSD card with no other files loaded onto it and even formatting to FAT32 beforehand to avoid any issues. 

From there, simply transfer the BIN file to the MicroSD card, which should take no more than a few seconds given the small file size.

Step 4: Prepare Ender 3 V2 for Firmware Flashing

Before flashing the mainboard, it’s worth taking note of any customized settings you’ve set on your Ender 3 V2, notably if you’ve fine-tuned the E-steps previously. These can cover parameters like motion such as speed, max corner speed, and acceleration.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to remove any filament loaded into the printer, screw the mainboard cover back on, make sure the printer is turned off to start, and the nozzle/bed have cooled down.

Step 5: Flashing the Firmware

The next step is to flash the Jyers firmware configuration to the Ender 3 V2 mainboard. It’s the most important step of the process, but fortunately isn’t all that taxing.

• Firstly, turn the printer off.
• Insert the MicroSD with the firmware loaded onto it into the Ender 3 V2’s MicroSD card slot
• Turn on the printer.

After roughly 20-30 seconds, the printer will boot up again with the firmware installed and the refreshed Jyers UI. As you can see, the process is dead simple and the machine takes care of all the heavy lifting for you.

Step 6: Verify Installation Was Successful

At this point, we recommend checking that Jyers installation was indeed successful. In the new Jyers UI menu, go to Control, then select Info. Here, you’ll see the firmware version. Double-check that it corresponds with the one you downloaded from the GitHub repository.

You may also want to dive into the settings, and re-enter the parameters you noted down earlier to save having to recalibrate the E-Steps again. We also recommend running a test print, possibly a simple calibration cube or a Benchy just to verify everything is running smoothly.

If you don’t get on with Jyers, know that you can always revert to the stock Ender 3 V2 firmware. Visit the Creality website, download the firmware, and load it onto a MicroSD card. From here, follow the same steps above: turn off the printer, insert the SD card, turn on the printer, and wait for the flashing process to complete.

What Does Jyers Firmware Add to Ender 3 V2?

Now, that we have an understanding of what Jyers firmware is all about, it’s worth diving into the features and options it provides when loaded on the Ender 3 V2:

Manual Mesh Bed Leveling 

Jyers offers the option to use manual mesh bed leveling. It’s a vastly more precise and efficient way to level the bed, short of installing an automatic bed leveling probe like the BL Touch, than the basic manual process usually used on the Ender 3 V2. 

Jyers’ mesh leveling functions allow you to choose a mesh with 9 to 25 set points on the bed, then to adjust the z-offset for each of these for more accurate leveling and better first-layer adhesion. It’s a great way to compensate for the slight irregularities on the bed’s surface.

Automatic Bed Leveling

Support for automatic bed leveling probes, setting you up for a hardware upgrade to a probe like the BL Touch.

Assisted Manual Leveling

Provides guided manual leveling, a solid improvement over the unassisted leveling of the stock Ender 3 V2 firmware.

Filament Change/Advanced Pause

This function recognizes the M600 G-code command, allowing you to pause the printer mid-print and swap in a different filament, useful for multi-color or multi-material prints. 

The function will automatically move the print head, unload the filament, purge, and load fresh filament with very little input from the user, other than inserting new filament into the hot end.

Full File Name

Displays full file names in the UI by scrolling to the right when hovering over the model. This is useful if you’re managing numerous versions of the same models with similar names and need to differentiate between them without loading a MicroSD card onto a computer to check.

Live Z-Offset Tuning

This feature allows you to tune the z-offset live during the printing process to ensure the correct distance between the bed and nozzle for proper layer adhesion and smooth surface finishes.

Customizable Pre-Heat Profiles

You can adjust the parameters of pre-heat profiles for different filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS to suit different brands of filament and your project.

PID Autotune

An on-display PID tune function to calibrate hot end and bed temperature fluctuations to provide controlled and consistent temperatures which improve overall print finish and quality.

Improved and Customized UI

Jyers introduced a customizable UI where you can adjust colors (cursor, boxes, text, status bar, etc.), brightness, how progress is displayed, and turn sounds and the display on/off as needed. There are also statistics for the number of prints, successful prints tracking, filament used tracking, and more.

Improved Octoprint Integration

Unlike the stock firmware which offers next to no on-screen info when using Octoprint, Jyers expands this to show a progression bar and filename.

EEPROM

Jyers saves printer settings on the mainboard rather than on the inserted SD card.

Pros and Cons of Jyer Firmware on Ender 3 V2

Here, we’ll outline the general pros and cons of Jyers for the Ender 3 V2 to give you a broad sense of what the firmware offers.

Pros:

• Jyers is designed and configured exclusively for the Ender 3 V2, which means the firmware works out of the box with no lengthy compiling or tinkering.
• Jyers features enhanced bed leveling, including assisted bed leveling, mesh bed leveling, and support for an automatic bed leveling probe like the BL Touch.
• The UI is customizable with several color schemes and trackers (prints, successful prints, filament consumption). File names are also displayed in full on the UI.
• Includes PID tuning to calibrate the temperature fluctuations of the bed/nozzle for better overall printing performance.
• The Jyers Ender 3 V2 firmware includes a filament change and advanced paused function for mid-print filament and color swapping.
• Live off-set tuning allows you to fine-tune the distance between the nozzle and bed during the printing process, especially useful for nailing that first layer.
• EEPROM shift printer setting saves from a MicroSD card to the mainboard memory, so there’s no need to constantly have a card inserted into the machine or be in trouble if you happen to misplace the SD card.

Cons:

• Jyers has a steeper learning curve than the stock Creality firmware with more options and settings for users to get accustomed to and learn.
• Unfortunately, Jyers is no longer regularly updated with the last meaningful changes made in November 2021. That’s not to say that Jyers is outdated, but it’s no longer in active development.

Cura has been the go-to choice for millions of makers since 2016. Creality Slicer, which is based on Cura, comes from the folks behind the iconic Ender 3 – Creality. Though it may not have the reputation of Cura, it’s still an efficient slicer worth considering.

If you’re considering the two and are having trouble making a choice, given the similarities between the two, this article is for you. We’ll cover what sets Cura and Creality Slicer apart, what features they share, their respective pros and cons, and suggest a few alternatives to these two slicer heavyweights.

Before we begin, here’s a brief breakdown of the differences between Creality Slicer and Cura in easy-to-digest table format:

What Are the Differences Between Creality Slicer and Cura

The main difference between Cura and Creality Slicer lies in their range of features and complexity. Creality Slicer is best seen as a simplified and streamlined version of Cura that’s easier for beginners to use and understand. 

Cura, on the other hand, has a broader range of advanced features better suited to tweaking and fine-tuning the slicing process, making it more versatile, but still extremely user-friendly. 

Let’s dive into the specifics.

User Interface

• Cura: Cura features a clean, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate UI that presents information and settings in a digestible format. The real beauty here is that the arrangement of the toolbar, features, and settings won’t overwhelm first-timers, but collapsible submenus reveal a wealth of options for those wanting to dive deeper into what the program has to offer.

• Creality Slicer: Given that Creality Slicer is a fork of Cura, retooled for Creality printer owners, the UI is more or less identical, bar a different color scheme. Some may prefer the sleeker colors of Cura, but for all intents and purposes, we’re working with the same core UI on both programs.

Operating System Compatibility

Print Times

Compatible 3D Printers and Profiles

Updates

Toolbar

Import/Export File Types

Cura: 

• 3MF File (.3mf)
• AMF File (.amf)
• COLLADA Digital Asset Exchange (.dae)
• Compressed COLLADA Digital Asset Exchange (.zae)
• Open Compressed Triangle Mesh (.ctm)
• STL file (.stl)
• Stanford Triangle Format (.ply)
• Wavefront OBJ File (.obj)
• X3D file (.x3d)
• glTF Binary (.glb)
• glTF Embedded JSON (.gltf)

• BMP image (.bmp)
• GIF image (.gif)
• JPEG image (.jpeg)
• JPG image (.jpg)
• PNG Image (.png)

• Compressed G-code file (.gz)
• G file (.g)
• G-code file (.gcode)
• Ultimaker Format Package (.ufp)

Creality Slicer:

Creality Slicer offers the same import/export file compatibility as Cura with the option to send sliced models to Creality Cloud, the manufacturer’s all-in-one cloud-based 3D printing platform, with features like a 3D model library, remote printing, and cloud slicing.

Support

Cost

Plugins

Creality Slicer vs Cura: Pros and Cons

Creality Slicer Pros and Cons

Pros

One of the main pros of Creality Slicer is full compatibility with all Creality printers, including the Ender 3, Ender 5, and CR-10. 

This also extends to optimized pre-configured profiles to get the best settings immediately with no tinkering. 

Creality Slicer is also based on Cura, so the layout and UI are familiar to anyone that’s used Cura. It’s easy to use, intuitive, and features descriptions for most settings and features to guide first-time users.

Creality Slicer supports a wide range of file formats for both export and import. The software also supports plugins, allowing you to customize the slicer with tools and features beyond those offered by the base program. Creality Slicer is 100% free to use and integrates with Creality’s Cloud service, giving you access to discussion, 3D models, and remote printing.

Cons

Creality Slicer is technically compatible with most printers, but is optimized for Creality machines, so you won’t get the best experience if you’re using a different branded 3D printer. 

You can create a custom profile and enter your 3D slicer settings yourself, but this doesn’t offer the same, sleek, optimized experience as the pre-configured Creality printer profiles. 

As Creality is based on Cura, any improvements rely on Creality implementing the latest Cura updates into its slicer, which generally means a delay in having access to the latest features and bug fixes, for a slightly outdated feel compared to Cura.

Ultimaker Cura Pros and Cons

Pros

Cura offers a clear, intuitive, and streamlined user interface that accommodates both beginners and experts alike. 

There’s plenty of depth to the features and options, but these aren’t pushed to the user from the get-go, allowing for a gentle learning curve. 

Cura is regularly updated with bug fixes, performance optimizations, and new features, giving users access to the latest in slicer capabilities. 

Cura is free to use with no limitations and is compatible with a huge range of 3D printers, with robust, tested pre-configured profiles for most FDM printers currently on the market and even older printers no longer available to buy. 

Due to its popularity, Cura has a massive community of users with a vast range of resources, guides, and tutorials to help you get the most out of the software. This also extends to a huge marketplace of plugins to customize your Cura experience.

Cons

Though Cura caters to most 3D printer brands, it doesn’t have profiles for all versions. 

For example, the Ender 3 profile only covers the basic version and the Ender 3 Pro, leaving out more recent versions like the Ender 3 S1 and Ender 3 V2 Neo for example, which requires fine tuning. We have recently reviewed and tested both the Ender 3 S1 Pro, and Ender 3 V2 Neo, and though it was right when they were released, at that time neither had a custom Cura profile. Check out our article on the best Cura profile settings for Ender 3 for more.

Alternatives to Creality Slicer and Ultimaker Cura

Though Ultimaker Cura and Creality Slicer are excellent slicers for most users, you may want to explore what else is out there with slightly less popular, but equally capable alternatives.

PrusaSlicer

Developed by the folks behind the highly-respected Prusa i3 MK3S+, PrusaSlicer is an open-source program based on Slic3r. Though, Prusa has polished and beefed up the feature set and user experience that PrusaSlicer now stands on its own two feet. 

It ships with pre-configured profiles for the most popular printers out there, includes import/export options for all the go-to file types, and is available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux. 

Among PrusaSlicer’s most notable features is a vase mode similar to Cura’s, custom supports, integration with OctoPrint, automatic variable layer height, model repair tool, infill wipe function, and macros. 

Though PrusaSlicer houses a wealth of features and options, it remains very user-friendly with a clean, polished layout. Regular updates and solid printing results with little tweaking make it a solid choice for those wanting something different to Cura and Creality Slicer.

Simplify3D

While Cura and Creality Slicer aim to welcome users of all experience levels, Simplify3D is designed mainly for professional applications with a suite of features and a level of tinkering unavailable on more consumer-geared slicers. With this comes a price tag, something that’s rare for most slicers, with Simplify3D asking users to drop $200 to use the software.

For the money, you get a customized workflow, abundant settings, and superb quality results at every turn, all housed in a UI that’s easy on the eye and intuitive to use for all the complexity lurking below the surface. It also ships with plenty of pre-configured profiles, import/export of all the major file types, and excellent support from both the developers and a committed community.

Beginners may be a little daunted by the versatility here, so we recommend using a simpler slicer like Cura to begin, but once you’ve nailed the basics, Simplify3d is a great environment to hone your skills and gain absolute control over the slicing process.

Slic3r

Slic3r is another open-source slicer program that is largely responsible for most of the advanced features we’ve come to expect from a slicer these days – brims, variable layer heights, unusual infill patterns, and much more.

With such a focus on innovation, Slic3r is chiefly geared towards established enthusiasts and makers with years of printing under their belt who a glut of features won’t put off. Newcomers may be overwhelmed with the depth of the program. 

Slic3r is compatible with MacOS, Windows, and Linux systems and is available for free on the Slic3r website. Unlike Cura and others, Slic3r has very few profiles, so expect plenty of custom tinkering to hone in our settings that work for your 3D printer.

FAQ:

Is Creality Slicer Based on Cura?

Yes, Creality Slicer is based on Cura. It’s what is called a fork of the open-source Cura, meaning Creality has taken the based UI, interface, and underlying code and then modified it to better serve its range of printers. Other than a few changes to settings, color scheme, and printer profiles, the two programs are virtually identical in most respects.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best Cura profile settings for Ender 3, touching on parameters like print speed, infills, temperatures, different filaments, and much more to help you tune the very best Cura profile.

What Are the Best Cura Settings for Ender 3?

Print Speed

Print speed is arguably the most important slicer setting, with a huge effect on both print times and print quality. Slower speeds tend to produce better details, surface finish, and overall quality – but extends print times. 

For standard filaments like PLA and ABS, a print speed of 50-60 mm/s offers a strong balance of quality and speed. If you’re working with large parts or models and quality isn’t all that important, don’t hesitate to increase print speeds up to 80 mm/s and even higher, though expect blemishes and imperfections as a result.

These recommendations apply for all Ender 3 models including the newer Ender 3 S1 and Ender Neo models. For more specific advice, we also have an article on Ender 3 print speeds.

Hot End Temperature

The correct temperature settings in your Cura profile is vital. The wrong parameter can condemn a print to failure before it’s even started, causing blemishes, poor layer adhesion, and extrusion issues. 

Above are our recommendations for each filament type, though we highly suggest following the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific brand of filament for the best results. If you’re not getting good results, adjust the temperature in small increments of 5°C until you see improvements. 

For PLA, 200°C tends to get the best out of the Ender 3. Note that the original Ender 3’s nozzle temperature is capped at 240°C, slightly below the upper limit for ABS and PETG, so, depending on the brand, it may struggle to hit the optimum temperature for those filament types. 

All other Ender 3 models (S1, Neo, Pro, V2, Max) push a 250°C nozzle temperature or higher, covering all the most popular material types.

Print Bed Temperature

There’s no universal best bed temperature setting for the Ender 3 – the right temperature is contingent on the type of filament being printed. 

Also, though we can estimate ballpark heated bed temperature ranges for each filament, these can vary between brands, so double-check manufacturer recommendations.

The above recommendations apply to all Ender 3 models, as all variants, including the Pro, S1, Neo, Max, have a heated bed. 

For ABS, you’ll want to pair a 100-110 °C bed temperature with an enclosure for your Ender 3, such as a DIY tent or even one of Creality’s own pop-up chamber tents. The idea here is to remove temperature fluctuations caused by gusts and natural shifts in ambient temperature to maintain a stable thermal environment for ABS to perform at its best.

Layer Height

Layer height determines not just the richness or detail and features, but also overall print times. This is because dialing in a smaller layer height means more layers to complete a print, and, therefore, longer print times. 

As such, the balance is between quality and print times, so the optimal layer height depends more on your needs, expectations, the type of print, and its application. 

For example, a decorative piece with lots of surface details will benefit more from a lower layer height, while a large, functional piece subject to wear and tear is best printed with a higher layer height to reduce print times but also because aesthetics aren’t all that important.

For the Ender 3, layer heights are best dialed in increments of 0.04 mm because the Ender 3’s z-axis stepper motor moves by a multiple of that distance per step. This is down to the way the threaded rod lifts the x carriage per revolution and how that relates to the number of steps per rotation. 

Retraction

Retraction determines by what distance and at what speed the extruder pulls back filament into the nozzle during non-printing travel movements. 

Retraction settings oozing, stringing, and other forms of excess filament deposition, aiming to produce sharper and overall higher-quality prints with fewer artifacts and unsightly material build-up.

Again, the right settings depend on your filament type, and which Ender 3 you have. The Bowden extruder Ender 3s, including the Ender 3, Ender 3 Neo, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, and Ender 3 Max require a shorter but slower retraction to compensate for the longer filament path through the tubing. 

While Ender 3s equipped with the Sprite Direct Drive extruder setup benefit most from a longer retraction distance and faster retraction speed to make the most of the precision of the onboard print assembly extruder. For upgrading, we also have an article on Ender 3 direct drive upgrades.

For stringing-prone filaments like TPU and PETG, a tighter retraction distance, as low as 4 mm, works best, with the speed dialed around 25 mm/s. 

Retraction can be quite temperamental, so it’s worth dialing in these general settings, then running stress test prints and adjusting up/down in small increments until you eliminate most, if not all, instances of stringing. We’ve also written an in-depth article on Ender 3 retraction settings.

Infill Density

Infill refers to the innards of a print, and infill density in particular, measured as a percentage, determines how much filament and what pattern is used to create the infill. 

As with other settings like bed temperature and hot end temperature, the ‘best’ infill density is print specific. 

For display pieces destined for a life on a shelf, use a lower density. This will cut down on filament usage and print times. Typical densities for these types of prints range anywhere from 0% (check out Cura Vase Mode, for example) up to 15-20% for more durable models.

As for more functional models and parts subject to wear and tear or regular handling, then a higher infill density improves overall structural integrity, strength, weight, durability, and longevity. Common infill density for these types of prints is usually above 50%. But for Ender 3 infill Cura settings, this will be rare.

There’s also an in-between for prints that don’t quite fall into either category, with densities ranging between 15% and 50%. As you can see, this variety means it’s hard to know the best infill density without knowing the specifics of a project and the target application.

Infill Patterns

Diving into Cura’s infill patterns reveals a selection of options, 14 different patterns to be exact. Not all of these are created equal, nor are they suited to all types of prints. 

The pattern dictates the shape of the infill, and affects the print’s overall strength and flexibility, and how much filament is required. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different attributes of the most popular infill patterns found in Cura:

Unless you’re determined to have strength or flexibility in a print, then standard infill patterns like Triangles, Cubic, Lines, and Zig-Zag will work for the majority of prints.

Initial Layer Print Speed

Initial layer speed is similar to the global print speed, except that it relates only to the first layer laid down by the printer. 

A lower initial layer speed promotes better adhesion, setting the rest of the print up for success. If you’re struggling to get a clean first layer down, this is the setting to save the day.

We recommend dropping it down to around 25 to 30 mm/s for the best results, as the slower speed allows the filament to create a much stronger and more durable bond to the bed and between those first few layers. 

As the setting only affects the first few layers, it doesn’t increase overall print times by much at all, so it’s well worth slowing down to avoid print failures and errors later on.

Initial Layer Height

As a general rule, you’ll want an initial layer height larger than the global layer height, typically somewhere around 0.20 mm. We also recommend tuning the Initial Bottom Layers to 5 or 6 layers to nail that bed adhesion.

Where is Ender 3 on Cura?

To find the Ender 3 profile in Cura:

• Open Cura
• Tap on Settings, then select ‘Add Printer.’
• Click on ‘Add a non-networked printer’ to expand a list of printers.
• Scroll down and click on ‘Creality3D’.
• Select the Ender 3 from the list of options, and tap the ‘Add’ button.
• On the next screen, make sure the build volume, heated bed, etc. line up with your printer’s specifications, then click the Next button.

Alternatively, you can also find the Ender 3 on Cura this way:

• Open Cura
• Tap on Settings, then select ‘Manage Printers.’
• Click on ‘Add a non-networked printer’ to expand a list of printers.
• Scroll down and click on ‘Creality3D’.
• Select the Ender 3 from the list of options, and tap the ‘Add’ button.
• Tap ‘Next.’

FAQs:

In this article, we’ll explore six of the most common slicer settings that make all the difference in producing beautiful and useful 3D printed objects.

From layer height to print speed, we’ll cover what each setting does and how to adjust them to achieve the best results.

So whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing pro or just starting out, read on to learn how to get the most out of your slicer settings!

What is a Slicer?

As you may know, a slicer is a piece of 3D printing software that takes a digitized 3D model and converts it into printing instructions that your printer can then use to turn the model into a physical object.

In essence, the slicer takes the CAD model and “cuts” it into layers. Think of a series of 2D pictures stacked on top of each other to create a 3D model.

It then calculates how much material needs to be used for that layer, where the material should go and how long it will take.

It then converts all of the information for each layer into one GCode file which is sent to your printer. You set up the job and, voila! Sometime later you have a physical representation of the 3D CAD model.

As you can see, the slicer plays an integral role in helping turn your 3D ideas into reality. Therefore, how you use the slicer, specifically how you use the settings, is often a critical difference between printing success and failure.

In this article, we’re going to look at 6 key slicer settings that are common to all the major slicer programs. We’ll tell you what they’re for and we’ll explain how to use them to increase your chances of producing beautiful and useful objects each and every time you print.

Best 3D Printer Slicer Settings

Layer Height

Layer height is the 3D slicer setting that establishes the height of each layer of filament in your print. In some sense, layer height in 3D printing is akin to resolution in photography or videography.

When you choose a thicker layer height, your object will have less fine detail and the layers will be more visible. When you choose a thinner layer height, a higher level of detail is possible and your layers will tend to blend into one another.

However, keep in mind that the thinner you make the layer height, the more time it will take to print the object in question, since there will be more layers to print.

An object with less detail, on the other hand, will print faster with a thicker layer height. It will also have a less smooth surface. Thicker layer height is often chosen for making a prototype of an object, since detailing and surface texture usually doesn’t matter.

Read more: best layer heights in 3D printing, and how layer height affects your results

Shell Thickness

A shell is the outer wall of a designed object. Shell thickness refers to the number of layers that the outer wall will have before infill printing will begin. The higher the setting is for shell thickness, the thicker the outer walls of your object will be.

Obviously, thicker walls make for a sturdier object, so if strength is a quality that you’re after, it pays to increase the shell thickness appropriately.

Obversely, delicate or decorative designs do not usually require strength. Increasing the shell thickness in these instances provides no real benefit and will likely distort the design of the object being printed. 

Retraction

This setting is used to pull the filament slightly back into the print head during times when the head is traveling from one print point on an object to another.

This stops the filament from leaking out of the print nozzle and leaving strings of material across otherwise empty space.

If your CAD design has a discontinuous surface, your slicer program should automatically enable the retraction setting.

Fill Density

Fill density, or infill, is a measure of how much material will be printed inside the outer shell of the object in question. Fill density is usually measured as a percentage of the whole, as opposed to a unit of measure.

This means that if 100% fill density is selected, the printed object will be solid, with no empty space inside the outer shell. Likewise, if 0% is selected, the printed object will be empty inside. Fill density is used to conserve filament while printing and speed up printing times.

However, an object with more infill will be stronger and heavier than an object with less infill. Therefore, if either of these properties will benefit the printed object, consider increasing the fill density as needed.

Read more: optimum infill settings

Print Speed

Print speed is how fast the print head travels while extruding filament. Therefore, optimal speed depends on the object you are printing and the filament material that you are using to fabricate the object.

In general, simple objects with less detail can be printed faster without complication.

On the other hand, more complex objects with more detail will benefit from a slower print speed. Print speed can also affect adhesion to the print surface, cause under or over extrusion and other problems. Because of this, it pays to experiment with your print speed to see what works best for the job you’re printing.

Bottom/Top Thickness

This setting determines how much material will be laid down before the infill printing starts and how much material will be laid down after the infill printing is finished. The thickness of the material at the top and bottom of your object is important for two reasons.

First, thicker material at the bottom of your object will provide a stronger and more stable base. Second, thicker material at the top of your object will prevent sagging and pillowing from occurring when the top layer of material is laid down over the infill lattice.

This is especially important if you are using a smaller layer height setting. In such a case, the thinness of the layer can be insufficient to completely cover the infill unless multiple layers are used.

Setting the bottom/top thickness to be 6 to 8 times greater than the layer height ensures that there is enough material being laid down to adequately cover the infill without complications.

Spiralize – Smooth out the Z Scar

If you’ve printed an object and on one side there appears a vertical scar all the way up the print, this is called a Z scar (also known as a “zipper”). It’s formed from the printer starting and stopping each layer at this point.

This scar can be unsightly, and on very thin prints also significantly weaken the structure.

To remove the Z scar, you’re going to need to activate the Spiralize feature in your slicer. This makes the outer layers print in a continuous line all the way up the print, meaning there’s no definitive stop and start point and therefore no scar formed.

To activate Spiralize feature and remove the vertical scar:

In Cura, it’s called the “Spiralize outer contour” feature, in other slicers it may be slightly different. Make sure this option is checked when you convert your STL file to a Gcode.

It is useful to remember to only change one slicer setting at a time so that you can see the effect that the change is having on your print. If the change is beneficial, write down the change that was made and proceed, if necessary, to change another setting.

Changing multiple settings at the same time can cause chaotic conditions and a positive effect can be canceled out by one or more negative effects.

It may be useful when planning prints to know the length of filament on each size spool for various materials and sizes. To help with this, we’ve created this filament calculator.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• Best 3D slicers
• Best resin 3D slicers
• Best slicers for Ender 3
• Cura Vase Mode: Complete Guide

It makes prints faster, and saves you filament, making Vase Mode a popular option for decorative prints with relatively simple geometries, like vases, pencil holders, cups, and other cylindrical shapes.

So, how does Cura Vase Mode work, and is it suited to all print projects? In this guide, we outline everything you need to know about Cura Vase Mode to make the most out of it.

Overview of Cura Vase Mode

What is Cura Vase Mode?

Spiralize Outer Contour, or Cura Vase Mode, is a specialized mode in Cura that produces a part or object in an uninterrupted line of filament with a thickness matching that of a single layer, roughly equivalent to the model’s outer wall. As Cura describes it, 3D printing vase mode turns a solid model into a single-walled print with a solid bottom.

Unlike standard printing, Vase Mode configures the printer to never stop extruding filament, and the print head moves uninterrupted throughout the printing process, ‘spiraling’ upwards to construct the model. The extruder doesn’t retract filament, and the print head doesn’t travel between sections of the print. 

As a result of this smooth motion, single path movement, and thin, single wall thickness, Cura Vase Mode prints much faster than typical modes, and uses less filament.

Limiting itself to a single-layer thickness, Cura’s Vase Mode doesn’t produce long-lasting or structural resistance prints, so it’s chiefly used for decorative or display prints that don’t serve a functional purpose. If they did, they would break, shatter, or snap very easily due to their fragility.

Though prints made using Cura Vase Mode are fragile and slim, it’s compatible with quite a few filaments, including PLA, ABS and PETG, but also flexibles like TPU.

Why Use Cura Vase Mode?

Using Cura Vase Mode helps cut down on print times, saves filament, and improves the surface finish of objects with an unbroken outer surface or wall, with no bridges, gaps, or overhangs, that rises vertically with no top layer, such as a vase, pyramid, open top container, or lamp shade. 

Cura Vase Mode is also popular for applications that require a part to have very thin or light walls that allow light to permeate through.

Best Settings for Cura Vase Mode

Here’s a breakdown of all the parameters that affect Cura Vase Mode and our recommended best settings:

Is Cura Vase Mode Good?

Cura Vase Mode is considered a superb mode for those looking to print very thin, single-wall thickness prints for decorative purposes, such as lamp shades or 3D printing vases, hence the name. As an added benefit, the mode cuts down on filament usage and greatly reduces print times due to the economical way it prints a model.

Cura Vase Mode Advantages

• Prints faster: uninterrupted printing finishes layers and prints quicker.
• Uses less filament: saving you both time and money that would otherwise be spent on filament.
• High-quality results: by printing a single outer wall line of filament in one fluid motion, Cura Vase Mode tends to produce higher quality results with excellent surface finish and less obvious z-seam compared to standard printing modes.
• Versatile: you can print: vases, cylindrical shapes, open containers, pencil holders, lamp shades, pyramids, cups, mugs, and many other decorative pieces – as long as they have no top, and a continuous geometry.

Cura Vase Mode Disadvantages

• Fragile and flimsy: Due to the single, very thin, wall line, models and parts made using Cura Vase Mode are susceptible to breaking under very little pressure, so they aren’t suited to functional applications.
• You can only print one model at a time: because Cura Vase Mode prints in one continuous motion. So batch printing simply isn’t an option. Fortunately, faster print times make up for this somewhat.
• Struggles to print large objects: this is because the part can struggle to support the weight on subsequent layers layered on top. The single wall line design can’t bear heavy loads, so the larger the model, the more it will struggle to maintain its structural integrity.
• Limited uses: only works for objects with a continuous, uninterrupted outer surface or wall, with no bridges, gaps, or overhangs, that rises vertically with no top layer.

Best 3D Printers for Cura Vase Mode

Here are some 3D printers I recommend that are well-suited to pairing with Cura’s vase mode setting:

Ender 3 (and all the subsequent versions)

• Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm 
• Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
• Layer height: 100-400 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0.1 mm
• Max extruder temp: 255°C 
• Max bed temp: 110°C
• Connectivity: USB, SD Card

The Ender 3 is one of the best selling printers to ever hit the market, merging affordability with an excellent starting point for first-time makers, while offering a foundation to tweak and upgrade it if you wish.

It’s well suited to those wanting to use Cura Vase Mode. With some tweaking and calibration, the Ender 3 can make the most of Vase Mode to produce great-quality vases, pencil holders, lamp shades, and plenty more.

Touching briefly on the specifications, it features a 220 x 220 x 250 mm, support for all the most popular filament types, and a 100-micron minimum layer height. 

It lacks some modern niceties like automatic bed leveling, but if these are crucial for you then upgrade to either the Ender 3 V2 Neo, or Ender 3 S1 range. At 3DSourced, we have tested and reviewed both the Ender 3 V2 Neo, and the Ender 3 S1 Pro, and can recommend them both. We’ve also written an article on the best Cura settings for Ender 3.

Creality Ender 3 3D Printer

$189

The best budget 3D printer kit around - and the best-selling, too. If you have the budget, pick up the V2 or V2 Neo version, or even the Ender 3 S1 if you prefer a direct drive extruder.

Creality here

Amazon here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Ultimaker S5

• Price: Check latest price at MatterHackers here / Dynamism here
• Dual Extrusion: Dependent dual extruders
• Build Volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm
• Max Built Plate Temperature: 140°C
• Max Nozzle Temperature: 280 °C
• Layer Height: 20-600 microns
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, Tough PLA, PETG, ABS, NYLON, CPE, PC, TPU, PVA

Though pricey at $6,000, the Ultimaker S5 offers a superb dual-extrusion system capable of handling a wide range of filament types thanks to its enclosed chamber, well-sized build volume, and 20-micron minimum layer height.

Though the dependent dual extruders and Cura Vase Mode won’t allow you to print two models at once due to the way vase mode works, the rest of the printer is extremely well suited to produce near-flawless single wall width prints for decorative purposes.

The Ultimaker S5 also offers Wi-Fi, automatic bed leveling, and a max nozzle temperature that makes it compatible with over 200 different filament types. We recommend the Ultimaker S5 for small businesses and enthusiasts with a big budget aiming to make the most of the reduction in print times offered by Cura Vase Mode.

UltiMaker S5

$6950

MatterHackers here

Dynamism here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

FAQs:

3D software modeling tools range from being easy to use by even the newest of beginners to pro-level software that can take years to learn – so it’s important to pick one that matches your skill level.

I’d recommend Daz 3D as the best free 3D modeling software overall due to its massive library of pre-built elements, allowing users to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly.

However, complete beginners should opt for TinkerCAD. It’s a very intuitive – albeit limited – tool with a way shorter learning curve, making it perfect for hobbyists who want to easily create basic 3D models.

In this guide compare the 12 most popular free 3D modeling programs I’ve tested across all the important criteria – device compatibility, features, ease of use – as well as any hidden quirks you should know about.

So let’s work out which is right for you.

Best Free 3D Modeling Software 2023: Criteria

Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the best free 3D modeling software tools for 2023:

• Ease of use: free software tools are often used by beginners so this is important.
• Depth of 3D software: being easy to use because there isn’t much you can do with the software doesn’t count as a plus. The ideal free 3D modeling software tool is not only easy to learn and use, but with a wide and deep range of tools to create professional 3D models.
• Novelty: a ranking of ten 3D software tools that perform the exact same function is boring. Bonus points were given to a 3D software program that took a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.

1. Daz 3D: Daz Studio

• Price: Free, with extra downloadable premium assets

Daz 3D, creators of Daz Studio, offers some of the most fascinating and accessible innovations in the 3D software industry. Daz Studio is a powerful 3D creation and rendering tool that streamlines many of the medium’s more technical aspects, such as animating, posing, setting up lighting, and rendering.

They also host a massive online library full of Daz-ready content created by professional artists, allowing you to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly. It’s helpful for hobbyists and professionals alike, and can be downloaded for free.

A few features that make Daz Studio stand out include:

Premier Characters and Content

Daz’s character range and toolset really stood out for us. Their Genesis 8.1 Male and Female characters take center stage for character design — high-definition 3D figures that can be posed, animated, dressed, and customized easily using Daz’s morphing system and modular system. You can morph your Genesis Character’s physical appearance in so many ways, by mixing, matching, and blending content to create unique characters ready for photo-realistic rendering.

Face Transfer and Morphing

Have you ever wanted to see what you’d look like if you were half hippo? Or how you’d look with crazy new hair? Daz 3D’s Face Transfer allows you to do all those things – and more.

Simply take a photo of yourself and upload it; the software will take care of all 3D rendering to create an accurate 3D model of your face, with all the intricacies of your face fully adjustable as you transfer. Your bone structure will adjust accurately as you morph your 3D model, no matter how outlandish your changes are. Once you’re satisfied with your half-hippo look, you can animate yourself and make your character dance!

You aren’t limited to just half-and-half morphs either. Feel free to customize and morph any two figures – for example an alien and a werewolf – and create something 80% one character, and 20% the other. The possibilities really are endless. Of course, you can also use this to create unique, lifelike characters as well.

While the FaceTransfer feature is limited to 3 free renders without any watermarks in Daz Studio, users can enjoy the freedom of character morphs, which are how you customize and tweak physical appearances in Studio.

dForce Simulated Physics

Another innovative tool available in the free-to-download Daz Studio is their dForce hair and cloth simulating feature. With Daz Studio you can intuitively replicate stunning and lifelike cloth and hair movement.

Intricate aspects of clothes and hair move based on gravity, wind, and any character movement, and can be simulated to a hyper-realistic level. So, whether you want to have a running character’s clothes move in the wind, or an athlete’s hair adjust as they jump, you can do it all with dForce. Despite being such an advanced feature, you get full dForce access within Daz Studio for free.

Daz 3D has a number of tutorials and examples on site, and while Daz Studio is free to download, they have a range of premium 3D models and assets, such as people or animals of all shapes and sizes, you can purchase too.

2. TinkerCAD — best free 3D modeling software for beginners

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Browser-based 3D software

One of the many 3D software tools offered by 3D CAD software giant Autodesk, TinkerCAD is a deceptively deep tool. Though it looks fairly basic due to how easy it is to use, TinkerCAD has proved time and time again that it is up with the best free 3D modeling software out there for creating 3D models.

Utilizing what some might consider to be basic shapes, TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models by connecting different shapes together. The learning curve is far shorter than some of the more in-depth 3D software out there, making TinkerCAD the perfect 3D modeling software for beginners or children. It’s ideal for teaching kids 3D printing by creating models to print.

Further showing TinkerCAD’s ease of use, it’s the most used 3D modeling software in schools and classes worldwide. As a free online 3D modeling software, it’s browser based so you can get started in minutes without any complex or lengthy downloads. What’s more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play around with your favorite models on your smartphone or tablet!

Though Autodesk make a number of different software for various industries, TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners who want to play around with 3D design software and maybe make something cool. You can then export your models as STL files or any other file format, and send them to a 3D printer to be 3D printed. Though once you gain more experience you may want to advance to something more complex like AutoCAD, TinkerCAD is a great place to start your 3D design career.

3. 3D Slash — easy free 3D modeling software for beginners

• Price: Free, with a $2/m premium version available

Ideal for complete beginners, 3D Slash feels less like a conventional (and perhaps intimidating!) 3D modeling software tool, and more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create to your heart’s content. 

The team have clearly thought about how they can make the experience as natural as possible, so non-designers will easily understand how to create their own 3D models without the steep learning curves some programs have.

But that doesn’t limit you to just the basics — you can still create impressive and more complex objects if that’s your goal, but beginners will still find the features intuitive and user friendly.

3D Slash is free for the standard version, with a small monthly cost for Premium, and School and Professional plans also available.

4. FreeCAD — open source free 3D modeling software

• How free is it: Free and open source!
• Accessibility: Download

FreeCAD is a free 3D modeling software with some real skin in the game, having been initially released back in 2002, and despite still being in beta stage development has progressed significantly. It’s designed to make creating 3D versions of real-life objects as effective and simple as possible.

A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, which you can then build your eventual 3D model from as you progress. FreeCAD works well on Windows as well as functioning effectively as a free 3D modeling software for Mac users, and once you’ve created your model, you can seamlessly export it as an STL, OBJ, or even DXF files for other uses such as CNC.

Though designed with mechanical engineering in mind, FreeCAD complements 3D printing as complex, interesting shapes and figures can be created with relative ease — despite not being as complicated as some CAD programs on this list. What’s more, FreeCAD is open source, so if you wish to tinker with the software itself, you’re free to do so with Python.

FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience as some tools may take a little while for complete beginners to learn. But overall, it’s a very powerful free 3D modeling software tool.

5. SketchUp

• How free is it: Free version, $299/year for Pro version
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download, browser (depending on free/pro)

Created by Lastsoftware in 2000, SketchUp is a veteran of the 3D modeling software industry. A versatile and powerful option, Google acquired the software in 2006 to implement into their services, though it has since been sold to Trimble Inc.

Now offering a free version functioning as an excellent free 3D design software, SketchUp is a great choice for budding designers. Similar to TinkerCAD, SketchUp has a shorter learning curve than most 3D software out there, and comes stocked with tools for almost everything you could ever need.

Despite being currently known mostly in the architectural scene and for its affiliation with Google, SketchUp is becoming more relevant as a free 3D modeling software for 3D printing. They are working to become better integrated with creating STL files, and the tools are surprisingly compatible with those who wish to create 3D CAD files. You can currently download the SketchUp STL extension to enable STL files to be created within SketchUp.

SketchUp features an easy-to-use interface without being overloaded with information. You can figure out the basics behind this free 3D software in a few hours easily and be on your way to creating detailed 3D models on your first day that look so realistic they could have been scanned on a 3D scanner. You can easily view your models in 3D, and upload them to 3D Warehouse when you’re happy with the finished product.

6. Blender — advanced free 3D modeling software

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Company based: The Netherlands
• Accessibility: Download

Arguably the most popular 3D design software, Blender has a huge, active community who share their STL files and 3D models as well as information online. A quick Google or YouTube search will yield thousands of results with people eager to showcase their 3D designs or teach you how to use the Blender 3D software. This is down to Blender being a 100% free 3D modeling software tool which is open source, giving users freedom to create just about anything with its huge range of tools.

Though it has a steeper learning curve, Blender has huge depth to it, making it one of the most complete free 3D software tools out there. This depth makes it a very versatile 3D modeling tool, with uses ranging from film VFX, video games, 3D model design, and it’s also used as a 3D design software for 3D printing. Furthermore, Blender even comes with an integrated game engine, as well as detailed sculpting tools and video editing capabilities.

It isn’t for beginners, or probably even for intermediates, but it is an incredible free 3D modeling software that is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.

7. Meshmixer

• How free is it: Completely free
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download

Meshmixer is an interesting 3D software, in the unique position that doesn’t fit into any one particular category. Another one of Autodesk’s 3D software, Meshmixer differs from its rivals in that it enables you to edit existing models with a variety of useful tools including animation, hollowing/filling, and tools for repairing models.

Meshmixer is therefore a fantastic free 3D modeling software for modifying designs to ensure their quality. This makes it a very useful software for beginners and experts alike, allowing them to polish their models so that they’re ready for 3D printing.

Another main selling point of Meshmixer is its use in topological optimization. With its simple hollowing and similar tools available within the free 3D software, parts can be made lighter, saving weight and costs. This is especially useful for eventual 3D printing in industries such as the aerospace and automotive sectors where cutting weight is very important.

Overall, Meshmixer is a versatile and consistent option for those who need to polish their 3D files. It’s perfect for beginners who want to modify their designs, as well as experts who need to optimize their industrial designs. Therefore, Meshmixer is a great free 3D software which encompasses many sectors.

8. Fusion 360

• How free is it: Free for personal use for a year, Pro version is around $500/year
• Company based: USA
• Accessibility: Download

Created with schools and academic institutes in mind, Fusion 360 is yet another 3D software created by Autodesk. It’s undoubtedly a 3D software modeling tool for experts, however it is user-friendly enough for an educated beginner to be able to use. Packed to the brim with innovative features, Fusion 360 is a very collaborative 3D software that allows users to share STL files via the cloud to collaboratively edit and optimize models.

With powerful tools for accomplishing almost any industrial 3D design, Fusion 360 really is an incredible piece of software. It has built-in features to assess stresses that components of your 3D design will encounter, allowing designers to locate potential weak points before printing. Once created, you can then easily export your 3D model as an STL file or any other file format.

Having recently been made free for students, startups, and more, Fusion 360 is a more accessible 3D software than ever before. If you’ve got some experience, or looking to level up your 3D design skills, this is the perfect 3D software for you.

9. Vectary

• Price: Free, with Premium features $12/month

Founded in 2014, Vectary calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform — and it’s a completely web-based free 3D modeling software. 

Usefully, Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product shots and other aesthetic uses. The simple workflow makes for easy lighting, modeling and sculpting with their toolset, and you can seamlessly export your finished design or scene as an AR model.

The free package includes access to Vectary Studio to create and design models, as well as the ability to export your creations in OBJ or STL file formats, though for other formats you’ll need to upgrade. Within their free offering you can create up to 25 projects, and you get access to Vectary’s library of 3D assets, materials and icons. Upgrading gives you access to their AR preview tools, and have project and team sharing features for better and quicker feedback between multiple people.

10. SelfCAD

• Pricing: $14.99/m, or $599 perpetual license. There are discounts for educators.
• Accessibility: Browser-based as well as downloadable versions

SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based free 3D modeling software for students all around the world, allowing people to design 3D files without having to download anything. This has made it a popular choice in the US for schools looking to teach students 3D design. There’s also a PC and Mac downloadable version however for those who prefer it.

Focused on simplicity and ease of use, SelfCAD offers all the necessary tools to create whilst still retaining a short learning curve that beginners can use. Built with 3D printing in mind, SelfCAD also includes browser-based slicing tools for preparing your STL or G-code files for 3D printing.

Overall, SelfCAD is a simple 3D design software program with a clean layout that doesn’t scare you off. It includes all the tools necessary for students and beginners to create amazing 3D models to print, without the steep learning curve involved in some other 3D software tools. There’s a reason it is becoming increasingly adopted in schools worldwide.

11. BlocksCAD

• How free is it: Free to use, with paid education plans for schools
• Company based: USA

At 3DSourced our priority is to educate, and therefore we have a soft spot for any individual or company with similar priorities. BlocksCAD firmly has education in mind, having been created to complement 3rd to 8th grade STEM education. BlocksCAD is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that encourages the learning of math, computational thinking, coding concepts and designing models to be 3D printed.

There’s a wide range of projects in their freely available gallery to use as personal or class projects, ranging from snowmen, to jewelry rings, to fish, and even the infamous Among Us cafeteria.

Designed to collaborate closely with OpenSCAD, BlocksCAD is designed to be simple, fun, and child-friendly. 3D designs can be created through colorful, easy-to-manipulate blocks, which can then be exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For complete beginners, BlocksCAD offer extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling, and how to use their 3D software.

For educators, there are added features for managing student’s accounts, and a range of lesson plans are also available.

12. OpenSCAD

• How free is it: Completely free!
• Accessibility: Download

Though a free 3D CAD software, OpenSCAD looks intimidating as you are enveloped in code and scripts. It’s a powerful tool – but be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted or for those who aren’t used to coding.

Launched back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf and maintained by regular updates and patches, OpenSCAD has attracted a niche cult following among 3D designers who prefer the scripting rather than artistic method of design. It is also worth noting that you can design 3D parts in OpenSCAD with just a mouse, though this is not the sole intent of the program.

Overall, we’re impressed with OpenSCAD for offering something new – and doing it for free. We recommend at least intermediate knowledge of scripting before trying it however, or you’d probably be better off with one of the other 3D CAD software options on our list.

13. Wings 3D

• Price: Free

Wings 3D is a completely open source and free 3D modeling software that has been actively developed and improved since 2001. It’s not as modern-looking or user-friendly as software like Vectary or TinkerCAD, but works very well for character, tabletop model and other creative 3D modeling projects.

It’s fairly easy to navigate with features that make tweaking your models — such as via sculpting, welding, cutting, bridging or bending parts — simple even for beginners. 

Each menu is context-sensitive, so when you right-click different selections, different options appear based on what you’re most likely to need. This advanced time-saving tool makes it a great 3D modeling software option for beginners and experts.

Other articles you may be interested in include:

• If you need a 3D slicer — here’s our guide to the best 3D slicers for FDM 3D printing
• For all software for optimal 3D printing, we also have a ranking of the best 3D printing software
• For resin 3D printing, you’ll need a slicer specialized for resin prints. Here’s our guide to the best resin 3D slicers
• If you’re interested in 3D printing, we have a ranking for the best 3D printers for beginners

Other curated article recommendations from our team:

• The best 3D animation software
• Best VFX software
• Best architecture design software
• Best product design software
• Best CAD sofware for 3D printing
• Best 3D Modeling Software For Mac
• What’s the Top Free CAD Tool for Mac?

Luckily, downloading amazing STL files for free has never been easier.

For 99% of users, the platform I’d recommend getting started with is Thingiverse. They’re the largest free STL file site in the world, with models for anything you can think of.

This community-driven platform has a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it easy to browse STLs by category and popularity to find exactly what you need.

While Thingiverse is the best overall, I’ve also tested 15 more STL download sites, each with their own strengths for particular use cases.

I’ll be comparing the best sites for STL files across all the important criteria – library size, filtering options, ease of use – as well as any hidden benefits I’ve discovered.

So let’s work out where is best for you to get your 3D printer files!

Part 1: Sites Hosting Free STL Files

Thingiverse — Largest selection of free STL files

One of the largest free STL file sites in the world, Thingiverse was first set up by 3D printer company Makerbot back in 2008 so users could upload their 3D printer model designs for the world to download and print. The repository how hosts an incredible range of STL files that you can download for free, with no registering necessary.

Not only can you download these free 3D printer models, but you are encouraged to post your prints and edits and remixes. You will undoubtedly find dozens of great 3D printer models for you to 3D print on Thingiverse, ranging from video game or TV/film characters, 3D printed miniatures, decorative models, and STL files for holding your pens and stationery.

Instructables — Free 3D Printer files with great guides

Owned by Autodesk, Instructables is a free STL file and general project building site that encourages designers to post step-by-step instructions on how to assemble and build these intriguing projects.

With a full range of projects, not just for 3D printing but involving electronics and other projects also, Instructables focuses on the educational aspect. Simply pick a project you find interesting – such as their 3D printed CO2 canister rockets and launchpad – and print and assemble the project in steps as per the designers’ instructions. This is great for gaining experience and confidence in 3D design and printing, and general engineering and DIY skills.

Instructables is also great for families looking to build a fun project together while teaching their children about engineering, and assembling something from parts.

GrabCAD

GrabCAD is a general 3D file hosting site, catering to not only 3D printing fans, but anyone with an interest in engineering or 3D modeling.

The site includes files for parts of 3D printers for building and modifying open source 3D printers, as well as sophisticated engine designs for planes and other large feats of engineering, as well as cars, and appliances. Many are not STL files, but instead are OBJ files or other types, which are usually still fine for 3D printing (OBJ files are fine), having been designed on 3D CAD software like Fusion 360, Solidworks or Autodesk AutoCAD.

NASA — Free space-related 3D printer models

NASA have an online portal where they host some of the most iconic moments in human spacefaring history as free STL files, so fans at home can print out and enjoy them. You can download and print Apollo landing sites, the Cassini spacecraft, various well-known asteroids, the Curiosity Rover, Hubble space telescope, and many more.

A great and free way to print all your favorite space models, NASA’s free 3D printer models will inspire your children, and make for a great 3D printing project to paint so you have a mini spacecraft on your desk.

The NIH 3D Print Exchange — Free Medical 3D Printer Models

The National Institutes of Health, like NASA, offer some very important free 3D printer models for download as STL files. These are often medical models, such as STL designs of molecules related to biomedical science, as well as 3D printable hearts, 3D printed prosthetics for amputees, and a variety of face shields – especially relevant during COVID-19.

Part 2: Sites Hosting Free & Paid STL Files

Cults — Many free STL files as well as premium 3D printer models

Based in France, Cults has hosted STL files since 2014 and now hosts over 120,000 fantastic downloadable 3D printer files that receive over 17 million page views per month.

Before printing your chosen design, Cults gives you the opportunity to see exactly how it will look, as many designers include pictures of the final print, sometimes even showing how the model will look once you’ve painted it, with gifs of how the model looks in the real world. This can be really handy for visualizing the final print, especially if it involves multiple parts.

Talented 3D designers can also offer their premium 3D designs for a few dollars each, which can add up if you build a legion of fans on Cults’ platform.

Pinshape

Pinshape is a great STL file hosting site with mainly free 3D models, but also features paid-for premium 3D printer files by professional designers.

Entire families will find fun projects for creative family time, as well as a huge variety of well-known franchise characters, tabletop game characters, and complex 3D printable puzzles for collaborative fun.

Pinshape also showcase innovative 3D designers on their featured designer page. It’s always worth checking this page out, as a particular designer may create perfect 3D printer files that you love, and that you may not have known about beforehand.

Free3D

Free3D hosts 3D designs encompassing not only 3D printer files, but general 3D models for animation, as well as those designed in advanced 3D software modeling tools such as Cinema 4D and Maya for specific applications.

A selection of the downloadable tools available on Free3D include intricately designed gunships, animal character designs, 3D printable cars, and more. Free3D also offers paid downloads, usually for under $10, for premium STL files.

3DExport

Offering both free and paid STL files, 3DExport separates models into distinct and easy-to-navigate categories, so you can instantly search through files for characters for animation, or any other category you’re interested in.

You can buy and sell your models and STL files, and having been around since 2004, 3DExport is one of the first 3D file marketplaces around, with a large fanbase of visitors and sellers offering great 3D models for 3D printing and other uses.

Part 3: STL File Marketplaces

MyMiniFactory

With both free and paid 3D models to load in your 3D slicer and print, MyMiniFactory is an online STL file marketplace attracting some of the best 3D designers around.

With an easily navigable site, for example if you’re particularly looking for board games models and characters, you’ll easily find what you’re looking for, whether that be a Pokemon chess set or D&D miniature.

For any budding 3D designers, MyMiniFactory offers an avenue to some extra income. You can own your personal store and offer your STL files for download for a fee. Overall, MyMiniFactory hosts a great variety of 3D printer models for hobbyist makers.

CGTrader

CGTrader is a more professionally focused 3D printer file marketplace with professional architecture software models, interiors, and textures available for purchase.

Professional designers have their own stores and sell their models, and there is also an option for businesses and makers to publish their problems, for example if they need a model recolored, fixed or redesigned, and designers can bid for the contract.

For professional models, CGTrader may have the most extensive selection. However, those looking for free models will prefer a site like Thingiverse.

TurboSquid

Another 3D model site geared toward professionals, and at professional prices, those with deep pockets for the creation of film, animation, and video game projects, as well as any very expensive 3D printing, will find TurboSquid beneficial.

For example, TurboSquid hosts extraordinarily detailed files, including a fully designed International Space Station for $1,299, or completely designed human anatomical models – with bones, circulatory systems and all – for $1,799.

TurboSquid does also host some free 3D models, though some are less suited to 3D printing.

Sketchfab

Sketchfab has a vast library of high-quality, full-color designed 3D models for animation and film, as well as many 3D printable files. These detailed, meticulously designed files are downloadable for free if you create an account, with other files paid-for only.

Sketchfab also offers 3D visualization and design services for businesses looking to have their designs, for example for a product or building project, designed in 3D. This has benefits for showcasing your product, especially in areas such as e-commerce photos, where instead of having multiple product photos at different angles, you can just have a 3D model that visitors can rotate.

Part 4: STL File Search Engines

STLFinder — STL file search engine for searching other sites

An STL file search engine, STLFinder doesan’t host any of its own files, but allows you to search a term, for example “DnD” or “boat” and see all the 3D models from existing repositories such as Thingiverse.

STLFinder also contains some recently searched keywords for any 3D printing inspiration, and is a useful way of accessing 3D printer models quickly instead of searching each model on each site individually.

Yeggi

Another search engine similar to STLFinder, Yeggi has slightly more features available to help you find the perfect 3D printer file you’re looking for.

Featuring around 2.5 million STL files to search through, Yeggi can connect you with all your favorite models in just one search, with buttons to bring up a random model, to view the most popular models, and popular categories such as toys, RC-related designs, and more. Yeggi cuts out the middleman and helps you access the coolest 3D printer models on every site at once.

3DfindIT.com — Site for downloading industrial 3D files

3DfindIT.com functions as a free 3D model search engine which connects you to 3D CAD and similar file models from different companies’ catalogues. Not only can you custom search for your own desired part or model, but you can also search by shape, color, functionality, or check their keyword list for items like hinges, actuators, and more.

Their site will even compare the model you are currently browsing, scanning across its catalogue for other similar models and giving you a percentage similarity score. This is great for finding the ideal part for your needs. It skews more towards industrial parts and designs rather than hobbyist homemade projects, and functions very well as a search engine for freely available professional 3D models.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• STL Editors – best free and professional options
• Best 3D printer software
• Best 3D slicers
• Thingiverse alternatives
• Best 3D printer software tools.

I’ve tested the most popular free CAD tools for 3D printing and can tell you they’re not all created equal.

So which is best for your needs?

Tinkercad and SketchUp Free are both excellent options for beginners who want to learn 3D modeling. They are both user-friendly, have plenty of learning resources, offer flexibility in terms of file formats, and are free to use.

For more advanced users, Blender has the most comprehensive catalog of modeling tools. It has a learning curve, but once you’ve mastered it you can achieve pretty much anything.

In this guide, I’ll compare the best free CAD software for 3D printing across all the crucial details – from functionality and features to device compatibility and ease of use – so you can decide which is best for your project.

What Can You Expect With Free CAD Software?

For CAD software to be free, something has to give. A lack of a price comes with limitations, so it’s important to understand what you can and can’t do, and what differences to expect between free CAD programs for 3D printing and paid professional software.

User Interface

One of the main differences is user interface and overall polish. Paid programs tend to offer a more intuitive and fleshed-out interface than their free counterparts, which can often be fairly barebones, leaning more on functionality than delivering a flowing user experience.

Applications

Suitable applications, and the features that enable this, are also a major difference between free CAD programs for 3D printing and paid CAD programs. Paid software is geared towards professional applications such as design and engineering that need a comprehensive suite of features, while free programs tend to focus on a specific element of 3D modeling with little in the way of extras.

Trials of Paid Software

Then there’s also the murky middle ground of free versions of paid CAD software where you’ll find many of the more sophisticated features like CNC milling, extensive export file formats, advanced simulations, and cloud functionality removed.

What this means is that choosing free CAD software for you is about selecting a program that has the features you need, but also whether you can live without what it doesn’t offer. For general use, especially modeling for 3D printing, the best free CAD software will more than suffice, but if you’re looking to power more specialized applications, this is where spending money on a premium program bears fruits.

Best Free CAD Software For 3D Printing

Easiest CAD Software for 3D Printing (For Beginners)

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free browser-based CAD program that offers one of the most straightforward and intuitive interfaces available that’s chiefly geared towards beginners and kids wanting to learn the basics of 3D modeling. It’s developed by the folks at Autodesk, the same company behind Fusion 360, AutoCAD, and Maya.

The modeling process is based on shaping and modeling basic shapes using a range of simple tools to create models. These can then be exported to STL then loaded into a slicer to prep for 3D printing. 

Alongside, Tinkercad comes with a comprehensive library of tutorials, lessons, and learner projects perfect for those dabbling in modeling for the first time.

Sketchup Free

A step up in complexity compared to Tinkercad, SketchUp Free is still one of the most user-friendly free CAD programs available. It marries a sleek user interface with a solid set of tools that you can use to create everything from basic shapes to complex parts for 3D printing. 

SketchUp comes sided by 3D Warehouse, a catalog of user-generated designs that you can use as a launch pad for your own designs. SketchUp offers imports in SKP, JPG, PNG file formats, while it can export to SKP, PNG, and STL.

SketchUp is also available in premium form, which gives you access to features unavailable in the free version – plugins, point cloud data generation, real-time visualizations, renders, and more. 

These tend to benefit specialized applications more than 3D printing, so for most the free version provides enough functionality to take an idea from concept to model to print.

3D Slash

Much like Tinkercad, 3D Slash aims to demystify the often complex process of 3D modeling and make it fun. Something Tinkercad pulls off with a simple interface, easy to understand and use tools, but they are sufficiently powerful to create precise 3D models ready for 3D printing. 

It’s no stretch to say that someone with zero modeling knowledge should find their bearings using 3DSlash in no time at all. It’s one of the best free 3D printing CAD software tools for beginners.

In practical terms, users work to carve a basic cube into the desired design using a set of tools (hammer, text, color, flip, add shapes, etc.) in a manner that draws inspiration from building games like Minecraft. 

Once completed, models can be exported to STL and OBJ file formats. 3DSlash is available in both a web browser version and a downloadable desktop version.

Morphi

Morphi is an app-based, tablet-only CAD modeling software that, much like Tinkercad and 3DSlash, is a solid learning tool for beginners and even young learners. It features a streamlined, intuitive interface sided by a set of tools all usable with the taps and swipes we’ve all grown accustomed to in this day and age of smartphones and portable devices.

Morphi’s simplicity is sided by an impressive selection of features for what is an app aimed at usability – in-built animation, AR tools, 3D rendering, library of image/video textures and 3D models, and custom texture creator to name a few. 

You can create models by subtracting, adding, drawing, and editing shapes, with the option to draw in both 2D and 3D based on your needs. Morphi also offers a wealth of import and export options – OBJ, STL, FBX, GLTF, 3MF, and GLTF, with more on the way.

Though paid tiers are available, the free version features all the same tools, but models come out with a distinctive watermark.

Meshmixer

Another option from the Autodesk family, Meshmixer is a CAD program that centers on, you guessed it, meshes, specifically polygonal shapes. 

It’s great for modeling less geometrical parts and models, but also useful for polishing up existing STL and OBJ files ready for 3D printing. Better yet, it has integrated support structure generation tools, allowing it to blend into the 3D printing workflow very nicely indeed.

Best Free CAD Design Software for 3D Printers

Blender

A comprehensive catalog of modeling tools bundled into one of the most powerful and deep CAD programs available, it’s difficult to highlight just how much Blender can do in a few short sentences. 

It’s the complete package for anyone looking to create precise, complex models, and it’s 100% free of charge. It’s generally favored for rendering, animation, and VFX, but boasts a potent modeling and sculpting suite to bring even the most ambitious 3D print projects to life, especially those of a more artistic nature.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is one of the best free open source CAD software for 3D printing out there, not least because it’s free. It’s also a parametric modeler, which means users can modify a model’s geometry based on tweaking parameters – dimensions, constraints, elements, etc. 

This makes it a potent tool for everyone from home makers to professional designers to create precision models for a huge range of applications. 

Though not specifically geared to 3D printing, FreeCAD does ease the process of preparing models for printing with file export options that include OBJ and STL. 

While free, FreeCAD offers an array of advanced tools such as finite element analysis, CFD, BIM, and more, though these are unlikely to be useful for makers who’ll be more than satisfied with the program’s 2D and 3D modeling capabilities.

Onshape

Onshape is a development platform that aims to offer users a comprehensive set of tools to bring a product from idea to reality by combining CAD, PDM, collaboration tools, and even business analytics under one roof. 

For the purposes of 3D printing, we’re most interested in the CAD aspects, which include drawing tools, parametric modeling, content libraries, and the ability to code in custom features using the programs Onshape’s own FeatureScript programming language.

Onshape is a web-based program, meaning very few compatibility issues. Note that the free Public Plan version is available only if you agree to use your designs for non-commercial use.

Wings3D

Wings3D marries powerful modeling capabilities with ease of use. Best of all, it’s an open-source program with no premium tiers – all features are available. Among them are selection and modeling tools, support for assigning and editing materials/textures/colors, and a host of plugins that suit a range of applications, including 3D printing. 

Wings3D also features comprehensive support for a huge range of import/export file types, including the all-important STL format for 3D printing. The interface is also worth a mention as it’s incredibly simple to use despite housing a powerful set of tools. Common commands are easily accessible and menus are context-sensitive so the screen is never cluttered with unwanted tools.

SolveSpace

A free, open-source CAD modeler, SolveSpace is another program that operates around parametric modifications, so you can adjust, tune, and tweak a model’s geometry based on a range of dimensions, constraints and elements. 

It features 2D sketch modeling alongside comprehensive 3D solid modeling. Elsewhere, it also offers mechanical design and analysis tools, useful if you’re printing functional or mechanical 3D parts. SolveSpace exports to all the most common formats, including STL, but also directly to G-code.

Cheap CAD Software for 3D Printing

SelfCAD

SelfCAD aims to deliver a smooth and intuitive modeling experience without sacrificing advanced features so that you can confidently tackle even the most demanding projects without spending a fortune. 

It’s a fully-fledged design suite with all the modeling capabilities you’ll likely need to bring your 3D printing ideas to life – there’s sketching, rendering, sculpting, deformation tools, MyMiniFactory integration to easily pull in models, and an STL slicer all in the comfort of a straightforward and streamlined interface that won’t bog you down with too many options from the get-go.

Unlike many others out there, SelfCAD is a cheap CAD software for 3D printing that’s relatively affordable asking just north of $100 for a yearly pro license. You can also trial it for free with 10 days of pro access to gauge whether it’s a good fit for you.

Vectary

Vectary is a bit of an oddity on our list in that it’s mainly geared towards creating artistic models, but still boasts advanced parametric modeling capabilities. It’s a welcome bridge between the two areas and means it has an interface that won’t overwhelm newcomers and resembles more artistic-leaning programs like Photoshop. 

It doesn’t have too many advanced features (not a bad thing for those looking for simple modeling capabilities), but should do the job for amateur makers looking to create good-quality models. The free version is fairly generous with no limited free trial in sight, only capped by a 25 project max, but you can move past this by paying just under $100 a year, which makes it one of the best-priced cheap CAD options out there.

Best Free CAD Software For 3D Print Prototyping

Fusion 360

Developed by Autodesk, Fusion360 is a complete CAD environment that’s stacked to the rafters with professional-grade features. You can employ virtually every modeling technique under the sun (parametric, mesh, freeform, etc) to prototype, design, and iterate for virtually any 3D printing application. 

Though Fusion360 usually comes with a hefty licensing fee, there’s a free for personal use version that anyone can use as long as they agree to non-commercial use. It doesn’t include all the features, but there’s everything there for those using it to create 3D models for printing.

DesignSpark Mechanical

Despite what the name suggests, DesignSpark Mechanical is a potent modeling tool for 3D printing, and more specifically rapid prototyping for applications such as engineering. 

The real draw is that DesignSpark achieves this without the complexity of most pro-geared CAD programs thanks to intuitive design tools, support for common file formats, and user-friendly interface.

Best Free 3D CAD Software For Kids and Home Projects

Tinkercad

There’s really only one program that makes CAD modeling accessible to kids and that’s the ever-popular Tinkercad. Simple, easy to use, and just powerful enough to power all manner of fun, home projects, it’s a great stepping stone and learning resource for beginners and younger budding makers.

Buying Guide – Things to Consider When Choosing Free CAD Software for 3D Printing

Compatibility

It’s important to consider whether free 3D printer modeling software is compatible with your device – Mac, Linux, Windows, smartphone, tablet, Android, iOS. If you’re looking for widespread compatibility, look to browser-based software.

Training and Learning Curve

There’s a huge difference in the learning curve and training required between the best free 3D print CAD software. If you want to get modeling without spending hours reading tutorials and guides, then something simple like Tinkercad or 3DSlash is recommended. If you don’t mind honing your knowledge and skill, then advanced programs like Fusion360 and Blender are good options.

Budget and Trials

While most of our free CAD software recommendations are free, many feature free trials rather than unlimited access to the program. Prices vary drastically from software to software, so be sure to select one that’s within your budget.

It’s also worth looking for free tiers/plans, usually given to students, or for non-commercial use to save money. These do occasionally come with missing features, but these tend to be advanced ones that shouldn’t affect creating models for 3D printing.

Do 3D Printers Come With CAD Software?

No, 3D printers don’t generally come with CAD software as part of the package. They do, however, include slicing software to prep 3D models for the 3D printing process.

Can FreeCAD Be Used for 3D Printing?

Yes, FreeCAD can be used to create 3D models for 3D printing. The program allows users to export models in OBJ and STL file formats. These can then be imported into a slicer to prepare the model for 3D printing and create a G-code file with all the instructions the printer needs to complete the print.

Is FreeCAD Totally Free?

Yes, free CAD for 3D printing program FreeCAD is 100%, no-strings-attached free of charge. There are no paid premium tiers; the program is available for free to all and any with all the features accessible and usable.

Related Posts:

• Which is Best: AutoCAD Or Revit?
• Best Free AutoCAD Alternatives For Every Use
• Best Open-Source CAD Software and Communities
• Best Free 2D CAD Software
• Best 3D Printing CAD Software for Hobbyists & Professionals

The best 3D slicer for the majority of users is going to be Cura. This free, open-source software is user friendly and has all essential features you’ll need, making it the best choice for hobbyists and intermediate printers.

If you’re an experienced maker you may benefit from the wider range of advanced settings available in Simplify3D – but comes at a cost of $150 for use on two computers.

Over the past 2 – 3 years I’ve tested pretty much every slicer out there – and have discovered that they’re not all created equal.

In this guide I’ll be comparing the best 3D slicers I’ve used over all the important factors – functionality, ease of use, device compatibility, and many more crucial hidden details.

So let’s work out which 3D slicer is best for you.

Note: this article focuses on 3D slicers for FDM printing. For resin 3D printing, check out our guide to the best resin 3D slicers

Best 3D Printer Slicers for Effective 3D Printing

What Should You Look for in a Good 3D Slicer?

That’s what this guide will help you find out — we haven’t just listed a group of 3D printer slicers we thought were good, but created a list of slicers which are the best in each area – for example the best free 3D slicer, or best 3D slicer for education in schools.

A 3D slicer is a 3D printer software program that you can import models into — for example in .STL, .GCODE or .OBJ file format. These 3D printer models form the basis of your print; they contain the edges, heights, and all the information about your print.

To be considered one of the best 3D slicers, a slicer should offer:

• Speed: Any great 3D slicer should save you time by importing STL files (or any other 3D printer file) in record time, no matter how large or complex the model is.
• Repairing and warning features: An advanced 3D printer slicer will alert you if your file there are glaring errors in your file that could cause errors in your print, and fix them for you if necessary. This saves you time in preventing wasteful failed prints, and money in wasted 3D printer filament.
• Easy to use: There is no point in having infinitely advanced slicing tools (or any other great features) if nobody can find them, or work out how to use them. The interface should be simple and easy to learn, with appropriate guides for professional 3D slicing tools.
• 3D printing data: Most good slicers now, during printing, inform you of the expected remaining time, and how much required filament remains (so you can estimate if you have enough left).
• 3D slicer price: many tools are free, and even open source, so if a program if paid, it needs to offer notable advantages of its free slicer peers.
• Good slicer supports: one of the main advantages of a good 3D slicer is automatically generated supports that make sure your finished print is as precise and accurate as possible, especially over bridges and wide-angle 3D printing.

The Best 3D Slicers for Hobbyist & Prosumer 3D printing

Cura Slicer — Best Free 3D Slicer Software

• 3D printer software price: Free!
• Download here

Developed by Dutch 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker, Cura is the most popular 3D slicing software out there. This 3D slicer is free open-source software, and is designed to be able to integrate with 3D CAD software tools like SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor for easier cross-platform workflow.

Since it’s made by Ultimaker, Cura is perfect for Ultimaker 3D printer owners, as well as featuring specialized settings for dozens of other printers too.

It also has recommended settings for beginners, so those without much experience will still find it useful.

Beyond this, a number of advanced settings for supports and infills make Cura a viable 3D printer slicer for advanced users, too.

Most impressive however is its simple yet effective three stages of printing:

• Prepare: the first stage, Prepare, allows you to choose your printing parameters and slice the 3D printer model.
• Preview: the Preview stage identifies possible at-risk areas which could fail. This helps identify faults without having to waste time, materials and energy making those mistakes in real life.
• Monitor: this final stage lets you monitor your print’s progress, which you can also do remotely.

Massive quality-of-life improving features in Cura include the estimated time of print and an estimated amount of filament required for a certain print.

This is incredibly useful, for example, if you are running short of filament and want to make sure you’ll be able to finish that 3D printed miniature rather than running out of filament while your model is headless, or if you’re in a rush and need to finish printing before a certain time.

For those new to 3D printing, this handy tutorial covers the basics of printing parameters and more:

Reliable budget 3D printer options:

Simplify3D — Best 3D Slicer For Experienced Makers

• 3D printer software price: $149
• Available here

Undoubtedly up there as the most expansive and technical option, Simplify3D is said to be compatible with more 3D printers than any other 3D printer software. The slicing tool is used in education, as well as by both novice and experienced makers and by businesses for rapid prototyping and iterating.

The caveat is the price — $150 for use on two computers. The price tag comes with a number of key benefits, however. For example, Simplify3D excels in an area where most 3D slicers struggle — in supports.

You can effectively customize your support thickness and material, and Simplify3D builds them so they can be removed extremely easily. This saves time and leads to parts with a better surface finish as they’re less likely to be scarred during post-processing.

Simplify3D features very precise and advanced settings for extruders, infill 3D printing settings, extruder temperatures, cooling and fans, rafts and brims, retraction, and especially supports. If you have already spent several hundred dollars on a 3D printer, it may be worth considering a paid 3D slicer as an investment in fulfilling your 3D printing potential with the most advanced 3D printer slicer on the market.

It also excels in pre-print simulations and shows potential weak points that could cause the print to fail. This feature can potentially save hundreds of dollars in wasted filament from failed prints, using Simplify3D’s advanced tools to pinpoint and fix errors.

Slic3r — Best Open Source 3D Slicer

• 3D printer software price: Free!
• Available here

Slic3r is a 3D slicer first started back in 2011 by Alessandro Ranellucci and champions the open source philosophy alongside RepRap 3D printers. It’s a completely nonprofit project, which is very commendable considering it is definitely one of the best 3D printer slicer options out there.

With a wide variety of features that advanced users will enjoy, including effective, strong infills and many different preview views for ensuring you’re happy with your model before you press print, Slic3r is versatile enough to handle almost anything you throw at it.

Slic3r can handle printing on multi extruder 3D printers with different support materials, and can even print on multiple 3D printers simultaneously. It can import STL, AMF and OBJ files, and exports GCODE files for 3D printing. What’s more, Slic3r integrates seamlessly with OctoPrint, a 3D printer host program for remote 3D printing and monitoring.

What’s more, it doesn’t just deal with FDM 3D printers, but can also print SLA prints, so resin 3D printer owners can also use Slic3r for their prints.

Some more premium 3D printer options:

KISSlicer

• 3D printer software price: Free version, with $42 PRO version and $82 Premium version
• Available here

KISSlicer — or Keep It Simple Slicer — is a great 3D slicer for experts. The software is very detail oriented and focuses on technical aspects of 3D printing that experienced makers will be drawn to.

The free version of KISSlicer is limited to single extruder 3D printing, and unlocking dual extruder 3D printer options will cost you $42. There’s also a Premium $82 option with more advanced tools, such as the ability to combine multiple STL files into one print.

Even if you only have the free version you still have access to all the content and updates, with new types of 3D printer, print styles, mesh topologies, and 3D printer filaments being added all the time.

Some will not enjoy the less beginner-friendly interface however.

Tinkerine Suite — Best 3D Slicer For Education / Schools / Beginners

• 3D printer software cost: Free!
• Available here

Tinkerine is a Canadian 3D printer manufacturer that specializes in 3D printers for education, and their Tinkerine Suite 3D slicer is built for education too.

That means Tinkerine Suite is super easy to understand and use, even if you’re not good with computers or haven’t done much 3D printing before. This makes it perfect for use in classrooms where younger children may not have much experience with technology, with the simple UX making learning Tinkerine Suite a breeze.

Moreover, alongside the printing parameters, there are tips that explain how changing each setting will affect the print. This helps students to learn as they tinker with their models — learning through doing, an immersive learning experience. Tinkerine Suite also features accurate estimates of how long a print will take, which is very useful when factoring in lesson plans of a certain length. Overall, it’s the perfect 3D slicer for education.

Prusa Slicer — Best 3D Printer Software For Prusa Printer Owners

• 3D printer software price: Free! — Download here
• Available here

Anyone who has ever owned a DIY 3D printer kit will know just how good Prusa 3D printers are, and having forked Slic3r’s open-source 3D printer software, Prusa Slicer is specially designed for Prusa printers. So for those who either bought or built their own Prusa printer, the Prusa Slicer is optimized for you.

• You can also buy the original Prusa kit on the Prusa Store here.
• Prusa SL1 resin printer is available here.

Despite being aimed towards Prusa users, it’s a versatile 3D slicer that can handle many different printers and over 60 different 3D printer filaments and resins. It’s also updated to include SLA/DLP/LCD printing, so if you’ve bought the new Prusa SL1 resin 3D printer, it works with that too.

It’s also open source, so anyone with the skills and the time to develop new tools and features can improve PrusaSlicer for the whole community. The time estimates are known for their accuracy, especially on Prusa printers, and any Prusa 3D printer owner will tell you it’s a great 3D printer slicer.

Repetier-Host — Great 3D Slicer For Remote 3D Printing

• 3D printer software price: Free!
• Available here

Repetier is a free 3D slicer that allows you to easily import your 3D models and then rotate, scale or move them however you need to before 3D printing them.

Repetier doesn’t just make a 3D slicer, but have a suite of tools that complement the slicer, such as Repetier-Server which helps with remote 3D printing and monitoring prints.

It works like OctoPrint, installed on a Rasbperry Pi so you can remotely access your prints via a laptop or smartphone. If you just want to use Repetier as a 3D slicer, you can still easily print via USB or SD card, or directly to your 3D printer. It’s not used as commonly as others like Cura, but it’s still a good free 3D printer software option.

If you’re a manufacturer and looking for a good 3D slicer to use for your 3D printers, Repetier also offers a branded option so you can have your own custom version. You get your own branding and digital signature, as well as all Repetier’s custom print settings and filament settings to reduce time spent answering your customers’ questions.

OctoPrint — 3D printer host for remote printing & also a 3D printer slicer

• Price: Free!
• Available here

Although not a specialized 3D slicer, OctoPrint does feature a slicing tool for slicing STL files in addition to its incredible main features. OctoPrint acts as more of a slicing software platform and host, allowing for simple and effective remote monitoring of in-progress printing, so you could be in a different city and seamlessly check on how your 3D print is going.

You can monitor your print’s progress, temperature, estimated remaining time, and install a webcam to get video footage of the print to check if any errors have occurred. And if they have, you can remotely pause or stop the print to save on wasted filament!

SelfCAD

• Price: $14.99/month but with big discounts if used in education, and with a free version

SelfCAD combines artistic, technical, and 3D printing features under one 3D modeling software tool, and while being easy to navigate is designed for all levels of skill — from beginner to professional. A standout feature is that it’s a completely cloud-based 3D slicer; there are no downloads and you need just an internet connection to connect and edit your STL files.

Obviously, this also means you won’t be able to access your models if your internet goes down, or if you’re on the move to a place with no internet. But in 2022 this is becoming a rarity.

It’s easy to adjust print quality, infill, supports and materials for your preferred print settings. SelfCAD also has presets for most FDM 3D printers, so unless you’ve got a very obscure machine they should have you covered.

Netfabb — professional 3D slicer for metal 3D printing

• Price: $387 per month

Netfabb is an advanced 3D slicing and 3D file preparation software now acquired by Autodesk and used to complement their Fusion 360 software. It’s specialized for 3D file analysis, with some very advanced extras.

First, it not only prepares and slices 3D models, but can also analyze and repair files based on any predicted difficulties that could come up during the printing process based on Netfabb’s analysis of the file.

With Netfabb, you can easily create lattice structures that save weight, and it can powerfully simulate DMLS, other powder bed fusion prints, DED, and more, to check for part distortion, areas that will come under too much strain during the printing process, and find areas that may not fuse properly. Metal 3D printing is expensive, so preventing these errors will save huge amounts of money over time.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• The best STL editors
• Ender 3 slicer – a guide
• Best Ender 3 software
• Resin 3D slicers
• Best 3D slicer settings
• Cura vs Creality slicer
• How to use 3D printer infill settings
• The best 3D printing software overall