Cura is a slicer for preparing 3D models for fused filament fabrication printers. It converts a model into layers and generates the G-code instructions used by the printer to manufacture the object.
The software is designed to accommodate both straightforward and highly detailed workflows. Recommended and intent profiles provide tested settings for common jobs, while Custom mode exposes more than 400 parameters covering areas such as walls, infill, supports, travel, cooling and material handling.
Models can be positioned, scaled, rotated and mirrored on the build plate before slicing. Cura also provides detailed layer previews, painting tools for controlling seams and extruder assignments, and an extensible plugin and material ecosystem.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Recommended and intent profiles provide tested configurations for common printing requirements.
- Custom mode exposes more than 400 slicing settings for granular control over print behaviour.
- Move, rotate, scale, mirror and arrange models directly on the virtual build plate.
- Preview generated toolpaths layer by layer before printing, including walls, infill, supports and travel moves.
- Paint preferred or blocked Z-seam locations directly onto models.
- Paint regions for assignment to different extruders in multi-material prints.
- Supports common model formats including STL, OBJ, X3D and 3MF.
- Improved 3MF support can preserve richer project and print information.
- Extensive built-in printer, nozzle, material and quality profiles, including many community-maintained printer definitions.
- Support structures, infill patterns, adaptive layers, variable line widths and detailed wall controls.
- Post-processing scripts can modify generated G-code for specialised workflows.
- Marketplace provides additional plugins together with printer, material and quality packages.
- Direct integration with compatible UltiMaker printers for network and cloud-based print workflows.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS and Windows.
Website: github.com/Ultimaker/Cura
Support:
Developer: UltiMaker
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0
Cura is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| 3D Printer Tools | |
|---|---|
| Orca Slicer | Forked from BambuStudio, itself a fork of PrusaSlicer, itself a fork of Slic3r |
| PrusaSlicer | Takes 3D models (STL, OBJ, AMF) and converts them into G-code instruction |
| Cura | State-of-the-art slicer app to prepare your 3D models for your 3D printer |
| SuperSlicer | G-code generator for 3D printers |
| Slic3r | Toolpath generator for 3D printers |
| BambuStudio | Bills itself as a cutting-edge, feature-rich slicing program |
| Printrun | Suite of hosts for 3D printers and other CNC machines |
| MatterControl | Track, preview, and print your 3D parts |
| mslicer | Currently only ELEGOO .goo files can be generated |
| OctoPrint | Snappy web interface for controlling consumer 3D printers |
| Creality Print | 3D slicer for Creality printers |
| ElegooSlicer | Slicer compatible with most FDM printers |
| preFlight | Building on the Slic3r legacy as a spiritual successor to PrusaSlicer |
| QIDIStudio | Professional 3D printer slicing software based on BambuStudio |
| Mainsail | Web interface for managing 3D printers |
| Fluidd | Web interface for managing Klipper-powered 3D printers |
Read more in the software roundup.
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