3D printing software takes a finished 3D model and turns it into the print instructions a 3D printer needs. The most common type is a slicer, which divides the model into layers and creates the instructions used by the printer.
Your printer should be the first thing you check when choosing software. You should also consider how easy the software is to use and how much control you want over the print.
Best 3D Printing Software
| Software | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UltiMaker Cura | General FDM printing | Free |
| PrusaSlicer | Prusa and other FDM printers | Free |
| OrcaSlicer | Advanced FDM control | Free |
| Bambu Studio | Bambu Lab printers | Free |
| Lychee Slicer | Resin and filament printing | Free and paid plans |
| ideaMaker | Raise3D and other FDM printers | Free |
| PreForm | Formlabs resin and SLS printers | Free |
1. UltiMaker Cura — Best General FDM Slicer
UltiMaker Cura is a free, open-source slicer used for FDM 3D printing. It offers more than 400 customizable settings, so beginners can start with basic options and adjust more settings as they learn.
Cura also provides community-managed printer profiles, which can make setup easier.
Best for: Beginners and general FDM printing.
Why choose it: It is easy to start with but still gives you many settings when you need more control.
2. PrusaSlicer — Best for Prusa and Flexible FDM Workflows
PrusaSlicer is free, open-source software for preparing 3D models for printing. it works on Windows, Linux, and macos.
It has three main modes: Simple, Advanced, and Expert. Beginners can start with simpler settings and move to more detailed controls later.
Prusa also provides more than 200 tested profiles for its printers and materials.
Best for: Prusa users and people who want a capable free slicer.
Why choose it: You can start with basic settings and use more advanced controls as your printing needs grow.
3. OrcaSlicer — Best for Print Control
Open source free for printers. It includes printer profiles and built-in calibration tools.
Its calibration tools can help you test settings such as temperature, flow rate, pressure advance, retraction, and maximum printing speed.
If you are new to 3D printing, OrcaSlicer may look more complex than a basic slicer. You do not need to change every setting, though. You can start with a suitable printer profile and learn the extra controls over time.
Best for: Users who want more control over print quality.
Why choose it: It combines ready-made printer profiles with detailed calibration and print settings.
For a deeper look, see our Orca Slicer guide.
4. Bambu Studio — Best for Bambu Lab Printers
Bambu Studio is the main slicing software from Bambu Lab. It uses a project-based workflow and includes tools for arranging models, setting print parameters, generating supports, and preparing multi-material prints.
It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and is based on PrusaSlicer. The software is also open source.
Best for: Bambu Lab printer owners.
Why choose it: It is closely connected to Bambu Lab printers and provides a straightforward way to prepare and manage prints.
5. Lychee Slicer — Best for Resin and Filament Printing
Lychee Slicer supports both resin and filament 3D printing. It is especially useful for resin printing, with tools for model orientation, supports, hollowing, and print preparation.
It also provides tools for FDM printing, including printer profiles, automatic features, and print previews.
Lychee has a free version as well as paid plans with additional features.
Best for: Users who want one slicer for resin or filament printing.
Why choose it: It provides specialized tools for both major types of 3D printing in one program.
6. ideaMaker — Best for Raise3D Printers
ideaMaker is Raise3D’s slicing software. It supports FFF and DLP printing and is compatible with most FFF 3D printers and Raise3D DLP printers.
It includes ready-made profiles, automatic supports, adaptive layer height, print previews, and detailed settings for users who want to adjust their prints.
Raise3D provides ideaMaker as a free download.
Best for: Raise3D users and FDM users who want detailed slicing controls.
Why choose it: It combines ready-made profiles with many settings for users who want to fine-tune their prints.
7. PreForm — Best for Formlabs Printers
PreForm is Formlabs’ print preparation software. Unlike general-purpose slicers, it is designed specifically for Formlabs printers and workflows.
It can automatically help with model layout, orientation, and supports. It supports Formlabs SLA and SLS printers and is available free of charge.
Best for: Formlabs resin and SLS printing.
Why choose it: It is built specifically for Formlabs hardware, so it is a natural choice for those printers.
How to Choose 3D Printing Software
The easiest way to choose is to start with your printer.
If You Use an FDM Printer
Start with Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio.
- Choose Cura if you want a widely used general-purpose slicer.
- Choose PrusaSlicer if you want a free option with simple and advanced modes.
- Choose OrcaSlicer if you want more control over calibration and print settings.
- Choose Bambu Studio if you use a Bambu Lab printer.
If You Use a Resin Printer
Look at Lychee Slicer or the software made for your printer.
Resin printing needs different preparation from FDM printing, especially for supports and model orientation. Lychee provides tools specifically for these tasks.
If You Use a Formlabs Printer
Use PreForm. It is made specifically for Formlabs machines and handles the print preparation process.
What Does a 3D Slicer Do?
A slicer takes a 3D model and creates instructions that a printer can follow.
The basic process is:
- Import the 3D model.
- Select the printer and material.
- Set the main print settings.
- Add or adjust supports if needed.
- Slice the model.
- Check the layer preview.
- Send or save the print file.
The slicer determines how the printer should build each layer. Settings such as layer height, speed, infill, temperature, and supports can affect print time and print quality.
3D Printing Software vs 3D CAD Software
These two types of software are used at different points in the process.
3D CAD software is used to create or edit the model. See our 3D CAD software guide.
3D printing software prepares that model for a specific printer.
For example, you might design a bracket in CAD software, export the model, open it in OrcaSlicer or Cura, choose your printer settings, and create the print file.
If you need software for creating models without paying for a commercial CAD program, see our free 3D modeling software guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3D printing software?
3D printing software prepares a digital model for a 3D printer. A slicer is the most common type. It converts the model into layer-by-layer instructions for the printer.
Is 3D printing software free?
Many popular slicers are free. Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio, and ideaMaker are available without a software license fee. Some tools also offer paid versions with additional features.
What is the best 3D printing software for beginners?
Cura and PrusaSlicer are good starting points because they let beginners start with simpler settings while still providing more controls as they gain experience.
What software is used for resin 3D printing?
Lychee Slicer is one option for resin printing. Formlabs users can use PreForm, which is designed specifically for Formlabs printers.
Do I need CAD software and 3D printing software?
Not always. If you download an already-made model, you may only need a slicer to prepare it for printing. If you want to create or change your own models, you will also need 3D modeling or CAD software.
Conclusion
The best 3D printing software depends first on your printer and then on how much control you need. Cura and PrusaSlicer are strong general choices, OrcaSlicer is useful when you want more control, and Bambu Studio is a good fit for Bambu Lab printers. For resin or filament printing, Lychee Slicer offers both workflows, while PreForm is the natural option for Formlabs machines.
Jordan Lee
Last updated: October 2026