A 3D printer is a machine that builds a three-dimensional object from digital designs by adding layers of material. 3D printers can make a wide range of objects, from small toys to complex tools and architectural models, typically layer by layer.
Many desktop 3D printers use a numerically controlled programming language made up of a series of commands called G-Code (an abbreviation for geometric code). Besides 3D-printer slicer applications, G-code is used in computer-aided manufacturing.
The process is simple. You first create a model or download one. Then you slice the model and save it. And finally you print the file. Linux offers a good range of open source software to help you create models as well as software to edit and slice the 3D model files.
The selection for this roundup was suggested by a couple of our frequent visitors to the site. While we successfully installed each program, we’ve not prepared a ratings chart on this occasion. This is because we don’t own a 3D printer. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
To complement these tools, you’ll probably need software for modelling. We recommend Blender. If you’re looking to make mechanical parts, you’ll want a good CAD program. Check our open source CAD recommendations.
Let’s explore the 16 programs at hand. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| 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 |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
 Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |
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What’s the best 3D printer under $500?
Mistake with Octoprint note in your table. It has nothing to do with BambuStudio. Octoprint is much older and Bambu would have come after. Octoprint is a standalone 3d printer management tool.
A couple of the descriptions were transposed.
Thanks for the correction. All should be fixed now.