These plugins allow you to create custom supports, connect to Octoprint, auto-orient the part for optimal printing and so much more. Some notable features of Cura are its tree supports, intent profiles, Cura connect, Cura cloud, and plugin integration. The open-source nature of Cura has allowed developers from all around to develop a great set of features that significantly enhance its usability. The reason behind Cura’s popularity can be attributed to two of its major features: an open-source nature and a vast integration of 3D printer profiles. Since then, we have seen some monumental updates in Cura’s feature set. Originally developed by David Brahm, Cura was later on taken in by Ultimaker. Ultimaker Cura is one of the most popular 3D printing slicers that is used worldwide right now.

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebook.

What makes it stand out: Both FDM and SLA 3D printer support.

Intended for: Beginners and advanced users.

This makes the PrusaSlicer one of the top choices for 3D slicers available right now. Along with this, you get great community support on the official forums, as well as a company that actively listens to its users. If you have a SLA 3D printer, PrusaSlicer has some of the leading features for them too. The above-mentioned features are just for FDM 3D printers. You can create custom supports using the mesh modifier, use variable layer heights in your model to balance speed and quality and you can set up multi-color 3D prints right inside PrusaSlicer. The ability to integrate PrusaSlicer with other 3D printers allows you to utilize its unique features in your workflow. With the latest updates, the PrusaSlicer now has inbuilt profiles for over fifty 3D printers from eight different manufacturers. The great thing about the PrusaSlicer is that it’s completely open-source and you can use it with any 3D printer. The PrusaSlicer has profiles for all Prusa 3D printers, including Prusa SLA 3D printers. Although most of the elements remain similar to the Slic3r PE, a key difference in the PrusaSlicer is its custom, fine-tuned profiles for the Prusa 3D printers. It is a forked version of the Slic3r Prusa Edition, which was based on the original Slic3r. PrusaSlicer is one of the few slicers that are well known to deliver quality results with reliability.

Mesh repair, Part optimization, Print preparation Web browser, Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi

Best modeling program for 3d printing