In 2016, I, along with a friend of mine, bought my first desktop FDM 3D printer. The idea was to learn and explore what’s possible in 3D printing. For this we decide that we will also start offering 3D printing services so we have our neck on the lines which will make us learn faster, get immediate feedback and get better at 3D printing. So, as we bought the 3D printer, my friend explored the best CAD design software and I set out to find out the best free slicing software for 3D printing.
For me the understanding of a slicer was very naïve. You take a design file and import it in a slicing software and slice it. I didn’t know how to actually do it and what are the various parameters that one needs to know to have better control on the output.
In the course of time, I learned all that but I thought why not write an article on the best free slicing software for 3D printing.
Over the years, I’ve tested numerous slicing programs and watched the landscape evolve dramatically. This 2025 update not only refreshes our existing recommendations but introduces several powerful newcomers that have gained significant community support.
Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for user-friendly options or an experienced maker seeking advanced features, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the right slicing software for your specific needs and skill level.
What is a Slicing Software?
A slicing software (or “slicer“) serves as the crucial translator between your 3D model and your printer. It converts 3D models (typically STL, OBJ, or 3MF files) into G-code—a language of instructions that tells your 3D printer exactly how to build your object layer by layer.
The slicer breaks down your model into horizontal layers (hence “slicing”), calculates toolpaths for your printer’s nozzle to follow, and determines critical parameters through settings like:
- Layer height, width, wall thickness, shell thickness settings
- Print speed, travel speed, fan speed settings
- Extruder, bed, enclosure temperature settings
- Infill density and pattern settings
- Support structure settings
- Cooling settings, bed adhesion tools, retraction settings, and so many more.
A good slicer gives you control over hundreds of parameters that directly impact print quality, strength, speed, and material usage. The right software can mean the difference between a failed print and a flawless one.
Best Free Slicing Software for 3D Printing
UltiMaker Cura
Latest Version: 5.5.0 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
UltiMaker Cura remains the most widely used free slicer in 2025, maintained by Ultimaker but supporting over 400 3D printers from various manufacturers. Its strength lies in balancing accessibility with powerful capabilities.
When I first downloaded Cura years ago, I was immediately struck by its simple straightforward interface and thoughtfully designed preset profiles. The software offers a brilliant progression system with Basic, Advanced, and Expert modes that grow with your experience level. This approach has saved me countless hours of troubleshooting, especially when I was still learning the fundamentals of 3D printing. It regularly releases new intent profiles which are specially developed profiles to simplify the 3D printing experience and give results matching a users’ intent to maximise the print success rate.
Key Features:
- Adaptive layer height automatically varies layer thickness based on model geometry
- Tree supports generate organic-looking structures that use less material and are easier to remove
- Marketplace plugins extend functionality (including mesh tools and post-processors)
- Print sequence modifications for multi-object prints to optimize quality
The latest 5.5.0 release introduces significant improvements to variable line width and enhanced support for Apple Silicon Macs. For beginners, I strongly recommend starting with Cura’s standard quality profiles and gradually experimenting with individual settings as you build confidence.
Best For: Users of all skill levels, particularly beginners who benefit from the intuitive interface and extensive printer compatibility.
PrusaSlicer
Latest Version: 2.7.0 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
PrusaSlicer has evolved dramatically from its Slic3r origins to become one of the most powerful free slicing solutions available. While initially developed for Prusa’s own printers, it now offers excellent profiles for many third-party machines.
I’ve found PrusaSlicer’s approach to printer profiles particularly impressive. Rather than overwhelming you with all settings at once, it organizes them into Basic, Advanced, and Expert levels, similar to Cura but with a distinctly different workflow that some users find more intuitive.
Key Features:
- Seam painting allows manual control over where layer lines appear
- Built-in 3D mesh analysis and repair tools find and fix non-manifold edges
- Paint-on supports let you place supports exactly where needed
- Multi-material printing with sophisticated purge mechanisms
- SLA/MSLA resin printer support with advanced hollowing features
Version 2.7.0 introduces significant improvements to support generation, real-time print cost calculation, and Apple Silicon optimization. One area where PrusaSlicer truly shines is its handling of variable layer height, which allows you to use thinner layers only where needed (like on curved surfaces) while using thicker, faster layers elsewhere.
Best For: Intermediate users who want precise control over print parameters without an overwhelming interface, particularly those with Original Prusa printers.
OrcaSlicer
Latest Version: 1.9.0 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
OrcaSlicer is a relative newcomer that has quickly gained a devoted following. Forked from PrusaSlicer/SuperSlicer, it offers specialized support for Bambu Lab, Voron, and Creality printers with highly optimized profiles.
During my testing of various slicers for complex mechanical parts, I found OrcaSlicer’s calibration tools particularly valuable. The built-in calibration pattern generators helped me dial in perfect extrusion multipliers and pressure advance settings, significantly improving dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Key Features:
- Built-in calibration tools for temperature, retraction, flow, and pressure advance
- Specialized profiles for Klipper firmware and high-speed printing
- Advanced variable pressure control for exceptional top surfaces
- AI-powered model orientation suggestions
- Colour painting for multi-colour/multi-material printing
The latest 1.9.0 version introduces significant improvements to support generation, print time estimation accuracy, and adds specialized profiles for several new printer models. The software also features one of the most intuitive interfaces for multi-material printing I’ve encountered.
Best For: Enthusiasts with Bambu Lab, Voron, or Klipper-based printers seeking optimized high-speed printing profiles and advanced calibration tools.
SuperSlicer
Latest Version: 2.5.59 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Advanced | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
SuperSlicer is another PrusaSlicer fork that adds extensive customization options and calibration tools for users who want to fine-tune every aspect of their printing process.
What initially drew me to SuperSlicer was its exceptional handling of thin walls and small features. When printing miniature models with fine details, I noticed significant improvements in quality compared to other slicers, thanks to its advanced extrusion width handling and perimeter generation algorithms.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive calibration tools and test prints
- Advanced brim and support customization
- Sophisticated first layer handling
- Improved thin wall detection and printing
- Custom variable extrusion width
The latest version introduces enhanced simulation capabilities that provide a detailed view of the exact printing process, allowing you to identify potential issues before starting a print.
Best For: Advanced users who want maximum control over their printing parameters, particularly those printing complex models with fine details or working with engineering materials.
IdeaMaker
Latest Version: 4.4.0 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
IdeaMaker from Raise3D offers an impressive balance of user-friendly interface and advanced features. While developed for Raise3D printers, it supports many third-party machines through community profiles.
Key Features:
- Intuitive user interface with visual parameter adjustment
- Advanced support customization
- Sophisticated infill pattern options
- Built-in model repair and editing tools
- Layer preview with feature-specific colouring
According to Tony, a senior technician at MakerSpace Sydney: “IdeaMaker’s support customization has been a game-changer for printing complex architectural models. The fine-grained control over support density and interface layers produces supports that are sturdy yet easy to remove.”
Best For: Users who need advanced support customization and detailed visual feedback of slicing parameters.
Kiri: Moto
Latest Version: Continuously Updated (Browser-Based) | Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Platforms: Any web browser
Kiri:Moto stands out as the only fully browser-based option that requires no installation. It runs entirely in your browser with all data staying local to your computer—no cloud dependencies, and is 100% open source.
What makes Kiri:Moto particularly valuable is its versatility. Beyond 3D printing, it supports CNC toolpath generation and laser cutting. This multi-modal approach has saved me considerable time when working on projects that combine different fabrication techniques.
Key Features:
- Native integration with Onshape and Thingiverse
- Support for 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting in one package
- No installation required
- Works on any device with a modern browser
- Classroom-friendly with locked profile capabilities
The development team maintains a rapid update cycle with new features appearing weekly. Recent updates have focused on improving support for resin (SLA) printers and enhancing the tool’s CNC capabilities.
Best For: Makers who work across multiple fabrication methods, Onshape users, educators, or anyone who needs a portable slicing solution that works on any device.
MatterControl
Latest Version: 2.21.12 (2023) | Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
MatterControl from MatterHackers offers a unique all-in-one approach, combining slicing capabilities with printer control and basic design tools. This integration creates a seamless workflow from design to finished print.
Key Features:
- Integrated CAD design tools for simple modeling and modifications
- Direct printer control and monitoring
- Bed leveling and calibration wizards
- Part arrangement and duplication tools
- Support for multi-material printing
According to Joe Larson, a 3D printing educator: “MatterControl’s integrated approach makes it perfect for classroom settings where students need to quickly iterate between design adjustments and printing.”
Best For: Users who want an all-in-one solution that combines design tools with slicing and printer control capabilities.
Craftware
Latest Version: 2.0.0 (2023) | Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Platforms: Windows, macOS
Craftware, developed by Hungarian manufacturer CraftBot, stands out for its color-coded visualization system that makes it easy to understand exactly how your model will be printed.
Key Features:
- Color-coded visualization of different print features
- Advanced support editing
- Model manipulation and basic repair tools
- Bisect function for splitting large models
While testing various slicers for complex support structures, I found Craftware’s manual support editing particularly useful. The intuitive interface allows you to place, modify, and remove supports with precision, solving issues that automatic support generation often struggles with.
Best For: Visual learners who benefit from the color-coded approach and users who need precise control over support structures.
FlashPrint
Latest Version: 5 1.0.1 (2025) | Difficulty Level: Beginner | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
FlashPrint from FlashForge is designed primarily for their printers but supports other machines as well. It offers an exceptionally user-friendly interface that’s perfect for beginners. It is recently revised and upgraded. Through new interface design and function optimisation, the operation is simple and convenient. The slicing file will be prepared by just a few clicks with fast, efficient, and smooth operation.
Key Features:
- Intuitive, simplified interface
- Automatic support generation
- Basic model repair and editing
- Hollowing for resin prints
- Progressive exposure options for resin printing
Best For: Beginners looking for a straightforward slicing experience and FlashForge printer owners.
MakerBot Print
Latest Version: 5.0 (2023) | Difficulty Level: Beginner | Platforms: Windows, macOS
MakerBot Print is optimised for MakerBot’s ecosystem of printers, offering seamless integration with their hardware and cloud services.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based file management
- Automatic build plate arrangement
- Offers remote printing and monitoring
- Native CAD file import (eliminating the need for STL conversion)
- Multi-material printing support
Best For: MakerBot printer owners and educational institutions using MakerBot equipment.
KISSlicer
Latest Version: v23.05 (2023) with alpha development of v2.0.6 | Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Raspberry Pi OS
KISSlicer (Keep It Simple Slicer) lives up to its acronym with a straightforward approach while packing substantial technical capabilities beneath its surface. KISSlicer’s focus on precision and detailed control particularly noteworthy, even though it lacks the polished interface of some competitors. KISSlicer excels at technical prints where precision is critical. The software’s focus on path optimization can result in noticeably stronger parts with better surface finish compared to other slicers using identical settings.
The software is available in three tiers: a fully-functional free version limited to single-extruder printing, a Pro version ($42) that adds multi-extruder capabilities, and a Premium version ($82) that introduces advanced features like colorized meshes, variable density infill, and surface texturing.
Key Features:
- Exceptional path optimization that produces clean, efficient tool paths
- Advanced support customization with fine-grained control
- Multi-material printing with optimized purge mechanisms (Pro/Premium)
- Gyroid infill patterns and variable density infill (Premium)
- Up to 12 extruders support with interior and fallback extruder functions
- Arc path generation for smoother prints and smaller G-code files
Best For: Technical users and engineers who value precise control over print parameters and are willing to invest time mastering a more complex interface for superior results.
Slic3r
Latest Version: 1.3.0 (stable release) | Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Slic3r is one of the original open-source slicing solutions that helped shape the 3D printing landscape. First launched in 2011 by Alessandro Ranellucci, this non-profit, community-driven project pioneered several features that later became industry standards, including multiple extruders, brim, variable-height layers, and per-object settings.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive command-line interface for batch operations and automation
- Support for all major G-code dialects (Marlin, Repetier, Smoothie, etc.)
- Multi-material printing capabilities
- Advanced infill patterns with honeycomb and other structural options
- Compatible with FDM and SLA/DLP printers
While exploring different slicers for detailed models, I’ve found Slic3r’s infill generation particularly impressive. The honeycomb pattern it introduced offers exceptional strength-to-material ratios that many competing slicers have since adopted but rarely match in efficiency.
Slic3r remains completely free and independent of any commercial entity, embodying the open-source philosophy that helped build the desktop 3D printing community. While development on the original branch has slowed, its codebase serves as the foundation for several actively maintained forks, including PrusaSlicer, SuperSlicer, and OrcaSlicer. The infill and dual extrusion features are superior than other competing software. It can also directly integrate with OctoPrint. But new users may need some time to get a hang of this software.
Best For: Advanced users who appreciate direct control over printing parameters and open-source purists who value software independence from commercial interests.
Comparative Overview
| Software | Latest Version | Difficulty Level | Platforms | Best For |
| Ultimaker Cura | 5.5.0 (2025) | Beginner to Advanced | Windows, macOS, Linux | All-around use, beginners |
| PrusaSlicer | 2.7.0 (2025) | Intermediate | Windows, macOS, Linux | Prusa printer owners, intermediate users |
| OrcaSlicer | 1.9.0 (2025) | Intermediate | Windows, macOS, Linux | Bambu Lab/Voron users, high-speed printing |
| SuperSlicer | 2.5.59 (2025) | Advanced | Windows, macOS, Linux | Advanced users, fine detail printing |
| IdeaMaker | 4.4.0 (2025) | Intermediate | Windows, macOS, Linux | Advanced support customisation |
| Kiri:Moto | Continuous | Beginner to Intermediate | Web Browser | Multi-mode fabrication, portability |
| MatterControl | 2.21.12 (2023) | Intermediate | Windows, macOS, Linux | All-in-one design and print workflow |
| Craftware | 2.0.0 (2023) | Beginner to Intermediate | Windows, macOS | Visual feedback, custom supports |
| FlashPrint | 5.9.0 (2025) | Beginner | Windows, macOS, Linux | FlashForge printers, beginners |
| MakerBot Print | 5.0 (2023) | Beginner | Windows, macOS | MakerBot printers, education |
| KISSlicer | v23.05 (2023) | Intermediate to Advanced | Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD | Technical users, precision printing |
| Slic3r | 1.3.0 | Intermediate to Advanced | Windows, macOS, Linux | Open-source purists, advanced customisation |
How to Choose the Right Slicer
When selecting a slicing software, consider these factors:
- Printer Compatibility: Ensure the slicer supports your specific printer model or allows custom printer profiles.
- Skill Level: Beginners should prioritise user-friendly interfaces with presets, while advanced users might prefer more granular control.
- Specific Needs: Consider your typical use cases—complex models may benefit from advanced support generation, while multi-material printing requires specialised features.
- Computer Performance: Some slicers (particularly SuperSlicer and Cura with many plugins) can be resource-intensive on older computers.
- Update Frequency: Active development ensures compatibility with new printer models and ongoing feature improvements.
I recommend downloading 2-3 different slicers from this list and testing them with a few of your typical models. You’ll quickly develop preferences based on workflow and results.
Advanced Slicing Tips
Regardless of which slicer you choose, these tips will help you achieve better results:
- Calibrate First: Use your slicer’s calibration tools to fine-tune extrusion multipliers, temperature, and retraction settings.
- Start with Presets: Most slicers include optimized profiles—start with these and make incremental changes.
- Save Custom Profiles: Once you find settings that work well for specific materials or print types, save them as custom profiles.
- Use Layer Preview: Always check the layer preview before printing to identify potential issues with supports, thin walls, or layer transitions.
- Update Regularly: Slicer updates often include bug fixes and profile improvements that can significantly enhance print quality.
Other Resources and Guides
For a complete 3D printing workflow, you might find these additional resources helpful:
- Need to fix 3D models before slicing? Check our guide on software to edit and repair STL files.
- Learn about common 3D printing problems and solutions to troubleshoot your prints.
- Explore free CAD software for 3D printing to create your own designs.
Editors Note: This article was originally published in February 2018 but is revamped and updated regularly for relevance, accuracy and comprehensiveness. Latest Update is from June 2025.
About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D printing which publishes the latest 3D printing news, insights and analysis from all around the world. Read more such informative articles on our 3D Printing Education page. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn.
