PrusaSlicer: the mature open-source slicer explained

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PrusaSlicer is the slicer from Prusa Research. It is free, open source and regarded as one of the most mature slicers there is. Many other slicers, including Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer, build directly or indirectly on its code.

At a glance

Who is PrusaSlicer suitable for?

• Prusa printers: The profiles are precisely tuned, and Prusa Connect is integrated directly.
• Many other printers: PrusaSlicer comes with profiles for numerous third-party machines, such as open printers from Creality or Anycubic. Newer machines from other manufacturers, however, are often easier to find in their own slicer or in OrcaSlicer.
• Beginners: three view levels from “Simple” to “Expert” show or hide settings as needed.

What sets PrusaSlicer apart

• Mature fundamentals: stable, well-tested print profiles and an understandable interface
• Organic supports: tree-like supports that save material and are easy to remove
• Variable layer height: fine layers only where the shape demands it
• Painting on: paint supports, seam positions and colours directly onto the model
• Multi-colour printing: support for Prusa’s MMU and the XL with several tool heads
• Very good documentation: detailed help pages in German and English in the Prusa Knowledge Base

Limits

• Fewer built-in calibration tests than OrcaSlicer. You have to load temperature towers and similar tests as a model and set them up by hand.
• Bambu Lab printers cannot be controlled as conveniently as with Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer.

Alternatives

If you want many calibration tests directly in the slicer, take a look at OrcaSlicer. An overview of all the major slicers is given in the slicer comparison.