7 Finest 3D Printing Software program I Discovered for Rookies and Execs

3D printing is superior—till your software program turns it right into a nightmare.

I realized this the laborious means whereas testing a number of the greatest 3D printing software program. One second, I used to be excited to slice a mannequin; the subsequent, I used to be trapped in a complicated mess of settings, error messages, and prints that regarded nothing like they need to. 

Now, I’m not a 3D printing knowledgeable. I don’t spend my days obsessing over layer heights or tweaking temperature settings (although I now have a newfound respect for individuals who do). However what I do know is software program—what makes it user-friendly, what options truly matter, and what’s pointless fluff. 

So, I did what any curious particular person would do: I examined, explored, and in contrast a number of the hottest 3D printing instruments to see which of them stand out.

I checked out all the things—from beginner-friendly slicers to superior modeling instruments—specializing in usability, options, and general printing success. Some software program made the method easy; others felt like they have been actively making an attempt to smash my day. And now, after loads of hands-on testing, I’m able to share my findings.

Whether or not you’re a complete beginner, a severe maker, or someplace in between, listed here are my high picks for the very best 3D printing software program options which might be price your time. 

7 greatest 3D printing software program I really like utilizing

3D printing appears like magic. You begin with a digital design, press just a few buttons, and bam—your thought turns into a bodily object. However as I shortly realized, it’s not so simple as dragging a file into your printer and hoping for the very best. 

At its core, 3D printing software program is the intermediary between your design and your printer. Some applications allow you to create and edit 3D fashions from scratch, whereas others concentrate on slicing—principally, breaking your mannequin down into printable layers and producing the best directions in your printer. After which there are all-in-one options that do a mixture of each.

Since I don’t design intricate 3D fashions for a dwelling, I targeted on how properly these instruments stability energy and value. I wished to see which of them make the method straightforward for newcomers, which of them give professionals the superior instruments they crave, and which of them make issues tougher than they must be.

What makes the very best 3D printing software program price utilizing? My standards

3D printing ought to be enjoyable and rewarding, not a large number of failed prints and complicated settings. I targeted on just a few key standards throughout my analysis to ensure I used to be recommending the very best instruments for several types of customers.

• Newbie-friendly: I wished to check how straightforward it was to begin with every answer. May I load a mannequin, slice it, and generate a print file with out digging by way of a tutorial? A superb interface ought to make the method intuitive, not like a puzzle. Some software program struck a terrific stability between simplicity and customization, whereas others buried crucial settings behind layers of menus. I additionally checked out how straightforward it was to navigate, manipulate objects, and export information with out getting misplaced in countless toolbars. A steep studying curve isn’t all the time unhealthy, however a complicated interface is a dealbreaker.
• Slicing efficiency: Slicing is the place your 3D mannequin will get transformed into printable layers, and unhealthy slicing can smash a print earlier than it even begins. I examined how properly every instrument optimized help constructions, infill density, and layer heights. A number of the greatest 3d printing software program do a terrific job balancing pace and precision, whereas others require extra tweaking to keep away from wasted filament and failed prints. I additionally checked for pace of slicing, help era, and infill effectivity.
• Customization and management: For extra skilled customers, customization is vital. I checked if I might tweak layer peak, wall thickness, retraction settings, and print pace. A superb 3D printing instrument ought to enable granular management with out making it too troublesome to navigate. I additionally examined variable layer peak, retraction settings, and different optimizations to enhance print high quality.
• Stability and compatibility: Some applications battle with giant or complicated fashions, and a instrument that crashes mid-way is extremely annoying. I examined how properly every program dealt with high-detail STL information and multi-part assemblies with out freezing or failing. I additionally checked out compatibility with completely different 3D printers and file codecs. Some software program is locked to particular manufacturers, whereas others work with nearly any machine. An amazing 3d printing answer ought to help STL, OBJ, and 3MF codecs. It must also help a number of printer manufacturers and firmware varieties.
• Print success price: On the finish of the day, the very best software program produces profitable prints with minimal troubleshooting. I ran check prints sliced by every program and checked for print accuracy, first-layer adhesion, and general print high quality. Some instruments wanted plenty of handbook tweaking to get an excellent print, whereas others had nice default profiles that labored proper out of the field.

By testing usability, slicing efficiency, superior options, stability, and print success price, I might separate the seven greatest 3d printing software program from those that make issues tougher than they must be.

The checklist under incorporates real person opinions from G2’s greatest 3D printing software program class web page. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Translate 3D fashions into printable directions for 3D printers
• Restore and edit STL, 3MF, or OBJ information

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions might have been edited for readability.  

1. Onshape

Onshape is a browser-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform that replaces the old-school, clunky software program mannequin with a completely cloud-powered expertise. Not like conventional CAD applications that require hefty installations and fixed file administration, Onshape runs totally in your internet browser, that means I might entry my initiatives from actually wherever—together with my cellphone (which felt bizarre however surprisingly labored).

I wished to see how properly Onshape suits right into a 3D printing workflow, so I ran it by way of just a few checks. First, I loaded up some pattern designs and tried tweaking them in Onshape’s parametric modeling system. For those who’re used to freeform mesh-based design (like Tinkercad or Blender), Onshape’s precision-based strategy would possibly take some getting used to. Every little thing is constructed with constraints and relationships, that means you outline issues with actual measurements as an alternative of simply eyeballing shapes. It’s extremely highly effective—but additionally not precisely pleasant to informal customers.

One other function that stood out was real-time collaboration. I examined this by opening the identical venture on my laptop computer and one other system on the similar time. Edits have been up to date immediately, which makes Onshape a robust selection for team-based design. The built-in model management was additionally helpful—I might return to earlier variations with out manually saving completely different file names.

Nonetheless, Onshape will not be a slicer, so after creating or modifying a mannequin, you continue to must export it to arrange it for printing. The export course of is easy, and it helps STL and OBJ codecs, however I’d have liked some fundamental slicing instruments built-in to preview how a design would print earlier than switching software program.

Then there’s the free model—it’s nice that they provide one, however it comes with an enormous catch: you may solely create public paperwork. Meaning should you’re engaged on proprietary designs or simply don’t need your experimental creations out within the wild, you’ll want a paid plan.

Onshape is greatest for customers who want structured, precision modeling and collaboration instruments. For those who design mechanical components or want actual management over your fashions, it does that properly. However should you’re on the lookout for an all-in-one instrument that features slicing and print prep, you’ll want one thing else to finish the workflow.

What I dislike about Onshape:

• Since Onshape is browser-based, there’s no offline mode. I attempted utilizing it throughout a spotty Wi-Fi second, and it doesn’t work in any respect with out an web connection.
• It’s not a slicer. I needed to export my fashions to a different program to arrange them for printing, which added an additional step to my workflow.

What G2 customers dislike about Onshape:

“The primary draw back is the pace of Onshape. Since it’s within the cloud, the efficiency will not be as snappy as that of an area CAD system like Solidworks. That is primarily seen in assemblies. The second draw back is a part of its function: Paperwork. Paperwork can get slowed down in a short time with half studios and assemblies and derived components.”

– Onshape Overview, Sebastian S.

2. Autodesk Fusion

Autodesk Fusion is likely one of the most generally used CAD instruments in engineering, product design, and manufacturing, however I wished to see how properly it really works particularly for 3D printing. Because it’s a hybrid of parametric, direct, and sculpting modeling, it presents extra flexibility than software program that solely focuses on structured, mechanical design. Not like less complicated applications, it additionally has simulation, stress testing, and meeting instruments, making it helpful for designing purposeful components moderately than simply ornamental prints.

One of many first issues I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s built-in slicer since not many CAD instruments supply that. It’s a part of the Manufacturing workspace, and it allows you to generate G-code straight inside Fusion as an alternative of exporting your file into one other program. This labored properly for easy prints, however I seen it lacks the depth of management you’d get in a number of the different 3d printing instruments. 

For instance, whilst you can set infill patterns and layer heights, it doesn’t have as many superior help era choices. For those who’re engaged on prints that require intricate help constructions or extremely optimized slicing methods, you’ll most likely nonetheless need to use a devoted slicer.

One other function I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s mesh restore instruments. For those who’ve ever tried printing a mannequin solely to understand it’s filled with non-manifold geometry or holes, you understand how annoying that may be. Fusion’s restore instrument shortly recognized damaged STL information and urged computerized fixes, which saved me from needing third-party instruments like Netfabb. I ran just a few drawback STLs by way of it, and usually, the restore course of labored properly sufficient that Cura accepted the information with no points. It’s not excellent—some complicated information wanted handbook intervention—however for fast fixes, it was an enormous time-saver.

One other space the place Autodesk Fusion stood out was its means to change between parametric and freeform modeling. Parametric modeling is nice for exact, engineering-style components, however you may change to the sculpting workspace for extra natural or inventive prints, which helps you to push and pull geometry extra fluidly. This gave me extra flexibility than software program that locks you right into a single modeling strategy.

Now, let’s speak about the place Autodesk Fusion didn’t work as properly for 3D printing. First, the UI is barely dense. This isn’t essentially a nasty factor should you want all of the superior instruments, however for somebody wanting solely to switch a mannequin and ship it to a printer, it could possibly really feel like overkill. Even easy changes require navigating by way of a number of menus, and a few generally used features felt buried below pointless steps.

One other difficulty I bumped into was Autodesk Fusion’s dealing with of high-poly STL information. After I imported giant, detailed fashions, the software program slowed down noticeably, even on a comparatively highly effective system. It appears optimized for native Autodesk Fusion information moderately than heavy STLs. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however should you incessantly work with scanned fashions or high-detail sculpted designs, count on some efficiency slowdowns.

What I dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

• I discovered myself clicking by way of a number of menus simply to make small adjustments. For those who’re on the lookout for a easy strategy to tweak and print fashions, this software program might get barely complicated.
• The built-in slicing instruments lack help construction customization, infill sample management, and different fine-tuning choices. I discovered it helpful for fast prints however not a full slicing answer.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

“Two points of Autodesk Fusion 360 that I discover much less favorable are its dependency on an web connection and its CAD file compatibility. Whereas cloud-based software program typically presents vital benefits, options like real-time collaboration and computerized saving may be difficult in areas with restricted connectivity. Moreover, regardless of supporting many file codecs, the conversion of information throughout export is usually restricted, ensuing within the lack of particulars or geometries when importing to different software program.”

– Autodesk Fusion Overview, Juan M.

3. Siemens NX

Siemens NX presents an all-in-one engineering platform for aerospace, automotive, and high-end manufacturing. It’s strictly constructed for professionals who want precision modeling, superior simulation, and direct management over additive manufacturing (AM) processes. What actually units it aside is its means to deal with complicated, multi-material, and industrial-scale 3D printing workflows, which is one thing most CAD applications don’t even try.

The very first thing I examined was NX’s built-in help for steel 3D printing. Whereas most 3d printing software program focuses on FDM printing, NX contains devoted instruments for powder mattress fusion (PBF), direct power deposition (DED), and SLA processes. I experimented with PBF-specific help constructions, that are important for steel printing. NX robotically optimized help constructions primarily based on thermal distortion and stress distribution. This stage of precision is a big benefit for industries working with high-cost supplies like titanium or Inconel, however for on a regular basis FDM printing, it’s pointless.

Subsequent, I explored Siemens NX’s simulation-driven print preparation. Most slicing software program will generate a toolpath, however NX analyzes the whole construct course of earlier than printing begins. I loaded a fancy aerospace bracket mannequin and ran an evaluation that predicted areas of potential warping and distortion attributable to warmth buildup. That is means past what conventional 3d printing software program and slicers can do, and it’s crucial for steel printing or giant industrial prints the place failure means hundreds of {dollars} in wasted materials.

One other standout function was NX’s hybrid manufacturing instruments, which permit customers to mix subtractive and additive manufacturing in a single workflow. I examined a situation the place I printed a steel half with inside lattice constructions after which simulated post-processing with CNC machining to refine the outer surfaces. That is one thing utterly distinctive to NX, and it’s splendid for industries the place 3D printing is only one step in a bigger manufacturing pipeline.

Now, coming to what wasn’t nice. First, the software program was overwhelming for me to make use of. Even with CAD expertise, I discovered myself spending an excessive amount of time looking for instruments. It’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing instrument, so it comes with layers of complexity that aren’t essential for most individuals’s printing wants.

One other drawback with Siemens NX is that it’s constructed for enterprise customers. Not like Fusion 360, which has a free model, or Onshape, which runs in a browser, NX requires severe licensing prices. For those who’re a hobbyist or perhaps a small enterprise, it’s not a viable choice until you’re employed in high-precision industries.

What I dislike about Siemens NX:

• I didn’t discover this instrument splendid for desktop FDM printing. Whereas it excels in steel and resin printing, NX lacks fine-tuned FDM-specific slicing controls, so it’s not a sensible selection for small-scale customers.
• The instrument may be difficult to grasp. Because it’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing instrument, it takes vital time to get used to, particularly should you don’t want all its options.

What G2 customers dislike about Siemens NX:

“Essentially the most disliked factor about NX CAD is that it isn’t that user-friendly after we speak within the context of recent customers (academic functions) in comparison with the opposite software program, and getting the academic license is one other drawback that’s fairly simply obtainable for Autodesk merchandise. The reason being that the majority Autodesk merchandise are most popular in India. Yet another factor that may be thought of is the client care help that’s lagging within the case of the whole Siemens group, which is sort of higher than Dassault Techniques.”

– Siemens NX Overview, Anjan M.

4. Strong Edge

Strong Edge is Siemens’ extra accessible CAD answer, positioned between beginner-friendly software program and full-blown engineering suites like NX. I wished to see how properly it really works for 3D printing workflows, particularly because it contains direct modeling, parametric design, and a devoted 3D printing atmosphere. 

Not like Onshape or Fusion 360, which concentrate on cloud-based collaboration, Strong Edge is an area set up with an emphasis on conventional engineering workflows.

One of many first issues I examined was Strong Edge’s convergent modeling function. This can be a distinctive hybrid strategy that allows you to work with mesh-based STL information alongside parametric CAD fashions. For those who’ve ever tried modifying an STL in a typical CAD program, you understand it’s a nightmare—most CAD instruments deal with STLs as “dumb” geometry, that means you may’t simply make exact edits. 

With convergent modeling, I might mix mesh-based designs with exact parametric options with out manually changing them. This made repairing, modifying, and getting ready 3D scan information a lot simpler.

Subsequent, I explored the devoted 3D printing atmosphere, which streamlines the method of getting ready fashions for additive manufacturing. Not like most CAD software program, Strong Edge truly allows you to ship information on to a 3D printer without having a separate slicer. I examined this with an STL file, and it offered built-in instruments for checking wall thickness, figuring out unsupported areas, and previewing layer heights. It’s not as detailed as another options, however for fast prints, it saves time by eliminating the necessity for a separate slicing step.

One other standout function was reverse engineering help. Strong Edge contains automated mesh cleanup instruments that assist flip messy scans into clear, printable fashions. I examined this by importing a low-quality 3D scan and utilizing Strong Edge’s smoothing and edge-repair instruments. Whereas it improved the mannequin, it didn’t totally repair each difficulty, and I nonetheless needed to regulate areas with unhealthy topology manually. The automation is useful, however it received’t substitute the necessity for handbook cleanup in lots of circumstances.

Then there’s the interface, which was considered one of my greatest frustrations. Strong Edge packs an enormous variety of instruments into the UI, which makes it really feel cluttered and overwhelming. Even after adjusting the workspace format, I nonetheless needed to click on by way of a number of menus for frequent features. The ribbon-based design feels outdated in comparison with extra trendy, streamlined CAD instruments.

One different surprising difficulty I bumped into was import/export limitations. Whereas Strong Edge helps many CAD file varieties, it struggled with bigger, high-polygon STLs. I examined an in depth natural mesh file, and whereas it was technically imported, it turned gradual and unresponsive once I tried making edits. This means that Strong Edge continues to be higher fitted to structured, CAD-based fashions moderately than extraordinarily detailed meshes, which may very well be problematic should you’re working with 3D scans or sculpted designs from Blender.

What I dislike about Strong Edge:

• 3D printing instruments really feel half-finished. I discovered the printability checks good however the slicing options have been too restricted—I couldn’t regulate retraction, infill density, or superior help settings.
• Some 3D printing options aren’t obtainable within the fundamental model, which suggests particular person customers like myself might not get essentially the most out of this instrument with out paying for premium tiers.

What G2 customers dislike about Strong Edge:

“There are some things that I do not like. Generally, I would like to make use of a 3D dxf file, however I can not import it in Strong Edge as a result of it does not help it. One other comparable factor is importing .3mf (a preferred file format for 3D printing) file that’s not impartable in SE.”

– Strong Edge Overview, Imre S.

5. SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is likely one of the most generally used CAD applications in engineering and product design, however I wished to see how properly it handles 3D printing particularly. Not like Fusion 360, which is extra cloud-focused, or Siemens NX, which is constructed for full industrial workflows, SOLIDWORKS sits someplace in between—it’s native software program with robust parametric design instruments, simulation options, and a few useful 3D printing integrations.

One factor that instantly stood out to me was how customizable the workflow is for 3D printing—however that’s each an excellent and a nasty factor. Not like software program that robotically guides you thru a 3D printing course of, SOLIDWORKS requires some setup to get all the things working easily. As soon as I configured it appropriately, although, it offered a powerful stage of management over mannequin preparation, slicing previews, and print validation.

I examined the Print3D instrument, which helps you to test your mannequin for printability, regulate orientation, and even generate a preview of the slicing layers. It was helpful for validating a design earlier than exporting to an exterior 3D printing software program. The automated error detection was particularly useful—it flagged skinny partitions, overhangs, and areas that will require additional help earlier than I even exported the file.

One other function I examined was SOLIDWORKS’ means to generate honeycomb and gyroid infill constructions straight contained in the mannequin. As a substitute of counting on a slicer to create infill patterns, I might design light-weight inside constructions as precise geometry. This was significantly helpful for engineering components that wanted particular strength-to-weight ratios. Most 3D printing software program solely allows you to regulate infill share, however in SOLIDWORKS, I had full management over the construction itself.

The most effective a part of SOLIDWORKS for 3D printing is how properly it integrates with superior simulation instruments. I ran thermal and stress checks on a mannequin earlier than printing, and the software program helped determine weak factors that might fail throughout the print or in real-world use. That is vastly useful for purposeful components, particularly for industrial purposes.

That being mentioned, SOLIDWORKS will not be the best program to work with for 3D printing. The file export course of was just a little clunky, requiring additional steps simply to save lots of STLs with the best decision. I additionally discovered that working with complicated STL information was irritating—in contrast to Strong Edge, which helps you to modify STLs straight, SOLIDWORKS doesn’t deal with mesh-based fashions properly. For those who’re working with scanned components or sculpted designs from Blender, count on some challenges.

One other draw back? The licensing mannequin. SOLIDWORKS doesn’t have a free model, and the associated fee is critical. For those who solely want CAD instruments for 3D printing, it’s laborious to justify the value until you’re already utilizing it for different engineering work.

What I dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

• The export course of for 3D printing was extra sophisticated than essential. I needed to manually regulate STL settings to get the best decision.
• Not like software program that guides you thru slicing and preparation, SOLIDWORKS expects you to configure your individual course of. That is nice for superior customers however may be irritating for newcomers like me.

What G2 customers dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

“The one draw back I’ve discovered is the occasional slowdown and typically crash. Normally, that is extra of a pc/graphics card difficulty or unhealthy kind in creating assemblies which might be too giant, however it’s a problem typically.”

– SOLIDWORKS Overview, Ryan S.

6. Tinkercad

Tinkercad might be essentially the most beginner-friendly 3D printing software program on the market, and I wished to see if it was only for youngsters and hobbyists or if it might deal with extra severe printing wants. Not like the opposite instruments I examined, which concentrate on parametric modeling, industrial workflows, or superior simulation, Tinkercad is all about accessibility. 

It’s a web-based program that allows you to drag, drop, and mix shapes to create 3D fashions, making it excellent for somebody who has by no means labored with CAD earlier than.

The very first thing I seen was how briskly I might begin designing. There was no software program to put in and no sophisticated setup—I simply opened my browser, created an account, and inside 5 minutes, I used to be already making fundamental shapes and mixing them into printable objects. If different CAD software program makes you’re feeling such as you want an engineering diploma, Tinkercad is the other.

I examined its pre-made form library, which incorporates geometric solids, textual content, and even fundamental mechanical elements like gears. This made designing easy objects like keychains, nameplates, and enclosures extremely straightforward. Not like software program that requires sketching constraints or adjusting exact parametric values, Tinkercad is only visible—you simply drag objects, resize them, and stack them collectively. I might see why colleges and maker areas use it a lot—it removes all of the technical obstacles to entry.

One function that shocked me was the block-based coding instrument, which helps you to generate shapes utilizing code as an alternative of manually putting them. I performed round with it and located that it was an excellent introduction to algorithmic design, however it lacked the depth of parametric modeling instruments like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. Nonetheless, for educating youngsters or newcomers about procedural modeling, it’s a pleasant addition.

Nonetheless, Tinkercad has main limitations in the case of extra superior 3D printing wants. First, there aren’t any precision instruments—you may’t outline actual constraints, alignments, or tolerances like you may in skilled CAD software program. For those who’re designing purposeful components that want to suit along with tight tolerances, you’ll shortly hit a wall.

One other huge downside is file dealing with. Since Tinkercad runs in a browser, it struggles with giant or complicated fashions. I imported a high-poly STL simply to check it, and the system turned sluggish and unresponsive. This makes it a poor selection if you’ll want to modify present 3D scans or sculpted designs.

What I dislike about Tinkercad:

• Can’t deal with high-poly fashions or complicated designs. I imported an in depth 3D scan with a excessive polygon rely, and Tinkercad lagged. If you’ll want to modify sculpted fashions or scanned objects, this software program merely isn’t constructed for that.
• No precision management for mechanical components. I attempted designing a snap-fit case, and there was no strategy to outline actual tolerances. With out the flexibility to set constraints, align options exactly, or measure clearances precisely, purposeful components are troublesome to create.

What G2 customers dislike about Tinkercad:

“Though it is rather useful and straightforward to make use of for newcomers and start-ups. It might use extra superior options sooner or later which might be at present lacking to rival extra design-oriented skilled 3D software program.”

– Tinkercad Overview, Omar M.

7. Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura is likely one of the most generally used 3D printing software program choices, and I wished to see if it truly deserves its repute. Cura isn’t about designing fashions—it’s about getting ready them for printing. It’s a devoted slicing software program that interprets your 3D mannequin right into a set of directions in your printer, and it’s utterly free.

The very first thing I examined was how Cura handles mannequin preparation. I loaded up just a few STLs and was impressed with how shortly it processed them, even on complicated, high-detail fashions. The UI is clear and straightforward to navigate, and I didn’t should dig by way of countless menus to seek out the settings I wanted. Cura robotically detected my printer’s specs, which saved me from manually inputting construct quantity, nozzle dimension, and different particulars.

Subsequent, I experimented with Cura’s in depth print settings. There are over 400 adjustable parameters, protecting all the things from layer peak and print pace to cooling fan speeds and acceleration settings. I began with Cura’s default profiles, that are optimized for numerous Ultimaker printers, they usually labored surprisingly properly. However since I don’t all the time use Ultimaker machines, I additionally custom-made my very own profiles and located that Cura presents extra fine-tuning management than most free 3D printing software program.

Considered one of Cura’s standout options is tree helps—a setting that generates natural, branching help constructions as an alternative of inflexible pillars. I examined this on a fancy overhanging mannequin, and the tree helps have been a lot simpler to take away than normal helps, plus they used much less filament. That is one thing I haven’t seen in lots of different slicers, and it’s extremely helpful for delicate prints or fashions with intricate overhangs.

One other function I preferred was Cura’s post-processing scripts. This lets you add customized G-code instructions at completely different levels of a print, which is nice if you wish to pause for inserting magnets, change colours mid-print, and even set off a customized motion in your printer. I arrange a easy filament swap at layer 50, and it labored with no hitch.

Nonetheless, one of many greatest frustrations I had with Cura was the print time estimation. The estimated print occasions Cura gave me have been typically means off—typically by hours. For those who depend on Cura’s estimates to plan your prints, you may be in for a shock when your print takes for much longer than anticipated.

One other difficulty I bumped into was Cura’s useful resource utilization. It’s a reasonably demanding software program, and once I was slicing a high-poly mannequin with high-quality element settings, my pc slowed to a crawl. It’s not an enormous deal when you have a high-performance PC, however on older or lower-end machines, count on some lag when processing giant information.

Lastly, Cura works greatest with Ultimaker printers, which isn’t shocking provided that it’s developed by Ultimaker. Whereas it does help third-party printers, I needed to manually tweak settings to get Cura working easily with non-Ultimaker machines. Some presets have been incomplete or outdated, that means I needed to spend additional time fine-tuning settings for customized printers.

What I dislike about Ultimaker Cura:

• Print time estimates are sometimes inaccurate. On a number of prints, Cura underestimated the precise print time, typically by a number of hours. I needed to begin ignoring Cura’s estimates and use exterior instruments for higher accuracy.
• Cura can get resource-intensive on giant prints. When slicing a extremely detailed mannequin with high-quality layer settings, it slowed down considerably. For those who’re utilizing an older or lower-end pc, count on some lag when slicing complicated fashions.

What G2 customers dislike about Ultimaker Cura:

“I can’t level out any single issue that I disliked about Ultimaker Cura as a result of I’m nonetheless pretty new to 3D modeling and 3D printing. This can be a extensively used software program, so any difficulties may be solved by posting on numerous boards to get suggestions on any difficulty.”

– Ultimarker Cura Overview, Shay D.

Comparability of the very best 3D printing software program

Word: G2 Rankings are primarily based on person opinions and are topic to vary.

Continuously requested questions on the very best 3D printing software program

Have extra questions? Discover extra solutions under.

Q. What’s the greatest software program for 3D printing?

There’s no single “greatest” software program—it depends upon what you’re doing. For those who’re on the lookout for slicing software program, Ultimaker Cura is likely one of the most generally used choices, and it’s utterly free. For these designing mechanical or engineering-grade components, Autodesk Fusion and SOLIDWORKS supply highly effective modeling instruments with exact management. Rookies who simply need to create easy, printable fashions will discover Tinkercad to be the best entry level. For those who want one thing for industrial-scale initiatives with high-end simulation instruments, Siemens NX is a top-tier selection.

Q. Can I exploit cellular or web-based software program for 3D printing?

If you would like a completely cloud-based CAD program, Onshape permits for modeling on any system, together with tablets. Tinkercad runs totally in an internet browser and works properly for fast designs. Nonetheless, most slicing software program, together with Cura, must be put in on a desktop and doesn’t have cloud performance. 

Q. What’s the distinction between CAD software program and 3D printing software program?

CAD software program is used to create and design 3D fashions, whereas 3D printing software program (typically referred to as slicing software program) is used to arrange these fashions for printing. A CAD program allows you to design exact, purposeful components. As soon as the design is full, slicing software program converts it into printable layers and generates G-code, which tells the printer how you can construct the item. Some software program integrates each CAD and slicing options, permitting you to design and put together prints in the identical atmosphere.

Q. Which software program is greatest for industrial or aerospace 3D printing?

For industrial and aerospace purposes, Siemens NX and Autodesk Fusion are high selections attributable to their superior simulation, topology optimization, and high-precision modeling instruments. SOLIDWORKS can also be extensively used for engineering-grade design and half validation. For those who’re working with steel 3D printing, Siemens NX presents built-in additive manufacturing instruments to optimize prints for energy and materials effectivity.

Q. What’s the very best 3D printing software program for Mac customers?

Most 3D printing software program is Home windows-first, however Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Onshape work properly on Mac. Tinkercad is web-based, so it runs easily on any OS. Autodesk Fusion is offered for Mac and presents highly effective CAD and slicing in a single instrument. For those who want professional-grade modeling, Blender or Rhino 3D are stable selections for Mac customers.

Q. Which 3D printing software program runs greatest on lower-end computer systems?

For those who’re utilizing an older or low-powered pc, Tinkercad is the very best browser-based 3D modeling instrument that requires no set up. For slicing, PrusaSlicer is light-weight and runs effectively on most techniques. Ultimaker Cura may be resource-intensive on giant fashions, however reducing preview settings and disabling real-time slicing will help it run smoother on weaker {hardware}.

From pixels to plastic

After testing all these 3D printing software program choices, I’ve realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some instruments make designing fashions ridiculously straightforward, whereas others provide you with engineering-level precision. Some are excellent for newcomers, whereas others really feel like they count on you to have a level in manufacturing. However regardless of the place you might be in your 3D printing journey, there’s a instrument on my checklist that matches.

For those who’re simply getting began, I’d counsel one thing easy and intuitive—no must overwhelm your self with 100 print settings on day one. For those who’re leveling up, it’s price exploring software program that provides you extra management over slicing, helps, and materials effectivity. And should you’re already pushing the bounds of 3D printing, superior CAD software program with simulation, topology optimization, or industrial print prep may be precisely what you want.

The easiest way to determine what works is to experiment, tweak, and print. Irrespective of what number of settings I adjusted or new software program I attempted, the true studying got here from trial and error—and some failed prints alongside the way in which. So decide a instrument, begin designing, and switch these concepts into actuality, one layer at a time.

Take your designs to the subsequent dimension with the greatest 3D modeling software program reviewed by my group.