PrusaSlicer
Professional 3D printer slicer software for FDM and resin printers
- Version
- 2.9.6
- Released
- 2026-06-25
- Size
- 92.2MB (Win)
- License
- AGPL-3.0 · Open source
About PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer is Prusa Research's free, open-source slicer for 3D printers: it converts 3D models into the G-code that FDM and resin printers follow. It grew out of the Slic3r project in 2016 and now drives far more than Prusa's own machines - profiles cover Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Voron and hundreds of other printers. The current release is 2.9.6, published on June 25, 2026.
The toolset covers the full road from model to print. On the plater you arrange, scale, cut and repair models, paint on supports exactly where you want them, and assign different settings to individual parts of the same object. Variable layer height lets you print detailed curves slowly and straight walls fast in one job. For multi-material machines, color painting and purge tuning are built in, and resin printer owners get hollowing, drain holes and support generation in the same application.
Where PrusaSlicer earns trust is in the details: infill patterns chosen for strength or speed, seam hiding, ironing for smooth top surfaces, input shaping presets for fast printers, and thorough print-time estimates. Three interface modes - Simple, Advanced and Expert - let the same program serve a first-day beginner and a print-farm operator. Configuration bundles make moving between machines painless, and G-code can be sent straight to OctoPrint, Klipper or Prusa Connect printers.
Official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux are published on GitHub with every release, and the project ships updates every month or two, each with readable release notes.
Recent 2.9 releases added a reworked supports engine, better multi-tool handling and steady performance work on large models. Slicing is multithreaded, so even complex plates process quickly on a modern machine.
The software is AGPL-3.0 licensed, and its code feeds several other slicers - Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer both started as PrusaSlicer forks. Prusa's own documentation and forum community are extensive, so an unusual problem usually has a written answer.
The honest limits: the settings vocabulary is dense and not always consistent with other slicers, which slows down switching. The interface, while improved, still looks utilitarian next to newer forks. Advanced printer tuning for non-Prusa machines sometimes needs community profiles rather than official ones. And very large plates can make the 3D view sluggish. For a free tool that keeps getting better and answers to no advertiser, though, PrusaSlicer remains the reference point other slicers are compared against, and the one most beginners are told to install first.
Key Features
Variable Layer Heights
Print with multiple layer heights in a single print job for perfectly smooth curves and faster print times. This advanced feature optimizes detail where needed while maintaining speed for less critical areas.
Paint-On Support Structures
Manually paint custom support structures exactly where you need them. Support enforcers and blockers give you complete control over support placement, resulting in cleaner prints and easier removal.
17 Advanced Infill Patterns
Choose from 17 different infill patterns including honeycomb, spirals, Hilbert curves, gyroid, and more. Each pattern is optimized for specific use cases from maximum strength to minimal material usage.
Multi-Material & Multi-Extruder Support
Full support for multiple extruders and multi-material printing with accurate 3D preview. Print complex multi-color and multi-material objects with automatic standby temperature control and wiping tower generation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source under AGPL license
- Works excellently with Prusa and many third-party printers
- Frequent updates with new features and improvements
- Three interface modes (Simple, Advanced, Expert) for all skill levels
Cons
- Complex interface can feel overwhelming for beginners despite simple mode
- Inconsistent setting names compared to other slicers may confuse users
- Limited support documentation compared to commercial competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrusaSlicer compatible with non-Prusa 3D printers?
Yes! While PrusaSlicer is developed by Prusa Research and optimized for their printers, it includes pre-configured profiles for dozens of third-party 3D printers from various manufacturers. You can also create custom printer profiles for virtually any FDM or resin printer. The software supports multiple G-code flavors and configurations, making it widely compatible across the 3D printing ecosystem.
What are the main differences between Simple, Advanced, and Expert modes?
Simple Mode offers a clean, beginner-friendly interface with only essential settings visible, perfect for those new to 3D printing. Advanced Mode reveals additional parameters for support structures, infill patterns, and print speeds, giving intermediate users more fine-tuning control. Expert Mode unlocks the complete array of settings, providing maximum customization over every aspect of slicing and G-code generation for experienced users who need professional-grade control.
Does PrusaSlicer work with resin printers?
Yes. Alongside FDM slicing it includes resin tools: hollowing, drain holes, automatic and manual supports, and profiles for common MSLA printers.