Tools & making

The best 3d printer slicers, according to hackers

5 3d printer slicers recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.

• Most recommendedOrcaSlicer32 people recommend it
• Least regretPrusaSlicer15 recommend, 1 criticize

All 3d printer slicers

• OrcaSlicerFree open-source slicer that people use with Bambu printers over LAN and value for its many adjustable options. Critics report crashes and question the developer of one fork.32recommend
• PrusaSlicerPeople recommend PrusaSlicer for its approachable setup, good presets, and reliable prints on Linux, and say it handles everyday slicing needs well.15recommend
• Grid slicerFree, browser-based slicer for 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting, with no accounts or subscriptions and fast loading. Critics say it lacks a true offline app.9recommend
• ColorMix for PrusaSlicerFree open-source tool that adds multi-color mixing to PrusaSlicer, welcomed as a challenge to Bambu. Critics say it is not full-spectrum.8recommend
• Bambu StudioFree, open-source slicer people use to prepare prints and run printers without the cloud. Main caveat: critics say its networking plugin breaches the AGPL license.7recommend