Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura is the industry-leading slicer software that transforms your digital 3D models into precise instructions your 3D printer can understand. As free, open-source software trusted by millions of users worldwide, it takes STL, OBJ, or 3MF files and converts them into G-code, slicing your model into hundreds or thousands of thin horizontal layers while calculating exact print paths, temperatures, speeds, and support structures needed for a successful print. Compatible with over 400 3D printer profiles including Ultimaker's own hardware alongside many third-party machines, Cura has become a go-to solution for hobbyists, educators, engineers, and professionals who need reliable, repeatable results without wrestling with overly complex tools.

On the bench

What sets Cura apart is its balance between accessibility and depth. Beginners can rely on Recommended Mode, choosing simple presets for quality, speed, or material type and hitting slice with confidence, while advanced users can dive into Custom Mode, where over 400 settings become available for fine-tuning infill patterns, wall thickness, retraction settings, cooling profiles, and support generation. The software includes intelligent features like adaptive layer height, which automatically adjusts resolution based on model geometry to save time without sacrificing surface quality, and built-in supports that can be customized or painted away where unnecessary. Cura also integrates seamlessly with popular slicing plugins and material profiles from brands like Polymaker, BASF, and Ultimaker's own filament line, ensuring accurate temperature and flow settings straight out of the box.

Living with it

Beyond core slicing, Cura offers a robust ecosystem that extends its functionality significantly. The Marketplace lets users install plugins for post-processing scripts, custom supports, and cloud integration, while Ultimaker Digital Factory connects the software to networked printers for remote monitoring and print queue management across multiple machines. Its built-in preview mode provides a detailed layer-by-layer visualization, allowing users to inspect travel moves, retractions, and estimated print time and filament usage before committing resources to a physical print. Regularly updated with community feedback and backed by an active user forum, Ultimaker Cura remains a cornerstone tool in the 3D printing workflow, bridging the gap between raw digital designs and finished, functional printed parts.