But it’s creating and implementing the G-code, which requires software. Technically, G-code is all you need to make a 3D print. Many of the recommendations on this list, if not most, are open-source options, meaning they’re free to use and are highly flexible and customizable. If you’re printing on a budget, open-source software is the best. Or you may feel the dedicated software is lacking. You may not want any additional features. If you have a Prusa or Anycubic printer, ensure you set up the dedicated software and play around with it before adding other software to your setup. ChiTuBox slicer (Anycubic resin 3D printers).The two most common printers that feature dedicated software are below: Some 3D printers come with software, meaning you can start printing without additional software. 3D Printers That Come With Softwareīefore recommending and explaining some of the best open-source programs or purchasable software, you should be aware of dedicated software programs you may already possess. 3D printers are no different and are much more complex, so you need the right combination of printing software to execute your projects successfully.

Think about how an old-fashioned 2D printer requires software to connect to a computer or phone, whether downloadable or Wi-Fi-enabled. With the right software, you can create your models, slice them into G-code, manage projects, and remotely control printers and desktops together. This is also true if you built your own 3D printer with your handiness skills!ģD printing software is essential for your printing journey because it allows you to design 3D models from scratch and much more. But if you purchase a 3D builder without dedicated software, you need to download the appropriate software. Your new 3D printer may already have dedicated software, which you can easily install. The first thing to know is you 100% need software to execute your 3D prints.

Before diving into the various software and the best options, it’s important to understand the basics of 3D printing software.

Best 3d printer for solidworks