PrusaSlicer is a powerful, open-source 3D slicer software developed by Prusa Research, designed to convert 3D models into instructions (G-code) for 3D printers. Originally based on the open-source Slic3r project by Alessandro Ranellucci, PrusaSlicer has evolved significantly since its fork in 2016, when Prusa Research decided to create a customized version tailored to the growing demands of the Original Prusa 3D printers.
What language is it written in?
All user facing code is written in C++. The slicing core is the libslic3r library, which can be built and used in a standalone way. The command line interface is a thin wrapper over libslic3r.
Development History
Slic3r was initially developed in 2011 as part of the RepRap community and quickly gained popularity for its robust features. Prusa Research adopted it as their primary slicing tool but soon found the need to accelerate its development, adding more features and adapting it to work seamlessly with Prusa’s growing line of 3D printers. This led to the creation of Slic3r Prusa Edition, which was rebranded as PrusaSlicer in 2019 to reflect its departure from the original Slic3r codebase.
Key Features
PrusaSlicer offers a wide array of features that make it suitable for both novice users and advanced 3D printing enthusiasts. It supports multi-material printing, automatic model repair, multiple infill patterns, and advanced features like variable layer heights and spiral vase mode. Its robust G-code generation capabilities make it compatible with a range of printers beyond Prusa models, including those using RepRap, Makerbot, and Ultimaker ecosystems.
PrusaSlicer’s user-friendly interface comes in multiple modes (Simple, Advanced, and Expert) and is frequently updated by a dedicated team of developers. It also supports command-line usage, making it a versatile tool for various applications.
Open-Source Commitment
Staying true to its open-source roots, PrusaSlicer continues to contribute to and receive contributions from the broader 3D printing community. The software is available for free, and its source code can be accessed on GitHub, where Prusa encourages collaboration from developers worldwide. This open-source foundation has allowed PrusaSlicer to grow into one of the most widely used slicer tools for both hobbyist and professional 3D printing applications.
If you want to compile the source yourself, follow the instructions on one of these documentation pages:
What’s PrusaSlicer license?
PrusaSlicer is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3. The PrusaSlicer is originally based on Slic3r by Alessandro Ranellucci.