AppBreakup
Submit an app
Slic3r logo

Slic3r

Free, open-source slicer that turns 3D models into G-code for FDM and resin printers.

Open source3D printing slicers

Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit Slic3rSee 5 alternatives

Is Slic3r free?

Yes, free and open source

License:
AGPL-3.0

Checked on Slic3r's site Nov 8, 2026

Switch from Slic3r to

All 5
Verified facts
5 of 5
Alternatives ranked
5
Approved reviews
0
Visits sent from here
0

About Slic3r

Slic3r is one of the original open-source slicers: it takes STL and other 3D models and generates the G-code toolpaths a 3D printer follows. The desktop app shows a visual preview of each layer's toolpaths, manages print, filament and printer profiles, supports custom G-code with conditional logic, and can send jobs to OctoPrint or queue them across several machines. Most features are also exposed on the command line, which makes it handy for batch slicing, and its core algorithms are available as a C++ library. It is free under the AGPL and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The catch is pace: the last official release is 1.3.0, and most of the momentum in this family of slicers has moved to forks such as PrusaSlicer and, from there, OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio, which add printer presets, tree supports and network printing. Slic3r still suits people who want a lean, scriptable slicer or have long-tuned profiles for it.

Best for: Tinkerers who want a free, scriptable slicer with a command-line mode for batch jobs.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Free and open source under the AGPL
  • Command-line tool for batch G-code generation and model repair
  • Can send prints to OctoPrint or queue them on several printers
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

Why people leave

  • Last official release (1.3.0) is old; forks get the new features
  • Few built-in printer presets compared with PrusaSlicer or Cura
  • Linux builds need the freeglut package installed separately

Slic3r vs PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

AttributeSlic3rPrusaSlicerBambu StudioOrcaSlicer
PricingOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen sourceOpen source
Verified price————
Free planFree appFree appFree appFree app
Open sourceYesYesYesYes
Self-hostableNoNoNoNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux

Top Slic3r alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1PrusaSlicer logo
    PrusaSlicer

    Started as a Slic3r fork and is far more actively developed, with many printer profiles and tree supports.

    78.2
  2. 2Bambu Studio logo
    Bambu Studio

    Open-source slicer from the same lineage, best if you own or plan to buy a Bambu Lab printer.

    72.2
  3. 3OrcaSlicer logo
    OrcaSlicer

    Free, open-source fork in the same family with calibration tools and presets for many brands.

    64.8
  4. 4UltiMaker Cura logo
    UltiMaker Cura

    Free slicer with a huge printer library and a plugin marketplace, from a different codebase.

    61.8
  5. 5Si
    Simplify3D

    Paid slicer with fine per-region process control, for people who want commercial support.

    57.5

Why people left Slic3r

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Slic3r, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers

Write a review of Slic3r
Your rating of Slic3r

Never shown publicly. A work email helps us verify you.

What did you use it for, and what was good or bad? At least 40 characters.

A GitHub username, your company domain, or say you can send a screenshot. Verified reviews count more.

By submitting, you confirm you're at least 16 and agree to our terms. Your name, rating, review and the date are published; your email isn't. See our privacy policy.

Slic3r: common questions

What is Slic3r?

Slic3r: Free, open-source slicer that turns 3D models into G-code for FDM and resin printers. Best for tinkerers who want a free, scriptable slicer with a command-line mode for batch jobs. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Is Slic3r free?

Yes. Slic3r is free, open-source software.

Is Slic3r open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at slic3r/Slic3r.

What platforms does Slic3r run on?

Slic3r is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Slic3r?

The highest-ranked Slic3r alternatives right now are PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

Slic3r vs PrusaSlicer: what's the difference?

Both Slic3r and PrusaSlicer are free and open source. Both run on Windows, macOS and Linux.

See all 5 Slic3r alternatives