MatterControl
Open-source desktop app for designing, slicing and controlling 3D prints on Windows, Mac and Linux.
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About MatterControl
MatterControl from MatterHackers combines several steps of 3D printing in one desktop program. You can design or arrange parts, slice them into printer instructions and control the printer directly from the same window, rather than switching between a CAD tool, a slicer and a print host.
The code is published on GitHub, with a long commit history and printer profiles such as the Prusa i3 MK3. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and suits hobbyists who want an all-in-one tool for the whole print workflow.
Strengths
- Design, slicing and printer control in one app
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Long development history with many printer profiles
Limitations
- Development pace is slower than the most popular slicers
- Built-in design tools are simpler than dedicated CAD programs
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open-source software from MatterHackers.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- MatterHackers
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Best suited for
- Hobbyists who want one program for designing, slicing and running prints
- Categories
- 3D and CAD, 3D printing
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to MatterControl
Compare allSoftware that can replace MatterControl for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
UltiMaker Cura
The most widely used free slicer for filament 3D printers, with profiles for hundreds of machines.
UltiMaker Cura is an LGPL-3.0 slicer with profiles for hundreds of printers and a plugin marketplace, but it drops MatterControl's built-in design and printer control tools.
PrusaSlicer
Prusa Research's slicer, based on Slic3r, for both filament and resin printers and no account required.
PrusaSlicer is an AGPL-3.0 slicer handling filament and resin printers with painted supports and seams, but has no built-in design tools and relies on Flathub for Linux.
OrcaSlicer
A slicer built around calibration, with temperature towers and flow tests you run from inside the program.
OrcaSlicer is an AGPL-3.0 slicer with built-in calibration tests and fast releases, but does not include MatterControl's design tools and exposes many more settings.
Repetier-Host
Desktop host software that places, slices, previews and prints models on FDM 3D printers.
Repetier-Host also places, slices, previews and prints from one desktop program with bundled slicers, but is closed source and has no built-in design tools.
IceSL
Slicer with built-in modelling that turns STL files into printer-ready G-code.
IceSL also combines slicing with modelling, using a scriptable modeller for procedural geometry, but is closed source with thinner documentation and printer profiles.
Kiri:Moto
Generate 3D-printing and CNC toolpaths in a browser.
Kiri:Moto runs in a browser under the MIT license and also generates CNC toolpaths, so nothing is installed on the desktop, but machine setup must be checked carefully.
MatterControl as an alternative
Listings that name MatterControl as an alternative.
Printrun
A Python host suite for 3D printers with the Pronterface GUI, Pronsole console and Printcore library.
MatterControl combines printer control with design and slicing in one open-source desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux, though its development pace is slower.
SelfCAD
Browser-based 3D modeler that combines mesh editing with basic slicing tools.
MatterControl is a free, open-source desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux that combines design, slicing and printer control, though its design tools are simple.
Snapmaker Luban
Open-source 3-in-1 slicer and machine control software for Snapmaker 3D printing, laser and CNC machines.
MatterControl combines design, slicing and printer control in one open-source desktop app, but focuses on 3D printing rather than laser and CNC.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
OctoPrint
Control and monitor a 3D printer from a browser.
3D Slash
A beginner-friendly 3D modeling tool where you shape models by carving and adding blocks.
DesignSpark Mechanical
A direct-modelling 3D CAD program with push-pull tools, aimed at engineers and makers without deep CAD experience.
Simplify3D
Prepare and preview print jobs with a commercial 3D slicer.
