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UltiMaker Cura vs Simplify3D: catalog facts
UltiMaker CuraSimplify3D

Best for: Slicing for a filament printer when you want profiles that already exist

Best for: Prepare and preview print jobs with a commercial 3D slicer

Free

Free and open source under the LGPL 3.0. An UltiMaker account is optional and only needed for cloud…

Full pricing details for UltiMaker Cura

Free and open source under the LGPL 3.0. An UltiMaker account is optional and only needed for cloud features.

Paid

Requires a paid license or subscription. Trial availability and licensing depend on the edition.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Profiles for hundreds of printers, not just UltiMaker's own
  • Recommended presets hide the settings until you want them
All 4 strengths for UltiMaker Cura
  • Profiles for hundreds of printers, not just UltiMaker's own
  • Recommended presets hide the settings until you want them
  • Layer preview shows the toolpath before you start the print
  • Plugin marketplace for model sources and post-processing scripts
  • Provides configurable slicing processes
  • Includes support-generation and toolpath controls
  • Heavier and slower to start than the newer slicers
  • Hundreds of settings once you leave the recommended mode
All 3 limitations for UltiMaker Cura
  • Heavier and slower to start than the newer slicers
  • Hundreds of settings once you leave the recommended mode
  • Calibration tooling is thin compared with OrcaSlicer
  • Requires a paid license and an appropriate printer profile.
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Not open source
License: LGPL-3.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available Not stated if it works offline
Sources for UltiMaker Cura

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

Sources for Simplify3D

Catalog checked September 22, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.