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MatterControlUltiMaker Cura

Best for: Hobbyists who want one program for designing, slicing and running prints

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

Free

Free and open-source software from MatterHackers.

 Free

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

Full pricing details

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

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Design, slicing and printer control in one app
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
All 3 strengths
  • Design, slicing and printer control in one app
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Long development history with many printer profiles
  • Profiles for hundreds of printers, not just UltiMaker's own
  • Recommended presets hide the settings until you want them
All 4 strengths
  • 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
  • Development pace is slower than the most popular slicers
  • Built-in design tools are simpler than dedicated CAD programs
  • Heavier and slower to start than the newer slicers
  • Hundreds of settings once you leave the recommended mode
All 3 limitations
  • 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
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: LGPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked September 23, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

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