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MatterControl vs Printrun: catalog facts
MatterControl	Printrun
Best for: Hobbyists who want one program for designing, slicing and running prints	Best for: Controlling a USB-connected 3D printer directly from a desktop
Free Free and open-source software from MatterHackers.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Design, slicing and printer control in one app Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux All 3 strengths for MatterControl Design, slicing and printer control in one app Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux Long development history with many printer profiles	Both a GUI and a command-line console Direct USB serial control of printers All 3 strengths for Printrun Both a GUI and a command-line console Direct USB serial control of printers Long-running project with a large commit history
Development pace is slower than the most popular slicers Built-in design tools are simpler than dedicated CAD programs	Printer must be tethered to the computer during a print Interface is plain compared with newer web-based hosts
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for MatterControl github.com/MatterHackers/MatterControl Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Printrun github.com/kliment/Printrun Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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