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

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