Best 3D Printer Slicer in 2024 – for experts and beginners

The most expensive and technical option, Simplify 3D is one of the most compatible 3D printer software out there. It can be used for education settings, as well as business settings for rapid prototyping, and is recommended by beginners and experienced makers alike. 

While it is one of the more expensive options out there, you definitely get your money’s worth with the benefits provided by Simplify3D, especially in the supports department. A lot of 3D slicers struggle with supports, but with Simplify3D you can effectively customize your support thickness and material, and also remove them easily. This is not only time-saving but leads to a better surface finish, unmarred by post-processing. 

Simplify3D also gives you access to incredibly precise and advanced settings for extruders, infill 3D printing settings, extruder temperatures, cooling and fans, rafts and brims, retractions, as well as supports. It also produces great pre-print simulations that highlight any weak points that could cause the print to fail. This helps you save potentially hundreds of dollars on wasted filament from failed prints. Instead, you can use Simplify3D’s advanced tools to pinpoint errors and fix them. 

While there are many free options for 3D slicers that do an excellent job, sometimes a paid 3D slicer is a worthy investment and Simplify3D is no exception.

Our choice for experts, the KISSlicer – or Keep It Simple Slicer – is incredibly detail-oriented, focusing on technical aspects of 3D printing that experienced makers will appreciate.

The free version of KISSlicer only offers single extruder 3D printing. It costs $42 to access dual extruder 3D printer tools and the Premium $82 option gives you access to more advanced tools, like the ability to combine multiple STL files into one print. 

New types of print styles, mesh topologies, and filaments are frequently added, and you have access to all of these even if you opt for the free version. 

However, KISSlicer is one of the less beginner-friendly user interfaces. If you would like to try this print slicer software, head over to their website using your browser. KISSlicer is available both on Mac, Windows and Linux.

A versatile slicer, SelfCAD combines artistic, technical, and 3D printing features under one 3D modeling software tool, and is suitable for both beginners and professionals. 

However, what makes the SelfCAD stand out is that it’s a completely cloud-based 3D slicer. You don’t need to download anything, to connect and edit your STL files all you need is an internet connection. Of course, there is a downside to this as you’ll be unable to access your models if your internet crashes, or if you’re on the move and can’t connect to the internet. 

You can easily adjust print quality, infill, supports, and materials for your preferred print settings with SelfCAD.

Now acquired by Autodesk and complementing their Fusion 360 software, Netfabb is an advanced 3D slicing and 3D file preparation software that specializes in 3D file analysis and some very advanced extras. 

It not only prepares and slices 3D models but analyzes and repairs files based on any difficulties it detects that could occur during the printing process and based on Netfabb’s analysis of the files. 

Not only can Netfabb easily create weight-saving lattice structures, but also simulate DMLS, other powder bed fusion prints, DED, and more to detect part distortion, any areas that will come under too much pressure during the printing process, or that may not fuse properly. This is not only an impressive feature but a money-saving one too. Metal 3D printing is expensive and the more errors that can be prevented over time the better it is for your wallet!