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What 3D printing-related software runs on Linux? (lemmy.zip)
submitted 1 week ago by Grumpy404@lemmy.zip to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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So i have a 3D printer, and i have linux on a laptop but im struggling to find good 3D print-related software to use on linux or maybe i havent looked hard enough? Im pretty much a beginner to both linux And 3d printing, also using Ubuntu Mate if that matters on a old thinkpad.

So i need a 3d print slicer/way to print to my printer, i also need a simple 3d modeling software (ive tried blender but found it too hard and heavy for me and my laptop). It would help if all suggested software were open source or something like that.

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[-] WbrJr@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 day ago

CAD:

  • FreeCAD (bit clunky at times, it forces you into one specific workflow. Its free, open source and what you create with it will always be yours. Its what I use. It feels like C in programming language terms)
  • onshape (feels very similar to fusion. Its a smooth experience, runs in the browser and is a nice tool. I liked it and did some cool stuff with it. Only drawback: the free only allows to store files openly, so everyone can see your designs. Kind of open source if you want, but I think files can only be opened with oshape. Its by a team that worked for solidworks. It feels more like python.)
  • open s cad (you code your 3d objects. Its rough to learn and build complex parts I guess? But a pretty cool idea. Worth a try!)

SLICERS (all open source) It does not really matter, just try and pick what you like. I used them for fdm only, idk about resin.

  • cura (by ultimaker, one of the older brands. Slicer is quite nice, nothing special I guess, just works quite well.
  • prusa slicer (by prusa. THE printer brand I think. A bit confusion interface compared to cura I think, works great tho)
  • orca slicer (based on slic3r I think? Has supposedly one of the best slicing algorithms if I remember correcly and a lot of settings. The forbidden one (baboo lab slicer) is based on this)
  • slic3r (the og slicer of sorts, never tried it)

OTHERS: To control your printer (remotely if it does not offer it out of the box. I tried none of them):

  • octoprint (sends live g code to your printer. Offers camera stream. Runs on a raspberry pi)
  • mainsail is (controls your printer, if it runs clipper. Supposed to be one for the best I think. Runs on a raspberry as well I think?)
  • many new ones have remote controll stuff build in. Prusa offer remote management, same as bamboo, sovol, some enders and anycubic ad well I suppose. Some run in the browser.

To control your printer when fiddling with it, you can send gcode to the printer over serial, if you can connect to it via usb. Can't name a CLI tool for that from the top of my head.

There are python tools to generate 3d meshes from 2d images. Look at huggingface how to install and use it. There are also tools in the browser. Pretty cool stuff!

this post was submitted on 19 Dec 2025
101 points (98.1% liked)

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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