Prusaslicer VS Cura – Comparison

Prusaslicer VS Cura. These are two of the best open-source 3d printing slicer software users can use at no charge.

In this article, let's break down their differences and when to use which.

Major Differences Overview - Prusaslicer VS Cura

Cura is a more professional industrial-oriented software. It's becoming a reliable software solution for professionals, and for users who are looking for a complete & streamlined user experience.

PrusaSlicer is more for DIY users, and it has unique innovations such as custom G Code, variable layer height, and so on. It's like Blender VS Autodesk.

Cost

Both are free to use

System Requirement

Cura

  • OpenGL 4.1
  • 1920X1080
  • Intel i3 or up
  • 600 MB hard disk space
  • 8 GB RAM

Prusaslicer

prusaslicer interface
  • No specifics officially provided (Most modern day Mac, Linux or Windows computers can run them any way)

User Interface

Cura is easy to learn for beginners

  • Clean layout with the option to change to the dark theme
  • 3rd support
  • Add custom scripts to run complex printing processes
  • Better visual queues when the model is selected or an action is performed
  • Preview animation before a print to ensure you have everything in place

Prusaslicer is even more simpler to use than Cura for certain users

  • Less interface clutter so the user can only focus on important features
  • Better setting groups to keep things more organized
  • Intuitive control to arrange models on the build plate in the most optimized position
  • Add conditional G code commends
  • Connect to FlashAir and Astrobox wireless 3D printer gateway & cloud library
  • Use slider to set variable layer height

Applications

ultimaker cura interface

Ultimaker's Cura is more specialized in materials used for industrial applications. Proprietary CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, and NX can work with Cura to make the workflow much more efficient and professional.

PrusaSlicer is a fully functional slicer more for hobbyists who don't need a wide variety of materials to print. It has more use for artistic projects than industrial ones.

Both slicer software allows different mode settings to tailor to the user's experience level. Customize the UI to the way you want can be done on both.

Community Support

3d printing community

Both Cura and PrusaSlicer have tons of online support forums and websites discussing problem-solving tips and tutorials to help users.

None of them have a full-time dedicated team to help users with issues, so they put content on forums. You as the user just have to find it when you run into problems.

These open-source software do receive updates from time to time to push the boundaries of what 3D printing can do.

Language Support

Both Cura and PrusaSlicer support:

  • English
  • French
  • Italian
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Czech
  • Polish
  • Ukrainian
  • Korean
  • Simplified Chinese

Additional languages Cura supports:

  • Japanese
  • Dutch
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • Turkish

Limitations

Wrap Up

DIY users can use either Cura or PrusaSlicer.

If you're a professional and like to stick with what the pros are using if so Cura will be the choice.

Both software has online community support to help you problem-solve, and users all over the world can help you address any common recurring problems and provide helpful tips.

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