What is Klipper used for?

Klipper is open-source 3D printer firmware that pairs a general-purpose computer with one or more microcontrollers to control the machine. It is a good fit for running a 3D printer with external computer control.

Is Klipper open source?

Yes. Klipper is open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub at Klipper3d/klipper and is written mainly in C.

Yes. Klipper is open source, so the software itself is free to use.

Can I self-host Klipper?

Yes. Klipper can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.

What is Klipper an alternative to?

Klipper is an open-source alternative to Everything. Other open-source alternatives to Everything include Rowy, Orange and NocoBase.

Is Klipper actively maintained?

Yes. The most recent commit to Klipper was on 30 September 2026. The project has 12k stars on GitHub.

Klipper: open-source alternative to Everything

About Klipper

Klipper is firmware for controlling 3D printers. Instead of running everything on the printer's own microcontroller, it combines a general-purpose computer with one or more microcontrollers, using the extra processing capacity of the computer to drive the printer.

The project website at klipper3d.org provides installation instructions, documentation, a features document explaining why people choose it, and a list of sponsors whose support funds development. Klipper is free software written mainly in C and distributed under the GPL-3.0 license, and the repository points to the full license text alongside the documentation.

Key features

3D printer firmware
Pairs a computer with microcontrollers
Detailed online documentation
Free software under GPL-3.0

Good fit for

→Running a 3D printer with external computer control

Built with: C
Tags: 3d-printing; firmware; klipper; microcontroller; hardware; open-source

Klipper: questions and answers

What is Klipper used for?: Klipper is open-source 3D printer firmware that pairs a general-purpose computer with one or more microcontrollers to control the machine. It is a good fit for running a 3D printer with external computer control.
Is Klipper open source?: Yes. Klipper is open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub at Klipper3d/klipper and is written mainly in C.
Is Klipper free?: Yes. Klipper is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
Can I self-host Klipper?: Yes. Klipper can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
What is Klipper an alternative to?: Klipper is an open-source alternative to Everything. Other open-source alternatives to Everything include Rowy, Orange and NocoBase.
Is Klipper actively maintained?: Yes. The most recent commit to Klipper was on 30 September 2026. The project has 12k stars on GitHub.