About Simplify3D
Simplify3D is build preparation software for 3D printing, commonly called a slicer. It converts 3D models into instructions a printer can follow, and the vendor says it supports hundreds of popular printer brands, so it can upgrade the capabilities of existing machines. It is installed as desktop software.
The current release is version 5.1, which the vendor says adds support for around 90 more printers, faster slicing performance and many new features and improvements. Sections of the site cover engineering, art and design, hobby and DIY, and education uses, along with a print quality guide, materials guide, video tutorials and articles. The company tests the software against a large collection of 3D printers in its in-house labs. Simplify3D is proprietary commercial software sold through its online store.
Key features
- 3D printing slicer with advanced print controls
- Support for hundreds of printer brands
- Faster slicing performance in version 5.1
- Print quality and materials guides
- Desktop software for build preparation
Good fit for
- →Preparing engineering parts for printing
- →Fine-tuning print settings for hobby projects
- Tags
- 3d-printing
- slicer
- desktop-software
- additive-manufacturing
- printers
- build-preparation
Simplify3D: questions and answers
- What is Simplify3D used for?
- Simplify3D is desktop 3D printing slicer software that prepares models for printing, with controls for supports, print settings and many printer brands. It is a good fit for preparing engineering parts for printing and fine-tuning print settings for hobby projects.
- How much does Simplify3D cost?
- Simplify3D is a paid product with no free plan.
- Is Simplify3D open source?
- No. Simplify3D is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Simplify3D include OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer and UltiMaker Cura.
- What are some alternatives to Simplify3D?
- Other SaaS products in the 3D & CAD category include 3D-Coat, 3dplotter and Meshy. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Simplify3D alternatives.
Open-source alternatives to Simplify3D
See all
OrcaSlicer
3D & CAD
G-code generator for 3D printers (Bambu, Prusa, Voron, VzBot, RatRig, Creality, etc.)
AGPL-3.0vs Simplify3D★ 16k
PrusaSlicer
3D & CAD
G-code generator for 3D printers (RepRap, Makerbot, Ultimaker etc.)
AGPL-3.0vs Simplify3D★ 9.4k
UltiMaker Cura
3D & CAD
3D printer / slicing GUI built on top of the Uranium framework
LGPL-3.0vs Simplify3D★ 7k
FreeCAD
3D & CAD
Official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler
LGPL-2.1vs SolidWorks★ 34k
OpenSCAD
3D & CAD
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
OSSvs Autodesk Fusion★ 10k
Libfive
3D & CAD
Infrastructure for solid modeling
OSSvs SolidWorks★ 1.7k
SaaS alternatives to Simplify3D
See all
3D-Coat
3D & CAD
3D sculpting, retopology and texture painting software
SaaS
3dplotter
3D & CAD
Turns a 3D printer into a pen plotter with presets, G-code generator, Hershey fonts and a pen holder library
SaaS
Meshy
3D & CAD
AI 3D model generator that creates models from text or images
SaaS
Moi3D
3D & CAD
Easy-to-use 3D modeling software for NURBS and design work
SaaS
nTop
3D & CAD
Engineering design software for generative and lattice design for additive manufacturing
SaaS
Printables
3D & CAD
3D printing model library and community from Prusa Research
SaaS

