PrusaSlicer
Also called prusa slicer, slic3r pe
Slicer for FDM printers. Fork of Slic3r. The process is prusa-slicer.exe. It is not Cura.
What you need to know
PrusaSlicer is a Slic3r fork. It is not Cura.
prusa-slicer.exe writes G-code with Prusa-style presets. Cura is UltiMaker. Bambu Studio is a different fork aimed at Bambu printers.
- What is it?
- FDM slicer
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is PrusaSlicer?
PrusaSlicer is a Slic3r fork with Prusa profiles and a print/filament/printer stack. Cura uses a different profile format. SuperSlicer is yet another Slic3r-family fork.
If you have never used it
If you have a Prusa printer (or another FDM machine with a Prusa profile), this is the slicer that turns STL or 3MF into G-code. Download it from prusa3d.com. UltiMaker Cura is a different slicer. Bambu Studio is another fork family.
What is it used for?
STL, 3MF, STEP on current builds. Cura project files will not open as native PrusaSlicer projects.
MK, XL, MINI, and community printers. Bambu machines prefer Bambu Studio.
Three-preset model from the Slic3r family. Cura's intent profiles are a different UI.
Who is it for?
- Prusa printer owners
- People who prefer Slic3r-style presets
- Users comparing a Cura profile they cannot import
Current status
PrusaSlicer (2016) is a current fdm slicer from Prusa Research. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/.
How old is it?
Slic3r was the 2010s open slicer. Prusa forked it as Slic3r PE, then PrusaSlicer (2016 onward). Cura is Ultimaker's line, not this fork.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| prusa-slicer.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
PrusaSlicer does not need to start with Windows.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\Prusa3D\PrusaSlicer\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Opened a Cura-only project
Re-export the mesh and slice again. PrusaSlicer is not Cura.
Used Bambu printer profiles here by habit
Bambu Studio owns that hardware path. Community profiles exist, but the sibling app is the supported one.
Getting unstuck
Install from prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424
help.prusa3d.com has printer setup. Skip random "Slic3r Pro" builds.
Add the printer from Prusa's config wizard
That is how official profiles land. Cura Marketplace plugins will not appear.
Export G-code, then use the printer's upload path
PrusaLink, SD, or USB. The slicer is not the printer firmware.
Alternatives
Cura is the common Ultimaker slicer. Bambu Studio targets Bambu printers. SuperSlicer is another Slic3r-family fork.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | help.prusa3d.com/ Vendor support |
| Official site | www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
Slicing large meshes wants RAM. The printer is separate hardware. This app does not flash a GPU driver.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- PrusaSlicer official site · Vendor product page
- PrusaSlicer help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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