Turn a model into a print plan
A slicer prepares paths for a specific printer, nozzle and material. Pick those correctly first. A downloaded project can contain someone else’s settings, so review them before using it.
The settings worth understanding
- Layer height
- Smaller layers can resolve more vertical detail, usually with a longer print time.
- Walls
- The outer shells affect strength and surface quality. Infill percentage is not the only strength setting.
- Infill
- Infill is the internal pattern inside the walls. Around 10–20% suits most display pieces; when you need strength, add walls first, then raise infill.
- Supports and orientation
- Supports hold up overhangs (usually anything steeper than about 45°) and bridges while they print, then are removed. Orientation changes how much support you need, which surfaces look best and how loads cross the layers; parts are weakest between layers.
Read the preview, not just the estimate
Inspect the first layer, unsupported regions, tiny features and colour changes. Check that every expected part appears. Time and material figures are estimates for that profile; changing the orientation or settings changes the estimate.
Keep exploring
Want to go deeper? These official guides have more detail. Always follow the instructions for your printer and material.