Many 3D printing hobbyists want to try PrusaSlicer on their Ender 3’s but are unsure of how to set it up. That’s why I wrote this article, to teach people how to set up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3.

To set up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3, you will need to download and install PrusaSlicer and then configure it for the Ender 3. After that, you’ll need to test PrusaSlicer by importing a model and slicing it. The final step is to print a test model with your Ender 3.

This is just the basic answer, keep reading for more information on how to set up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3.

How to Set Up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3

These are the steps in order to set up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3:

1. Download and install PrusaSlicer
2. Configure PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3
3. Test PrusaSlicer
4. Print a test model

1. Download and Install PrusaSlicer

The first step in setting up PrusaSlicer for your Ender 3 is to download and install the software. PrusaSlicer is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Follow these steps:

• Visit the official PrusaSlicer website
• Download the version of PrusaSlicer that corresponds to your operating system.
• Install PrusaSlicer by following the installation instructions provided on their website.

Check out the video below for some more information about using PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3.

2. Configure PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3

After successfully installing PrusaSlicer, it’s time to configure the software for your Ender 3 3D printer. 

Follow these steps:

• Open PrusaSlicer. In the top menu, click on “Configuration” and select “PrusaSlicer.”
• In the “General” tab, you’ll see a drop-down menu labeled “Printer.” Click on it and choose “Ender 3.”
• In the same “General” tab, set your “Print bed size” to match the dimensions of the Ender 3 (220 x 220mm for the Ender 3).
• In the “Filament” and “Print” tabs, you can fine-tune various settings according to your specific needs.

One user stated that the built-in presets for the Ender 3 should normally work well in PrusaSlicer and the main change is the temperature, which will change depending on the filament you plan on using.

Another user also recommends using the default Ender 3 preset and then tweak it yourself after doing some testing and calibration.

One 3D printing hobbyist suggests changing infill patterns by going to Infill and then Top/Bottom fill patterns. He stated that you can get some really cool effects on your prints.

Other users also recommend using the standard Creality configuration as it has worked the best for them and their Ender 3.

Check out the video below for detailed information on how to configure PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3.

3. Test PrusaSlicer

The next step is to test PrusaSlicer. You’ll need to import a model, slice it, and generate G-code for your Ender 3.

To do that, you’ll need to:

• Import your 3D model
• Position and scale the model
• Generate G-code
• Review the generated preview
• Export G-code

Import Your 3D Model

In PrusaSlicer, click the “File” button in the top-left corner and then “Import” or drag and drop your 3D model into the PrusaSlicer workspace.

Position and Scale the Model

Using PrusaSlicer’s user-friendly interface, position and scale the model as needed. This step lets you arrange the object on the virtual print bed according to your preferences.

Generate G-Code

Click the “Slice Now” button. PrusaSlicer will analyze your model and generate the G-code, which serves as instructions for your 3D printer.

Review the Generated Preview

Take a closer look at the generated preview to ensure the settings and results align with your expectations. 

This visual representation can help you spot any potential issues before printing.

Export G-Code

Once you are satisfied with the preview, click “Export G-code.” Save the G-code file to your computer or an SD card, which you will use for printing.

One user suggests using PrusaSlicer as you can set the bed and print temperature and then start your bed leveling procedure while the bed is warming up. 

He stated that this is a huge time save and can get you printing much faster.

Another user stated that the PrusaSlicer has superior support than the other slicers, such as Cura because they can be removed very easily. 

He said that he can almost hand peel off the PrusaSlicer supports when it takes him a lot of effort to remove the supports from the Cura slicer.

Check out the video below for more information on setting up PrusaSlicer for the Ender 3 when using a macOS computer.

4. Print a Test

The last step is to print a test to make sure that PrusaSlicer is working well with your Ender 3.

To print your 3D model with your Ender 3:

• Prepare your G-code
• Initiate the print
• Monitor the print

Prepare Your G-Code

Insert the SD card containing the G-code file, which you exported in the previous step, into your Ender 3. This G-code file contains the instructions for your 3D printer.

Initiate the Print

Use the Ender 3’s control panel to select and start the print job. Your 3D printer will follow the G-code’s instructions to create your model layer by layer.

Monitor the Print

While your 3D printer is in action, carefully monitor the print to ensure that it’s running smoothly. 

You should pay attention to any unusual sounds or movements and be ready to intervene if needed.

One user recommends 3D printing with the PrusaSlicer because it sets the default speed on an Ender 3 profile at 50/60mm/s, which the 3D printer can easily handle without any tuning.

He stated that this added speed makes the prints finish a lot faster.

Another user said that if you are having any problems with using PrusaSlicer with your Ender 3, you should check if you selected the profile for the Ender 3 when installing PrusaSlicer initially.

Users agree that it does not matter which slicer you use but it is very important to set it up correctly.

Check out the video below for more information about using PrusaSlicer.