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UltiMaker Cura
Zaltbommel, Netherlands
What it is
UltiMaker Cura prepares 3D models for printing using an open-source slicing engine. Users can begin with recommended settings and choose speed and quality options, or switch to Custom mode for more than 400 settings that give finer control over preparation. Intent profiles are aimed at specific applications, while UltiMaker says its recommended profiles have been tested for thousands of hours. Cura includes auto supports, printer control, print monitoring, multi-material tools, and multi-material printing; cloud slicing is not included. The software supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and web, and integrates with UltiMaker products and STEP and IGES files. UltiMaker Marketplace offers material profiles from leading brands and community-rated plugins. The free plan is open-source desktop slicing software at no cost. Cura Enterprise can be deployed and managed across platforms, receives two updates a year, and has 12 months of support for each release. UltiMaker says Cura automatically collects anonymous machine, material, slice-count, and print-setting data without personal information.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source desktop slicing software.
- Custom mode provides over 400 settings.
- Includes printer control and print monitoring.
- Supports multi-material tools and printing.
- Marketplace offers profiles and community-rated plugins.
Against
- Cloud slicing is not included.
- Automatic anonymous usage data collection is enabled.
The verdict
Cura offers both recommended preparation settings and extensive customization for 3D printing workflows. Its free plan includes printer controls and multi-material features, while enterprise deployment and update terms are separate.
Who it suits
Cura is for new and experienced 3D printer users who want guided settings or detailed control over print preparation. Organizations can consider Cura Enterprise for cross-platform deployment and management.
Plans and prices
UltiMaker Cura
Free and open source desktop slicing software
Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
On the record
- Audience
- UltiMaker says Cura is designed for both experienced and rookie 3D printer users.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Custom mode provides over 400 settings for granular control over print preparation.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Ease of use
- Users can prepare models with recommended settings and choose speed and quality settings to start printing.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Enterprise deployment
- Cura Enterprise can be deployed, configured, and managed with cross-platform systems distribution.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Enterprise security
- Each Cura Enterprise release is independently scanned, tested, and analyzed for vulnerabilities, and UltiMaker publishes a summary of the report.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Enterprise updates
- Cura Enterprise receives two updates a year, with updates supported for 12 months after release, including security patches and bug fixes.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The product page states that Cura integrates with UltiMaker products and supports STEP and IGES file types.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Marketplace
- The UltiMaker Marketplace offers material profiles from leading brands and community-rated plugins to customize print preparation.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Print profiles
- Intent profiles target specific applications, and recommended profiles have been tested for thousands of hours.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- UltiMaker says Cura automatically collects anonymous machine types, material usage, slice counts, and print settings to improve print quality and user experience, and that this data contains no personal information.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- UltiMaker Cura prepares 3D models for printing with an open-source slicing engine.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- UltiMaker provides support articles and lets users submit support tickets for technical assistance.ultimaker.com · read 7 Oct 2026
