Formlabs PreForm vs Z-SUITE

Formlabs PreForm8.9Visit ZZ-SUITE8.5Visit

Higher score Formlabs PreForm #4 in 3D Printing Slicers 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Formlabs

vs

Z Z-SUITE #8 in 3D Printing Slicers 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Zortrax

• Formlabs PreForm fits best

  Formlabs users and professional print workflows

• Z-SUITE fits best

  Zortrax users managing connected printers

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Side by side

Feature	Formlabs PreForm 8.9/10 Visit ↗	ZZ-SUITE 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.5
Ranking	#4 in 3D Printing Slicers	#8 in 3D Printing Slicers
Best for	Formlabs users and professional print workflows	Zortrax users managing connected printers
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS
Support	Docs	Docs, Tickets
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Formlabs PreForm 0/4 · Z-SUITE 0/4
Variable layer height	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Multicolor printing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Custom supports	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Sequential printing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Printer types	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Maximum extruders	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Automates support generation, model orientation, and layout. Checks printability, estimates prints in real time, and attempts mesh repair. Queues jobs for compatible printers and supports automatic SLS packing.	Creates automatic or editable supports and repairs damaged meshes. Transfers jobs over Wi-Fi and remotely controls compatible printers. Monitors camera-equipped devices and manages connected printers as a print farm.
Cons	Its printer focus makes it less suitable for workflows built around other printers. Desktop-only, with downloads for Windows and macOS. Print monitoring is handled through Formlabs Dashboard, not PreForm.	Printer management features depend on compatible Wi-Fi-enabled Zortrax models. Desktop software for Windows and macOS, not cloud slicing. Third-party printer compatibility is limited to compatible LCD printers.
Our verdict	PreForm is Formlabs’ desktop software for preparing models for its SLA and SLS 3D printers. It suits users who want model preparation, printer-specific settings, and job submission in one workflow, from small teams to enterprise… Read the review →	Z-SUITE prepares 3D models for printing and manages compatible printers. It is aimed primarily at people working with Zortrax machines, though it also supports compatible third-party LCD printers for print preparation. The desktop software… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Formlabs PreForm — where it wins

  • Automates support generation, model orientation, and layout.
  • Checks printability, estimates prints in real time, and attempts mesh repair.
  • Queues jobs for compatible printers and supports automatic SLS packing.

  Where it doesn't

  • Its printer focus makes it less suitable for workflows built around other printers.
  • Desktop-only, with downloads for Windows and macOS.
  • Print monitoring is handled through Formlabs Dashboard, not PreForm.

• Z-SUITE — where it wins

  • Creates automatic or editable supports and repairs damaged meshes.
  • Transfers jobs over Wi-Fi and remotely controls compatible printers.
  • Monitors camera-equipped devices and manages connected printers as a print farm.

  Where it doesn't

  • Printer management features depend on compatible Wi-Fi-enabled Zortrax models.
  • Desktop software for Windows and macOS, not cloud slicing.
  • Third-party printer compatibility is limited to compatible LCD printers.

• Formlabs PreForm8.9/10 · Free plan

  A focused slicer for Formlabs workflows, with automated preparation and printer-ready controls.

  Visit FormlabsFull verdict →
• ZZ-SUITE8.5/10 · Free plan

  A free desktop slicer with the deepest management features for Zortrax printers.

  Visit ZortraxFull verdict →