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Head-to-head · 3D Printing Software

Slic3r vs Formlabs PreForm

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Slic3r #3 in 3D Printing Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit Slic3r
Formlabs PreForm #4 in 3D Printing Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit Formlabs

Slic3r leads on 0 checks, Formlabs PreForm on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSlic3r · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSlic3r · 4 of 6

Slic3r scores higher on our rubric for 3d printing software: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

Slic3r is the better fit for established free FDM slicing. Formlabs PreForm is the better fit for formlabs production teams using validated workflows.

  • Slic3r fits best

    Established free FDM slicing

  • Formlabs PreForm fits best

    Formlabs production teams using validated workflows

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Slic3r 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Formlabs PreForm 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #3 in 3D Printing Software #4 in 3D Printing Software
Best for Established free FDM slicing Formlabs production teams using validated workflows
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS
Support Community, Docs, Tickets Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Slic3r 4/6 · Formlabs PreForm 3/6
Auto supports ✓ ✓
Printer control ✓ ✓
Print monitoring Not checked yet —
Cloud slicing Not checked yet —
Multi-material tools ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Model repair ✓ ✓
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source slicing for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Support generation, mesh repair, and multi-material preparation
  • Printer control, OctoPrint integration, and batch processing
  • Validated materials and print settings with printability checks
  • Automatic supports, mesh repair, packing, and layout tools
  • Direct uploads, cloud slicing, and batch production integrations
Cons
  • Primarily aimed at advanced users
  • SLA/DLP workflows are experimental
  • The official site lists version 1.3.0 from 2018
  • Formlabs-centered workflows limit its fit with other printer ecosystems
  • Available only for Windows and macOS
  • Print monitoring is handled through Dashboard rather than PreForm
Our verdict

Slic3r is open-source 3D printing software for preparing digital models for FFF/FDM printing. It slices models into layers, generates G-code and toolpaths, and provides visual previews for inspecting print paths. The desktop application…

Read the review →

Formlabs PreForm is desktop print-preparation software for Formlabs SLA and SLS 3D printers. It is designed for engineers, designers, manufacturers, dental users, and other teams working with Formlabs hardware. The software imports and…

Read the review →
  1. Slic3r3D Printing Software 9.0Free plan
  2. Formlabs PreForm3D Printing Software 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Slic3r — where it wins

    • Free, open-source slicing for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Support generation, mesh repair, and multi-material preparation
    • Printer control, OctoPrint integration, and batch processing

    Where it doesn't

    • Primarily aimed at advanced users
    • SLA/DLP workflows are experimental
    • The official site lists version 1.3.0 from 2018

  • Formlabs PreForm — where it wins

    • Validated materials and print settings with printability checks
    • Automatic supports, mesh repair, packing, and layout tools
    • Direct uploads, cloud slicing, and batch production integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Formlabs-centered workflows limit its fit with other printer ecosystems
    • Available only for Windows and macOS
    • Print monitoring is handled through Dashboard rather than PreForm
  • Slic3r9.0/10 · Free plan

    A mature free slicer with multi-material tools, printer control, and OctoPrint integration.

    Visit Slic3rFull verdict →
  • Formlabs PreForm8.8/10 · Free plan

    A focused, free choice for Formlabs teams preparing and sending SLA or SLS jobs.

    Visit FormlabsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All 3D printing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update