Head-to-head · 3D Printing Software
Slic3r vs Formlabs PreForm
Slic3r leads on 1 check, Formlabs PreForm on 0, and 6 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
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSlic3r · 4 of 6
Our editors rank Slic3r at #4 and Formlabs PreForm at #6 for 3d printing software; Slic3r and Formlabs PreForm have no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
Slic3r offers multi-material tools; Formlabs PreForm doesn't publish it.
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
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Side by side
| Feature | Slic3r —/10 Visit ↗ | Formlabs PreForm —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | — |
| Ranking | #4 in 3D Printing Software | #6 in 3D Printing Software |
| Best for | Established free FDM slicing | Formlabs production teams using validated workflows |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| 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 published | — |
| Cloud slicing | Not published | — |
| Multi-material tools | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Model repair | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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
- Slic3r—/10 · Free plan
A mature free slicer with multi-material tools, printer control, and OctoPrint integration.
Visit Slic3rFull verdict → - Formlabs PreForm—/10 · Free plan
A focused, free choice for Formlabs teams preparing and sending SLA or SLS jobs.
Visit FormlabsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026