MatterControl
MatterControl: A free desktop suite combining model design, slicing, and printer control. Ranked #28 of 35 in 3D Printing Software by our editors (5.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for desktop users wanting design plus printer control.
At a glance
- Editor score5.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDesktop users wanting design plus printer control
- Free planYes
- Auto supportsYes
- Founded2012 · Lake Forest, California, United States
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines design, slicing, supports, and printer control
- Supports multi-material preparation and simultaneous printer control
- Includes cloud synchronization, monitoring, and print recovery
Where it doesn't
- The Pro Edition is an annual subscription
- Advanced Pro-only design capabilities require the paid edition
- Its focus is desktop 3D printing rather than broader production workflows
Our verdict on MatterControl
MatterControl is desktop 3D-printing software for designing, editing, organizing, slicing, and printing models. It is aimed at desktop users who want one application for model preparation and printer operation rather than separate tools for each stage. The free edition is open source and combines design, slicing, 3D layer preview, printer control, and print-management features across Windows, macOS, and Linux support.
Its strongest advantage is the breadth of its desktop workflow. MatterControl can generate and customize print supports, prepare dual-extrusion and multi-material prints, and control multiple printers simultaneously. Software bed leveling, real-time print adjustments, completion notifications, interruption recovery, and remote print-status checking extend its role beyond a basic slicer. Cloud model storage and file synchronization also support access across the product’s supported desktop platforms.
The free edition covers the core workflow, while MatterControl Pro Edition adds Pro-only design capabilities, unlimited storage, and dedicated support assistance through an annual subscription. That structure makes the product a practical choice for users who want design and printer control in one open-source desktop application, especially when multi-material preparation, monitoring, or recovery matter. Users seeking a narrower slicer or a workflow centered on capabilities outside desktop design and printer control may prefer a more specialized alternative.
Your product? Our editors can test MatterControl in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MatterControl pricing
All 2 MatterControl plans and prices →
MatterControl fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Auto supports | Yes |
| Printer control | Yes |
| Print monitoring | Yes |
| Cloud slicing | Not verified |
| Multi-material tools | Yes |
| Model repair | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | matterhackers.com |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MatterControl
- Bambu StudioA free, open-source desktop suite for slicing, multi-material preparation, and Bambu printer control.9.4
- OrcaSlicerA calibration-focused FDM slicer with broad printer-host integrations.9.0
- Slic3rA mature free slicer with multi-material tools, printer control, and OctoPrint integration.9.0
See all MatterControl alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used MatterControl for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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