The most popular 3D printing software app for Windows PC

Ultimaker Cura
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Ultimaker Cura

  -  291 MB  -  Freeware
Free Download

Security Status

  • Latest Version

    Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 LATEST

  • Review by

    Juan Garcia

  • Operating System

    Windows 10 (64-bit) / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote

  • Author / Product

    Ultimaker BV / External Link

  • Filename

    UltiMaker-Cura-5.11.0-win64-X64.exe

Trusted by millions of users, Ultimaker Cura is the world’s most popular 3D printing software. Prepare prints with a few clicks, integrate with CAD software for an easier workflow, or dive into custom settings for in-depth control.



Cura for PC is a powerful, open-source 3D printing software designed to streamline the process of preparing 3D models for printing. Developed by Ultimaker, a leading manufacturer of 3D printers, it offers a wide range of features aimed at both beginners and advanced users alike. It supports a variety of 3D printers and provides users with tools for slicing, optimizing, and previewing their prints.

At the heart of Cura is its powerful, open-source slicing engine, built through years of expert in-house development and user contributions. If you own a 3D printer, software matters. Get the most from your printer with software designed to suit your workflow. Manufacturing doesn’t need to be complicated.

Trusted by millions of users across 20 languages, Cura slices your model and integrates with any workflow through Marketplace plugins. Then scale production and digital distribution with Ultimaker Cloud.

Ultimaker offers the widest material choice on the market. Through Material Alliance, choose the perfect filament for your application – from advanced polymers to carbon fiber composites.

Highlights
  • Instant Intent Profiles: Effortlessly access specific applications with a single click.
  • Reliable Recommendations: Tested extensively for thousands of hours to ensure dependable results.
  • Customizable Control: Explore over 400 settings in 'Custom Mode' for precise adjustments.
  • Continuous Improvement: Benefit from regular updates that enhance features and streamline printing experience.
  • Quick Setup: Prepare your 3D model for printing within minutes using recommended settings.
  • Easy Configuration: Simply select speed and quality settings to initiate printing.
  • Free and Open Source: UltiMaker Cura is freely available and open source, empowering users with accessibility.
  • Seamless Compatibility: Integration with all UltiMaker products ensures a smooth workflow.
  • CAD Plugin Support: Seamlessly integrate with SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, and more.
  • Versatile File Compatibility: Supports various file types including STL, OBJ, X3D, 3MF, BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG.
  • Material Profiling: Access material profiles from leading brands tailored for specific applications.
  • Third-Party Material Support: Easily utilize third-party materials without manual setup.
  • Plugin Repository: Expand functionality with community-rated plugins, enhancing the print preparation experience.
Key Features
  • Slicing Engine: It boasts a robust slicing engine that converts 3D models into printable G-code files efficiently.
  • Customizable Settings: Users have access to a plethora of customizable settings, allowing them to fine-tune parameters such as layer height, infill density, and print speed to achieve optimal print results.
  • Built-in Profiles: The software comes with pre-configured profiles for a wide range of 3D printers, simplifying the setup process for users.
  • Print Preview: It offers a comprehensive print preview feature, enabling users to visualize their prints layer by layer before sending them to the printer.
  • Plugin Support: Users can extend the functionality of Cura through a variety of plugins, adding features such as additional print optimization algorithms and advanced toolpaths.
User Interface

It features a clean and intuitive user interface, with easy access to all major functions and settings. The main workspace provides a clear view of the 3D model and offers intuitive tools for manipulating and positioning objects. The toolbar offers quick access to slicing settings, print preview, and other essential features, making it easy for users to navigate the software.

Installation and Setup

Installing this program is a straightforward process. Users can download the software from the official Ultimaker website and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on their PC. Once installed, users can select their 3D printer from a list of supported models and configure any additional settings as needed.

How to Use
  • Import Model: Start by importing your 3D model into this app.
  • Slice Settings: Adjust slicing settings according to your preferences and print requirements.
  • Preview Print: Preview the sliced model to ensure everything looks as expected.
  • Save or Print: Save the G-code file to an SD card or send it directly to your 3D printer for printing.
FAQ

Can Ultimaker Cura support my 3D printer?
It supports a wide range of 3D printers, including models from major manufacturers such as Ultimaker, Prusa, Creality, and more. You can check the list of supported printers on the Ultimaker website.

Is Ultimaker Cura compatible with macOS and Linux?
Yes, Ultimaker Cura is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, ensuring accessibility for users regardless of their preferred platform.

Can I customize print settings in Ultimaker Cura for PC?
Absolutely! it offers extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust parameters such as layer height, infill density, print speed, and more to achieve desired print quality.

Are there any tutorials available for beginners?
Yes, Ultimaker provides comprehensive tutorials and documentation to help users get started with this software, covering everything from basic setup to advanced printing techniques.

Can I use plugins with Ultimaker Cura to extend its functionality?
Yes, it supports plugins that allow users to add additional features and capabilities to the software, such as new print optimization algorithms and advanced toolpaths.

Alternatives

PrusaSlicer: PrusaSlicer is a popular slicing software developed by Prusa Research, known for its robust features and user-friendly interface.

OctoPrint: OctoPrint is a free and open-source 3D printing host software that offers remote monitoring and control capabilities.

Slic3r: Slic3r is an open-source slicing software known for its speed and reliability, offering a range of features for optimizing print quality.

Simplify3D: Simplify3D is a premium slicing software known for its advanced capabilities and extensive customization options.

Pricing

Ultimaker Cura is available as a FREE download, making it accessible to users of all budgets. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs associated with the software, making it an attractive option for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Minimum system requirements
  • Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11
  • OpenGL 2 compatible graphics card, OpenGL 4.1 for 3D layer view
  • Display resolution 1024 x 768
  • Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64
  • 550 MB available hard disk space
  • 4GB RAM memory
Recommended system requirements
  • Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11
  • OpenGL 4.1 compatible graphics card for 3D layer view
  • Display resolution 1920 x 1080
  • Intel Core i3 or AMD Athlon 64
  • Not all Intel integrated graphics support OpenGL 4.1 or higher.
  • 600 MB available hard disk space
  • 8GB RAM memory
PROS
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Extensive customization options
  • Wide range of supported 3D printers
  • Comprehensive print preview feature
  • Active community and plugin support
CONS
  • Some advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners
  • Occasional stability issues reported by users
  • Limited support for dual extrusion printing
Conclusion

It stands out as a powerful and versatile Windows 3D printing software, offering a plethora of features and customization options to meet the needs of both beginners and advanced users. Its intuitive user interface, extensive printer support, and active community make it a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as occasional stability issues, its overall performance and feature set make it a standout option in the realm of 3D printing software. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your 3D printing to the next level, Ultimaker Cura is definitely worth considering.

Also Available: Download Cura for Mac

Download Ultimaker Cura Latest Version
Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)

  • Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshot 1
  • Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshot 2
  • Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshot 3
  • Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshot 4
  • Ultimaker Cura 5.11.0 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

New features and improvements:
A new set of paint-on features designed to give you more flexibility and control when preparing your prints:
- Paint seams directly on your model to define where Cura places the z-seam, or block areas where seams should not appear. Paint extruder assignments for multi-material printing. Easily designate different regions of your model to different extruders with a simple brush workflow. These new painting tools make it easier than ever to fine-tune the look, feel, and performance of your parts.
- UltiMaker’s newest professional printers the UltiMaker S6 and UltiMaker S8 get even more powerful . Expanded print core support: slice with AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8, CC 0.4, and CC 0.6 cores. Improved material quality: PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, and PETG profiles now produce smoother surfaces, stronger parts, and better dimensional accuracy. New draft intent profiles: faster printing options for common materials, optimized for productivity. Visit our website if you want to learn which of our S Series 3D printers is right for you.
- If you were not using the USB-Cable Printing in the previous (5.10) version of Cura, it is automatically disabled for them. In addition, an option is added to the Cura Preferences under General where user can easily Enable or Disable the USB-cable printing by checking, unchecking the setting and restarting Cura.
- Introduced a pop-up that appears if user have an extruder that they are not using, allowing them to disable it for better quality
- Updated the Release Notification so the team can share more information about what's in the new release.
- Updated the logic for storing Cura Back-ups to download instead of store Cura plugins when restoring a back-up.
- Updated the Splash Screen and Header to show the correct UltiMaker logo.
- Updated local connection to UltiMaker Printers to allow for user verification.
- If users were not using the USB-Cable Printing in the previous (5.10) version of Cura, it is automatically disabled for them. In addition, an option is added to the Cura Preferences under General where user can easily Enable or Disable the USB-cable printing by checking, unchecking the setting and restarting Cura.
- Significantly updated the ChangeAtZ Script, to support relative extrusion, firmware retraction. Added "layer range" as an option and Travel moves are separated so changes in print speed don't necessarily affect them
- Introduced a Post Processing Script that allows user to use their printer for Annealing or Drying
- Updated the DisplayInfoOnLCD plug-in so it now correctly displays the Remaining time
- Update Create Thumbnail Post Processing Plugin with an option Thumbnail Begin/End and Use '*' for size of image
- Updated the Cooling Profile Post Processing Plug-in to include Build Volume Fan, and Idle Speed
- Updated the Filament Change Post Processing Log-in to hide the "Z-Move" when in "use firmware configuration" mode
- Enable more retraction settings to be set per-model
- Updated Insert At Layerchange post processing plug-in to allow for lowercase commands, resolves #20441
- Introduced a Post Processing Script that allows for defining Z-Hop on Travel

New Settings:
- Multi-material Precision, and Multi-material Depth allow you to finetune your painted brush strokes
- Initial layer build fan speed, and build fan speed settings for more control over the build volume fan
- Retraction During Travel Move, Keep Retracting During Travel, and Prime During Travel Move allow you to tune the retractions during a travel move, to allow for more effective traveling. NOTE: If the printer has pressure advance or a filament flow sensor, please keep an eye on the print
- Initial Layer Build Fan Speed, and Build Fan Speed Settings for more control over the build volume fan
- Top Surface Expansion for expanding top surfaces so they can be concealed by the layers above, resulting in a better visual quality, particularly for models with curved surfaces or fine details.

Bugs resolved since the Beta release:
- Improved slicing time on Windows machines making it significantly faster for a number of models
- Updated traveling directions for monotonic top surface, to reduce traveling and improve part quality
- Fixed a bug where painting closed shapes would not respect the drawn lines but would close filled shapes
- Introduced a workaround for deprecated face selection methods to remain backwards compatible for plugins
- Multi material settings are now settable per mesh
- Fixed a bug where you had to reslice to see your preview again after saving or sending the model
- Fixed group handling for painting features, and disabled painting for grouped objects because the painting is currently designed to allow painting a single object at once
- Fixed a bug where Cura would crash if you switched to another printer with a painted model
- Fixed a bug where the model and a prime tower could collide when a model was painted
- Fixed a bug where you could slice with a painted disabled extruder
- Improved handling of rotating your view when you are in paint on mode
- Updated settings to improve overhang, top/bottom settings on the UltiMaker S6 and S8
- Updated settings to improve the Z seam settings for Factor 4
- Fixed a bug with the translations where French translations had some Italian text in them on the recommended window
- Fixed a bug where the Makerbot Replicator+ could not start a print with a Smart Extruder+ Tough
- Introduced messages when you cannot start a printjob over network because the printer Requires Authentication

Fixed:
- Fixed a bug where Cura would not start if you have an extremely strict AntiVirus program installed on the same PC
- Fixed a bug on Mac where Pop Up Windows would hide behind the main window
- Fixed a bug where Overhang Wall Speeds were applied to Walls that were supposed to be bridging
- Fixed a bug where the Brim Gap would also apply to the support structures that don't need the brim gap
- Fixed a bug where you could not add a cloud connected printer if you were not already signed in by removing a campaign link
- Fixed a bug where the nozzle would wipe back on the top layer of a spiralized model
- Updated warning range for the Inside Travel Avoid Distance
- Updated Use Towers for Support from Expert to Basic Category
- Fixed a bug where translations would not show up in Recommended
- Gracefully supports if Printers, Projects, and Users are deactivated in Digital Factory if a subscription is downgraded
- Removed the None Corner Preference from the Sharpest Corner Z Seam Alignment
- Updated the Fine print profile for the FDM printer. It now defaults to a 0.1mm layer height, correcting the previous 0.2mm default setting due to missing value.
- Fixed a bug where Cura would fail randomly, if the printer was loaded before the MachineErrorChecker
- Cleaned up the Windows Start Menu entry after installing. It no longer is folderized and doesn't contain a link anymore
- Removed NSIS uninstall shortcut left behind when uninstalling
- Updated code quality of the PurgeLinesAndUnload Post Processing Plug-in script
- Fix race condition in TreeSupportBaseCircle which may sometimes cause a crash

Printer definitions, profiles and materials:
- Significantly improved printed part quality for PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, and PETG on the UltiMaker S6 and S8.
- (Tree) Support is now less prone to falling over and easier to remove
- Bridging, Walls, and Top Surfaces now have fewer flow jumps
- Top details, especially around overhangs, look better because of the changes in cooling
- Dimensional accuracy has improved because of the updated wall printing strategy
- Seams are no longer printed on overhangs, improving the quality
- Added new draft intent profiles for PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, and PETG on UltiMaker S6 and S8
- Introduced support for Nylon material on UltiMaker Method and Method X
- Updated codequality of the UltiMaker S8 definition to allow for better support for Marketplace materials
- Updated settings to reduced ringing artifacts on the UltiMaker Factor 4
- Improve calculation for the Build Volume Temperature for the UltiMaker Factor 4
- Updated temperature settings for the UltiMaker Method and MethodXL to improve printing rafts with RapidRinse
- Updated settings for UltiMaker Sketch Sprint to improve print quality for overhangs and bridges
- Improved the predicted printing time on the Makerbot Replicator+ to be closer to the actual printing time
- Introduced 2.85 mm Generic BVOH material profiles
- Introduced support for BAM materials on BB cores on UltiMaker S line printers
- Introduced Anycubic Kobra S1
- Updated code quality for zyyx_pro and zyyx_plus definitions
- Introduced Anycubic Kobra 3 V2, and Anycubic Kobra 3 v2 ACE PRO
- Updated 100% infill settings for all printers
- Significant speed improvements for the Voron profiles
- Introduced Sovol SV08
- Introduced Toybox Alpha One/Two
- Updated Hellbot Hidra and Hellbot Hidra Plus with bed image
- Updated Sovol SV01 definition to be titan style instead of Bowden
- Introduced BIQU B2
- Introduced Geetech M1 and Geetech M1S Profiles, and updated the Geetech Thunder Profiles

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