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Design · head to head

Lunacy vs Ultimaker Cura

Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Design

Free design software that keeps your flow

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers; Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution
  • They diverge on capability: Lunacy covers Vector editing, Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lunacy and Ultimaker Cura actually diverge.

Attributes where Lunacy and Ultimaker Cura differ
AttributeLunacyUltimaker Cura
CategoryDesignCAD
Founded20162011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support

Only in Ultimaker Cura

  • Universal printer support
  • Custom profiles
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Cloud integration
  • Tree supports
  • Arachne engine
  • Ultimaker printers
  • Most FDM printers

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Lunacy

  • UI/UX designnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Web designnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Mobile app designnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Icon designnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Marketing graphicsnot Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot Lunacy
  • Professional printingnot Lunacy

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Lunacy

  • Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
  • Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

Pricing, plan by plan

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Lunacy if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want auto layouts.
Lunacy review

Choose Ultimaker Cura if

  • You need universal printer support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want custom profiles.
Ultimaker Cura review

Questions people ask

Is Lunacy or Ultimaker Cura better?
Neither clearly leads. Lunacy starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Ultimaker Cura?
Lunacy starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free.
Does Lunacy or Ultimaker Cura run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Lunacy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Lunacy best used for?
Lunacy is most often used for ui/ux design, web design, mobile app design, icon design. Of those, ui/ux design and web design are not what Ultimaker Cura is typically brought in for.
What can Lunacy do that Ultimaker Cura cannot?
Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration. Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?

Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. Ultimaker Cura is completely free and open-source under the LGPL license. There are no premium versions, subscriptions, or hidden fees. All features are available to everyone.

Source
Lunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?

Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: How many printers does Cura support?

Ultimaker Cura supports over 400 different 3D printer models with out-of-the-box configuration. Users can add custom printers and profiles.

Source
Lunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?

No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What file formats does Cura import?

Ultimaker Cura converts STL, OBJ, 3MF, and other 3D file formats into G-code instructions that 3D printers can execute.

Source
Lunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?

Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.

Source
Ultimaker Cura: What features are available?

Cura offers 400+ configurable print settings, material profiles, intent profiles for specific applications, plugin support via the Ultimaker Marketplace, and active community development on GitHub.

Source
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