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Software · head to head

PrusaSlicer vs Shapr3D

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

Software

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities; Shapr3D the free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Shapr3D covers Direct modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and Shapr3D actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and Shapr3D differ
AttributePrusaSlicerShapr3D
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxIPadOS, MacOS, Windows
Founded20122015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

Only in Shapr3D

  • Direct modeling
  • Parametric history
  • Visualization
  • 2D drawings
  • Apple Pencil support
  • Import/export
  • Annotations
  • Fusion 360

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot Shapr3D
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot Shapr3D
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot Shapr3D

Shapr3D

  • Direct modelling CAD on iPad with Apple Pencilnot PrusaSlicer
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot PrusaSlicer
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot PrusaSlicer

Where each one falls short

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

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Shapr3D

  • The free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • Free plan exports only basic resolution 3MF and STL, so no STEP or IGES output
  • Free plan caps generative renders at 3 per day; Pro raises this to 50 per day and only Enterprise is unlimited
  • Importing SLDPRT and SLDASM SolidWorks files requires Pro
  • Importing NX, JT, CREO, Solid Edge and Rhino files requires Enterprise
  • Exporting ACIS, FBX, Parasolid and PRC requires Enterprise
  • On premises and single tenant data storage is Enterprise only
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

Shapr3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 active designs
    • Basic features
  • Pro$25/month
    • Unlimited designs
    • All export formats
  • Business$199/month
    • Team features
    • Visualization

Which should you pick?

Choose PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Choose Shapr3D if

  • You need direct modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want parametric history.
Shapr3D review

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or Shapr3D better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PrusaSlicer or Shapr3D?
PrusaSlicer starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free.
Does PrusaSlicer or Shapr3D run on more platforms?
PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is PrusaSlicer best used for?
PrusaSlicer is most often used for preparation of stl models for 3d printing, multi-material printing preparation, g-code generation and customisation via macros. Of those, preparation of stl models for 3d printing and multi-material printing preparation are not what Shapr3D is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that Shapr3D cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.
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