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CAD · head to head

Ultimaker Cura vs Vectr

Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectr logo

Vectr

Design

Free vector graphics editor for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution; Vectr performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • They diverge on capability: Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Vectr covers Vector drawing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Ultimaker Cura and Vectr differ
AttributeUltimaker CuraVectr
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
CategoryCADDesign
Founded20112014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), 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 Ultimaker Cura

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

Only in Vectr

  • Vector drawing
  • Shape tools
  • Typography
  • Gradient tools
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Cloud storage
  • Export options
  • Simple interface

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot Vectr
  • Professional printingnot Vectr

Vectr

  • Logo designnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Vector illustrationnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Web graphicsnot Ultimaker Cura
  • Learning designnot Ultimaker Cura

Where each one falls short

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

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

Vectr

  • Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
  • Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
  • Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
  • Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support

Pricing, plan by plan

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

Vectr

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Basic tools
    • Limited AI credits
  • Plus$1.99/month
    • 1GB storage
    • 600 AI credits
    • Single-session access
  • Premium$4.99/month
    • 5GB storage
    • 2,400 AI credits
    • Three concurrent sessions

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Vectr if

  • You need vector drawing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
  • You also want shape tools.
Vectr review

Questions people ask

Is Ultimaker Cura or Vectr better?
Neither clearly leads. Ultimaker Cura starts at Free and Vectr at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ultimaker Cura or Vectr?
Ultimaker Cura starts at Free and Vectr at Free.
Does Ultimaker Cura or Vectr run on more platforms?
Ultimaker Cura runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
Can I use Ultimaker Cura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Ultimaker Cura best used for?
Ultimaker Cura is most often used for 3d print slicing, professional printing. Of those, 3d print slicing and professional printing are not what Vectr is typically brought in for.
What can Ultimaker Cura do that Vectr cannot?
Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?

Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.

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
Vectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?

Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.

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
Vectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?

Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.

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
Vectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?

Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.

Source
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