Slic3r is a software used by the 3D printers’ users to convert a digital 3D model into printing instructions (G code) for the 3D printer. It slices the model into horizontal layers, generates toolpaths to fill them and calculates the amount of material to be extruded.

Learning how to use Slic3r is very important for any using or willing to start using a 3D printer. There are other alternatives for Slic3r; Cura, Repetier and KISSlicer are some of these alternatives.

This post is a road map for anyone willing to start learning Slic3r online for free from scratch, the post will present and compare between the best online sources where beginners can start familiarizing themselves with Slic3r and know about the ins and outs of the tool.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Slic3r) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Start Learning Slic3r Online for Free from Scratch

Makezine

Makezine is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learn using Slic3r through a text-based tutorial. You don’t have to register to have access to the tutorials.

Structure: The tutorial is divided into 18 sections, each section covers a certain aspect of Slic3r.

Interface: the interface is very simple, just click on the topic you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to it.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for complete beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of Slic3r.
2. The training doesn’t cover every aspect of the software.

Verdict: This is a very good outlet for beginners to start learning about Slic3r

Rich Rap

Rich Rap is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Slic3r through a text based tutorial, as the first outlet you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 3 parts, each part covers certain aspects of Slic3r, the training has a large number of screenshots which will be very helpful for beginners.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the part you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where this part resides.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training has a very large number of screenshots which is very helpful for Slic3r as well as 3D printing beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of Slic3r.

Verdict: This is a very good outlet for beginners to start learning about Slic3r through a text based tutorial. This outlet covers more topics than the first outlet.

Slic3r Manual

Slic3r Manual is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Slic3r through a text based tutorial, as the first two outlets you don’t have to register to have access to the manual.

Structure: The training is divided into 6 main sections, each sections is divided into topics that covers the various aspects of the tool.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the part you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where this part resides.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.

Cons

1. Screenshots aren’t as thorough and as many as the first two outlets.

Verdict: This outlet is more suitable for advanced users.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning Slic3r

1. Makezine is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Slic3r through text-based tutorial.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in Slic3r.