> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install your slicer (Cura)

> Install UltiMaker Cura, add your Ender 3, and learn what a slicer does and why you need one.

## Why you need a slicer

Your printer cannot read a 3D model directly. It needs step-by-step instructions called **G-code** - move here, extrude this much, heat to this temperature. A **slicer** is the software that takes your 3D model, cuts it into hundreds of thin horizontal layers, and writes the G-code your Ender 3 follows.

The gold-standard free slicer is **UltiMaker Cura**, trusted by millions of makers worldwide.

<Frame caption="A slicer cuts your solid 3D model into hundreds of thin printable layers of G-code">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/slicing-concept.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=18fa47f28b2a88faa5b25a866e87b1b0" alt="Diagram of a 3D model being sliced into horizontal layers and converted to G-code" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/slicing-concept.png" />
</Frame>

<Info>
  Model file (`.stl` / `.obj`) → **Cura slices it** → printer file (`.gcode`) → your Ender 3 prints it.
</Info>

## Install Cura

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the official site" icon="globe">
    Visit [ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura](https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/) and click **Download for Free**. Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the installer" icon="download">
    Open the downloaded file (`.exe` on Windows, `.dmg` on Mac). Agree to the terms, then on Windows click **Install**, or on Mac **drag Cura into your Applications folder**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Cura" icon="app-window">
    Launch Cura. The first time it opens, it walks you through adding a printer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Add your Ender 3

Cura needs to know which printer you have so it uses the right settings and build area.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add a non-networked printer" icon="printer">
    Click **Add Printer** → **Non-UltiMaker Printer** → **Add a non-networked printer**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Creality Ender 3" icon="list">
    Open the **Creality** manufacturer group, select **Creality Ender 3**, and click **Add**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the machine settings" icon="check">
    Cura fills in the Ender 3's build volume (220 x 220 x 250 mm) and defaults automatically. Accept them.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## A quick tour of Cura

<Frame caption="The Cura workspace: model on the bed, tools on the left, print settings on the right">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/cura-interface.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=a64311b3734bd23b6670e46bd14f8cee" alt="Annotated Cura slicer interface showing the build plate, tools, and print settings panel" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/cura-interface.png" />
</Frame>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Load a model" icon="folder-open">
    Drag an `.stl` file into Cura, or use **File → Open**. Your model appears on the virtual bed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Move, scale, rotate" icon="move-3d">
    Use the tools on the left to position and size your model on the bed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Print settings" icon="sliders-horizontal">
    On the right, set layer height, infill, speed, and supports. Start with the **Standard Quality** preset.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Slice and save" icon="save">
    Click **Slice**, review the time and material estimate, then **Save to Disk** or to your microSD card.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Beginner settings that just work

<Frame caption="Layer height sets how fine your print looks - thinner layers, smoother surface, longer print">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/layer-height.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=0c7d4e59e6fe19dd8ac9d374e06a8b78" alt="Diagram comparing thin versus thick layer heights and their effect on print quality" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/layer-height.png" />
</Frame>

<Frame caption="Infill fills the inside of a print - more infill means a stronger, heavier, slower part">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/infill-density.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=49ca528f2b35784b9c45d9e659588add" alt="Diagram comparing low, medium, and high infill density inside a printed part" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/infill-density.png" />
</Frame>

<Frame caption="Steep overhangs need supports - temporary scaffolding you remove after printing">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva/images/intro3d/supports-concept.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O9vEZP6xEEMFLHva&q=85&s=d61216bba14b6d7c1b5206fbf32a5583" alt="Diagram showing support structures holding up an overhang during printing" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/intro3d/supports-concept.png" />
</Frame>

| Setting              | Beginner value                    | Why                                             |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Layer height         | 0.2 mm                            | Good balance of speed and quality               |
| Infill               | 15-20%                            | Strong enough for most prints, saves plastic    |
| Print speed          | 40-50 mm/s                        | Reliable and clean for a new printer            |
| Build plate adhesion | Skirt (or Brim)                   | Primes the nozzle and improves first-layer grip |
| Supports             | Only if there are steep overhangs | Saves plastic and cleanup when not needed       |

<Warning>
  Always make sure the selected printer in Cura is **Creality Ender 3** before slicing. Slicing with the wrong printer profile can send bad temperatures or move commands to your machine.
</Warning>

<Check>
  Cura is installed, the Creality Ender 3 is added, and you can load a model, slice it, and save a `.gcode` file. Next we set up the design software.
</Check>