Before you update your slicer

A newer version may be exactly what you need. Give yourself a clean comparison and keep your current files intact while you find out.

1. Save your working setup.

Record your current slicer version. Export the profiles and presets you have changed using that slicer’s own export options. Keep copies of your project files outside the application’s settings directory.

2. Read the notes for the exact release.

Check the developer’s requirements, known issues and migration notes. A build for macOS, for example, still has its own processor and OS-version requirements. Check whether you are choosing a stable release or a preview.

3. Test with a copy of a familiar project.

Open a duplicate rather than your only project file. Confirm the selected printer, nozzle, filament and process settings. Inspect the toolpath preview before sending a job to your printer.

4. Treat a downgrade as a separate change.

A file saved in a new version may open differently in an older version. Keep the original project and exported settings until you are comfortable with the new setup.