UltiMaker Cura Download and Setup Guide
Long-established free slicer supporting a very wide range of printers
Representative photo — Creative Tools CC BY 2.0
Cura is one of the oldest and most widely used free slicers, developed by UltiMaker but supporting a very large range of third-party printers through built-in and community profiles. It slices models into G-code with extensive settings, a well-organised search box for finding them, and a marketplace of plugins and material profiles. It is the slicer many people start with because almost every printer has a Cura profile somewhere. Releases are published on the UltiMaker GitHub repository, which is the reliable download route.
Version and licence: Free and open source. Version 5.13.0 as of May 2026, at about 158 MB on Windows, 164 to 183 MB on macOS depending on architecture, and 319 MB on Linux. We link the GitHub releases page because ultimaker.com blocks automated access, but the repository is UltiMaker's own. About 158 MB on Windows, 164 to 183 MB on macOS, 319 MB on Linux.
Download UltiMaker Cura
What it does
- Profiles for a very large number of printers from many manufacturers
- Searchable settings, which makes a complex slicer manageable
- Marketplace of plugins and material profiles
- Tree supports and paint-on support blockers
- Per-model settings so different objects use different profiles
- G-code preview with feature colouring
- Recommended and Custom modes for different experience levels
How to install it
Step 1
Download Cura for your operating system from the UltiMaker GitHub releases page.
Step 2
Install it and approve it in System Settings, Privacy and Security on macOS if it is blocked.
Step 3
Add your printer in the setup wizard, choosing it from the list or using a custom FFF printer with your bed size and nozzle diameter.
Step 4
Select the material profile that matches your filament.
Step 5
Start in Recommended mode, which exposes only layer height, infill, supports and adhesion.
Step 6
Import a model, arrange it on the plate and slice.
Step 7
Inspect the preview, particularly the first layer and any supports.
Step 8
Save the G-code to an SD card, or install a plugin such as OctoPrint Connection for network sending.
Which printers it supports
UltiMaker printers plus a very wide range of third-party FDM machines including Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Prusa and many others through bundled and community profiles.
When UltiMaker Cura will not work
The UltiMaker site blocks some automated access. Use the Ultimaker/Cura GitHub releases page, which is the official repository and carries every release.
Choose Custom FFF printer and enter the bed dimensions, nozzle diameter and G-code flavour. Community profiles for many printers are also available in the marketplace or as downloadable definition files.
Use Recommended mode, which shows only layer height, infill, supports and build plate adhesion. Switch to Custom and use the settings search box when you need something specific.
Try tree supports, which use less material and remove more cleanly on organic shapes. Also increase support density under overhangs and reduce the support Z distance if parts sag.
Cura reslices as you change settings, which is heavy on complex models. Reduce the model detail before importing, close other applications, and avoid very high infill percentages, which multiply the calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cura free?
Yes, free and open source, and it supports a very wide range of printers.
Why link GitHub instead of ultimaker.com?
The UltiMaker site blocks some automated access. The GitHub repository is UltiMaker's own official release channel.
Is Cura or OrcaSlicer better for a beginner?
Cura's Recommended mode is gentler for a first slicer. OrcaSlicer has better calibration tools once you want to tune things.
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