Configuring the Software - 3D Printing: Build your Own 3D Printer and Print your own 3D Objects - page 65

For me, the complicated part of the software is finding the software you can use
with your particular 3D printer. Dozens of options are available for software that
can slice up objects and “talk” to 3D printers, and hundreds of CAD applications
let users create 3D objects.
The simplest route is to start with what the 3D printer manufacturer suggests for
software. In some instances, you may be referred to a web page that lists all the
compatible applications that will work with your brand of 3D printer. In other in-
stances, some 3D printers use proprietary software created by the manufacturer, so
the choice may already be made for you.
When it comes to the Printrbot Simple, you aren't locked in to any one type of
software, but what's nice is that Printrbot suggests one particular application in
the “Simple Getting Started Guide” and walks you through all the configuration
settings that are specific to the Simple. So that's what I'm going to do for this
chapter; I'm going to download Repetier and show you how I go about connecting
my computer to the Simple, and testing and configuring it before I begin printing.
Downloading the Repetier Software
I use a MacBook Air, but if you use a PC, you'll be happy to know that the soft-
ware recommended by Printrbot is available for both Windows and Linux. Most
of the figures you'll be seeing in this chapter are from my Mac, but you'll find that
the software looks similar in most, if not all, of the configuration screens. Again,
if you hit a snag, contact Printrbot or Repetier with your question or post it on a
forum.
Note
The Repetier software is free to use, but if you really like it and enjoy
it, you might want to consider making a donation to the company. You
can visit http://www.repetier.com/donate-or-support/ to make a dona-
tion. The amount is up to you, but keep in mind that financial support
means updates for the software and continued technical support.
I've downloaded the software to my Mac and double-clicked the icon to install it.
If you're a Mac owner, you'll probably find that the software is from an “uniden-
tified developer” and cannot be installed. Don't worry—the software is fine if
you've downloaded it directly from Repetier. All you need to do is hold down the
Control key and click the installation icon (and your login user account must be