Formlabs PreForm
Formlabs PreForm is software for preparing 3D prints and sending them to Formlabs SLA or SLS printers.
What Formlabs PreForm is
Formlabs PreForm is software for preparing 3D prints and sending them to Formlabs SLA or SLS printers. Its automatic tools arrange models, set orientation, and generate supports, helping users prepare prints without specialized training. It provides validated print settings, estimates, printability checks, and automatic recovery. Users can also adjust settings such as exposure, layer height, heating, and layer thickness for Formlabs and certified third-party materials. For Fuse Series SLS printers, automatic 3D packing can improve packing density and lock a model's orientation and position. PreForm offers native integrations with Rhino, SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, 3Shape, Fusion 360, and Netfabb, and can import native CAD models including STEP and SolidWorks. It runs on Windows 10 version 1809 or later and macOS 13 or later. The software is free, with no license, annual fee, or installation limit for Formlabs SLA and SLS printers.
Good
- Automates layout, orientation, and support generation
- Includes printability checks and real-time estimates
- Supports custom settings for certified third-party materials
- Free, with no license or installation limits
Watch out
- Latest PreForm version for Form 1+ is 2.20.0
- Available for macOS and Windows only
- Print monitoring is not included
Who it suits
PreForm suits people preparing prints for Formlabs SLA or SLS printers, including users who want automated layout and support generation. Its customizable material settings and CAD integrations also suit workflows that need tailored print preparation.
Verdict
PreForm combines automated print preparation with print checks, configurable settings, and CAD integrations. Check printer compatibility before choosing a version, particularly for Form 1+ users.
Plans and prices
From Formlabs PreForm's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | No licenses, annual fees, or installation limits · Formlabs SLA and SLS printers |
The facts
Each one read from Formlabs PreForm's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API
- The Formlabs API supports CAD integrations, automated batch preparation, and printer status and progress monitoring through MES or other software.checked 4 Oct 2026
- CAD integration
- The page lists native integrations with Rhino, SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, 3Shape, Fusion 360, and Netfabb, and says PreForm imports native CAD models including STEP and SolidWorks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The latest PreForm version compatible with Form 1+ is 2.20.0, released March 12, 2019.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Custom settings
- Users can customize print settings for Formlabs and certified third-party materials, including exposure, layer height, heating, and layer thickness.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- PreForm 3.63.1 was released September 25, 2026, with a new Fast Arch print setting and crash fixes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The download page offers Windows 10 64-bit version 1809 or later and macOS 13 or later, with Apple Silicon and Intel Mac downloads.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Print checks
- PreForm provides validated print settings, real-time estimates, printability checks, and auto-recovery.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PreForm prepares 3D prints automatically and uploads them to Formlabs SLA or SLS printers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- SLS packing
- Automatic 3D packing for Fuse Series SLS printers optimizes packing density and can lock model orientation and position.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support resources
- Formlabs provides PreForm setup, model design, print settings, upload, firmware, and troubleshooting support articles.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Supports
- Supports V2 uses touchpoints up to 50% smaller to help produce smoother surfaces and easier removal.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- Its automatic algorithms arrange print layout, orientation, and supports for users without specialized training.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Formlabs says it began in 2011, when three MIT graduate students built its first printer, and lists Boston, Massachusetts as its global headquarters.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2011checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Somerville, Massachusetts, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026
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