MatterControl
3D printing software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$24.95 one-time
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What is MatterControl
MatterControl is a desktop application for preparing and managing FFF/FDM 3D prints, combining model import, slicing, printer control, and print queue management in one interface. It targets hobbyists, makerspaces, and small teams that want an integrated workflow from model setup to sending jobs to a connected printer. The product includes basic design and repair tools alongside slicing profiles and device management features. It is commonly used as an all-in-one alternative to using separate CAD/modeling, slicer, and printer host tools.
All-in-one print workflow
MatterControl combines model placement, slicing, and printer control in a single application, reducing the need to switch between separate tools. It supports direct connection to many FDM printers for job start/stop, temperature control, and monitoring. For small shops and makerspaces, the integrated queue and device management can simplify day-to-day printing operations. This approach can be more convenient than using a standalone slicer plus a separate printer host.
Built-in basic modeling tools
The application includes simple CAD-like primitives, transforms, and basic editing utilities that help users make quick adjustments without leaving the print environment. This is useful for tasks such as adding simple geometry, resizing parts, or arranging assemblies for printing. While not a replacement for full mechanical CAD or advanced mesh modeling, it can cover common last-mile changes. This can reduce turnaround time for straightforward edits.
Local desktop deployment
MatterControl runs as a local desktop application, which can suit environments that prefer offline operation or do not want cloud-managed print workflows. Local processing keeps slicing and job preparation on the user’s machine, which can help with data handling policies for some organizations. It also avoids reliance on a browser-based interface for core tasks. This deployment model is familiar to users of traditional desktop slicers.
Limited advanced CAD capabilities
The built-in design tools focus on basic geometry and edits rather than parametric mechanical design, constraints, and detailed drawings. Teams that require engineering-grade CAD workflows typically need to use dedicated CAD software and then import models for slicing. Complex assemblies, tolerance-driven design, and revision-controlled design intent are not the product’s core strengths. This can add steps for professional engineering use cases.
Slicing ecosystem not dominant
In many print environments, users standardize on slicers with very broad printer/profile ecosystems and frequent profile updates from printer vendors and communities. MatterControl’s slicing and profile coverage may require more manual tuning for certain printers, materials, or specialized print strategies. Organizations with diverse printer fleets may find profile management less standardized than with the most commonly adopted slicers. This can increase setup time when onboarding new hardware.
Primarily FDM-focused workflows
MatterControl is mainly oriented around FFF/FDM printing and typical G-code-based device control. Organizations using resin/SLA workflows or tightly integrated printer-specific pipelines often rely on dedicated tools tailored to those processes. If a team operates mixed technologies, they may need additional software alongside MatterControl. This reduces the benefit of a single standardized tool across all printers.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free (MatterControl) | $0.00 (perpetually free/open-source) | Core MatterControl application: design, slicing, and printer control; downloadable desktop builds; Cloud Library (2GB for free users — inferred from Pro description). |
| Pro (MatterControl Pro Edition) | $155.00 annual subscription | 64-bit engine, Pro-only design tools (Gear Creator, Thread Creator, Autopilot, Mesh Repair, Mesh Hollowing, Polygon Reduce), unlimited cloud storage, email & phone support; licensed to a single purchasing user (install on multiple computers). |
| Design Apps / Add-ons (examples) | Gear Creator — $24.95 (one-time); Threads Creator — $24.99 (one-time) | Individual paid design-app add-ons that integrate with MatterControl/MatterCAD; Pro subscribers receive these tools as part of the Pro subscription. |
Seller details
MatterHackers, Inc.
Lake Forest, California, USA
2012
Private
https://www.matterhackers.com/
https://x.com/matterhackers
https://www.linkedin.com/company/matterhackers/
