Fixing "floating regions" and "empty layer" slicer errors

Getting a "floating regions" or "empty layer" error when slicing? This guide explains what these errors mean and how to fix them.

What do these errors mean?

These errors occur when your 3D model has parts that would need to be printed in mid-air - without anything underneath to support them.

Floating regions means the slicer detected sections of your model that aren't connected to anything below them. Imagine trying to print a tabletop without the legs - the top would just fall.

Empty layer means there's a gap in your model where nothing gets printed for one or more layers, then printing resumes higher up. This creates the same mid-air printing problem.

These errors can also occur when parts of your model are too thin to produce any actual print lines. If a section is thinner than what the slicer can output at your current layer height, it essentially becomes "empty" - resulting in the same floating region problem for anything above it.

How to fix it

You have a few options:

1. Enable supports

The easiest fix is to turn on support generation in your print settings. Supports are temporary structures that hold up overhanging parts during printing - you remove them after the print is done.

1. In the slicer, find Support in the print settings panel
2. Enable supports (the exact setting name varies by slicer)
3. Slice again

2. Re-orient the model

Sometimes rotating your model can eliminate or reduce the need for supports. Look for an orientation where overhanging parts have something beneath them.

1. Select your model in the slicer
2. Use the rotate tool to try different orientations
3. Look for a position where fewer parts "float" in the air
4. Slice again to check if the error is resolved

3. Scale up the model

If exact dimensions aren't important for your print, scaling up the model can help. This makes thin sections thicker so the slicer can actually produce print lines for them.

1. Select your model in the slicer
2. Use the scale tool to increase the size (try 110-150%)
3. Slice again to see if the error disappears

This works particularly well when the error is caused by sections being too thin to print at your current settings. A larger model means those thin walls become thick enough for the slicer to handle.

4. Fix the model

If the model itself has issues - like disconnected parts or holes - you may need to repair it:

• Use the model's original design software to fix gaps
• Try an online mesh repair tool
• Check if there's a fixed version of the model available

Still having issues?

If you've tried these fixes and still see the error, the model may have more complex geometry issues. Feel free to reach out to our support team for help.

Updated on: 21/01/2026