Articles on: Cloud Slicer

How to import models into the Cloud Slicer

How to import models into the Cloud Slicer

This guide shows how to add a model to the Cloud Slicer by using the SimplyPrint file picker, uploading a new file, choosing an existing SimplyPrint file, or dragging a file into the slicer.


Model loaded in the Cloud Slicer workbench


Before you start

Make sure your file is one of the supported file types for the Cloud Slicer.


The plus button and SimplyPrint file picker are for editable model and vector files, including:


  • STL
  • 3MF
  • OBJ
  • SVG
  • STEP and STP


Other flows can handle other slicer-related files, such as SPS project files or G-code preview files, but those are not editable model imports from the plus-button picker.


For the full list and what each format is used for, see the related article at the bottom of this guide.


Import a model with the plus button

  1. Open Slicer in SimplyPrint.
  2. Click the plus button in the top toolbar.
  3. The SimplyPrint file picker opens.
  4. Choose an existing editable model file from SimplyPrint, or upload a new supported model file from your device.
  5. Select the file you want to use.
  6. Wait for the model to load on the build plate.


Once the model is loaded, you can move, rotate, scale, duplicate, arrange, or slice it.


Drag and drop a model

You can also drag a supported file directly into the Cloud Slicer. Drag and drop can accept editable model files, and can also route some non-model files into their own preview or project flows.


  1. Open Slicer.
  2. Drag the file from your computer into the slicer window.
  3. Drop it when the slicer is ready to accept the file.
  4. Wait for the model to appear on the build plate.


This is often the fastest way to import a single STL, 3MF, or OBJ file.


Import a file from SimplyPrint

If the file is already saved in SimplyPrint, you can open it from your file library.


  1. Open Slicer.
  2. Click the plus button in the top toolbar.
  3. Select the editable model file you want to slice from the SimplyPrint file picker.
  4. Load it into the slicer.


The same file picker also lets you upload a new file, so you do not need to leave the Cloud Slicer to add a model from your device.


What happens after import

After the file loads, the Cloud Slicer may do a few things depending on the file:


  • Place the model on the build plate
  • Ask whether the file should be interpreted in millimeters or inches
  • Offer to rotate the model into a better orientation
  • Load 3MF project data such as multiple plates, painted colors, parts, or placements when available
  • Open some already-sliced files in preview mode when they are added through a supported preview flow


If the model looks too large, too small, or incorrectly oriented, check the import prompt first. Some files are exported in inches even though most slicer workflows use millimeters.


Importing 3MF files

3MF files can contain more than just model geometry. Depending on how the file was created, a 3MF may include:


  • Multiple objects or parts
  • Multiple plates
  • Object placement
  • Color painting or filament assignments
  • Other slicer project data


The Cloud Slicer will use the extra 3MF data when it can. If the file does not contain supported project data, it will still try to import the model geometry.


Importing G-code files

G-code files are already sliced. That means they cannot be edited like STL, 3MF, or OBJ models.


When a G-code file is opened through a supported preview flow, use it for previewing or sending the already-sliced file where supported. The plus-button picker is for editable model files. If you need to change print settings, import the original model file and slice it again.


If the file does not import correctly

Try these fixes:


  • Make sure the file type is supported
  • Try exporting the model again from the original design or slicer software
  • If the model is damaged, repair it before importing
  • If the model imports at the wrong size, check whether it was exported in inches instead of millimeters
  • If a 3MF file does not preserve the setup you expected, try saving it again from the slicer that created it



Updated on: 26/05/2026

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