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# How to insert a pause at a layer

# How to insert a pause at a layer
You can add a pause at a specific layer from the Cloud Slicer preview. This is useful when the print should stop before continuing, for example to insert magnets, nuts, or another part into the model.

||| The Cloud Slicer adds simple pause commands. Use them when you need the printer to stop before continuing.

![Layer selector menu showing add pause options](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/f/2/2/ff22a914001c1000/insert-pause-color-change-laye_1739n51.png)

## Before you start
Slice the model first so the preview has layers.

Pauses are added from the preview layer selector, not from the prepare view. Pause adding is also disabled in G-code viewing mode.

## Choose the layer
Use the vertical layer selector in the preview to choose the layer where the pause should happen.

The layer handles can be dragged. The top handle controls the end layer shown in preview, and the bottom handle controls the start layer shown in preview.

Click the layer label, tap it, or right-click the handle to open the pause menu for that layer.

## Add a pause
When the menu opens, choose one pause option:

- **Machine settings** uses the pause G-code configured in the machine profile
- **OctoPrint** inserts the `@pause` host command

SimplyPrint marks the recommended option as **Matches your printer** based on whether the current printer is detected as OctoPrint.

For PrusaSlicer, **Machine settings** can fall back to the slicer's default `M601` pause command when no custom pause G-code is stored in the selected machine profile.

## Use a pause for an insert
Layer pauses are most useful when the print needs something added before the printer continues.

Common examples include:

- Magnets
- Nuts
- Weights
- RFID tags
- Other embedded parts

Choose a pause layer before the cavity is closed by later layers. After slicing, use the preview to confirm the pause is at the correct height.

## Remove a pause
Open the menu on a layer that already has a pause, then choose **Remove pause**.

Pause markers are shown on the layer selector so you can see which layers have pauses.

## When pauses are unavailable
The pause menu can show that pauses are not available in the current mode or with the current slicer settings.

The Cloud Slicer disables pause adding for:

- G-code viewing mode
- Spiral vase mode
- Sequential printing by object

## How the pause is applied
The pause is stored in the preview state first. The G-code is patched later, when the file is used.

The patcher can handle normal G-code files and 3MF files with embedded G-code. It inserts the pause before the first real G-code command for the selected layer, after layer metadata and related comments.

## Related articles
- [Which pause option should I choose?](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/which-pause-option-should-i-choose-obn1qx/)
- [How G-code preview works after slicing](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/how-g-code-preview-works-after-slicing-12xb8kv/)
- [How to slice, preview, download, and send sliced files](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/how-to-slice-preview-download-and-send-sliced-files-u20eze/)
- [Multi-color and multi-material printing in the Cloud Slicer](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/multi-color-and-multi-material-printing-in-the-cloud-slicer-snr5wi/)