How to Set Up Your First Print in Cura: A 5-Minute Beginner's Tutorial

So, you’ve unboxed your shiny new 3D printer, and you’re ready to bring your digital creations to life. There’s just one crucial step between your 3D model file and the physical object: the slicer.

Welcome to your first print setup with Ultimaker Cura, the most popular (and free!) 3D printing software in the world. A slicer’s job is to “slice” a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of thin layers and generate a set of instructions (called G-code) that your printer can understand.

This beginner tutorial will walk you through the entire process in about five minutes. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need for This Project

For this guide, we’re using a very common beginner setup. Your hardware might be different, but the principles in Cura remain the same.

• 3D Printer: Creality Ender 3 V2
• Filament: Standard 1.75mm PLA (Polylactic Acid) in any color.
• Model: We’ll use the famous #3DBenchy, the perfect little boat for testing your printer’s capabilities.

Step 1: Add Your Printer to Cura

First things first. If you haven’t already, download and install Ultimaker Cura.

When you open Cura for the first time, it will prompt you to add a printer.

1. Click Add a non-Ultimaker printer.
2. Scroll through the list to find your printer’s brand and model (e.g., Creality3D > Creality Ender-3 V2).
3. Click Add.

The default settings for your printer model are excellent starting points, so you don’t need to change anything in the “Machine Settings” window that pops up. Just click Next.

Step 2: Load Your 3D Model

Now you have a virtual representation of your printer’s build plate. Let’s put something on it!

1. Download the #3DBenchy.stl file from the link above.
2. In Cura, click the Folder Icon in the top left corner.
3. Navigate to and select the 3DBenchy.stl file you just downloaded.

The model will appear on your virtual build plate. You can use your mouse to rotate the view (right-click and drag) or move the model (left-click and drag). For your first print, just leave it right in the center.

Step 3: The “Big Four” Slicer Settings

On the right side of the screen, you’ll see the Print Settings panel. It might look intimidating, but for your first print, you only need to check four key settings. Cura’s default profiles are fantastic, so we’re just verifying.

Make sure you’re in the “Recommended” settings view for simplicity. You can select one of Cura’s default profiles, like “Standard Quality - 0.2mm”.

• Layer Height (0.2mm): This is the thickness of each individual layer. 0.2mm is the perfect balance of speed and quality for beginners.
• Infill (20%): This determines how hollow your object is. 15-20% is a strong and efficient standard for most prints.
• Supports (No): Supports are extra structures printed to hold up overhanging parts of a model. The Benchy is cleverly designed to not need any! Make sure the “Generate Support” box is unchecked.
• Adhesion (Yes): This helps your print stick to the build plate. A “Skirt” or “Brim” is highly recommended for your first print. A skirt draws an outline around your print area before starting the model, which helps prime the nozzle. A brim adds a single layer of flat area around the base of your model to prevent it from peeling up. For the Benchy, a Skirt is all you need.

Step 4: Slice and Save!

This is the magic moment.

1. Click the blue “Slice” button in the bottom right corner.
2. Cura will work for a few seconds and then give you a print time and filament usage estimate.
3. Click “Save to Removable Drive”. This will save the G-code file (e.g., CE3V2_3DBenchy.gcode) directly to your SD card.

The Printing Process

Now, we move from the software to the hardware.

1. Level Your Bed: Ensure your printer’s build plate is level. This is the single most important step for a successful print.
2. Load Filament: Heat up your printer’s nozzle and load your PLA filament according to your printer’s instructions.
3. Insert SD Card: Eject the SD card from your computer and insert it into your 3D printer.
4. Start the Print: Using your printer’s interface, navigate to “Print” and select the .gcode file you just saved.

Your printer will now heat up, print the skirt, and then begin building your Benchy, layer by layer.

Post-Processing

Once the print is finished and the build plate has cooled down, you can gently remove your Benchy. With PLA and a good first layer, it should pop off with minimal effort.

Since we didn’t use supports, the only post-processing you might have is removing the skirt (which is separate from the model) and cleaning up any tiny wisps of plastic, known as “stringing,” with your fingers or a pair of small cutters.

Final Thoughts & Showcase

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the world of 3D printing software and completed your first print. You’ve turned a digital file into a physical object.

The Benchy is a diagnostic tool. Look it over. Is the smokestack round? Are the arches clean? Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—every little flaw is a clue that will help you learn and fine-tune your settings for the next project.

Welcome to the amazing hobby of 3D printing