How to Download and Install OrcaSlicer on Windows, macOS, and Linux

OrcaSlicer is free and open-source, available for all three major desktop operating systems. This guide covers the installation process from start to finish on each platform, so you can get up and running without any headaches.

Where to Download OrcaSlicer

Always download OrcaSlicer from its official GitHub releases page: github.com/SoftFever/OrcaSlicer/releases. Avoid third-party download sites — they may bundle outdated or modified versions. On the releases page, find the latest stable release and download the installer appropriate for your operating system.

Installing on Windows

  1. Download the .exe installer from the GitHub releases page (look for a filename like OrcaSlicer_Windows_Installer_vX.X.X.exe).
  2. Run the installer. If Windows Defender SmartScreen warns you, click More Info → Run Anyway. This is normal for open-source software without a paid code-signing certificate.
  3. Follow the installation wizard — accept the license, choose an install location, and click Install.
  4. Launch OrcaSlicer from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Note for Windows users: If OrcaSlicer fails to launch, make sure you have the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable installed. Download it free from Microsoft's website.

Installing on macOS

  1. Download the .dmg file from the GitHub releases page.
  2. Open the .dmg and drag OrcaSlicer.app to your Applications folder.
  3. On first launch, macOS Gatekeeper may block the app since it isn't from the Mac App Store. To bypass this: go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to the Security section, and click Open Anyway.
  4. Alternatively, right-click the app icon and select Open from the context menu.

Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) users: Check the releases page for a native ARM build if available. A native build will run significantly faster and more efficiently than the Rosetta 2 x86 version.

Installing on Linux

OrcaSlicer on Linux is distributed as an AppImage, which requires no traditional installation:

  1. Download the .AppImage file from the GitHub releases page.
  2. Open a terminal and make the file executable:
    chmod +x OrcaSlicer_Linux_*.AppImage
  3. Run it directly:
    ./OrcaSlicer_Linux_*.AppImage
  4. Optionally, move it to /usr/local/bin or create a desktop launcher for convenience.

Dependencies: The AppImage bundles most dependencies, but some systems may need libfuse2 installed. On Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install libfuse2.

First-Run Setup

When you launch OrcaSlicer for the first time, you'll be walked through a printer setup wizard. Here's what to do:

  • Select your printer brand and model from the list, or choose Custom to define your own.
  • Select the nozzle size you're using (most common is 0.4 mm).
  • Choose your default filament material.
  • Optionally configure network access if you're using a networked printer (e.g., Bambu Lab or Klipper).

You only need to complete this wizard once. All settings can be changed later through the preferences and printer management menus.

Keeping OrcaSlicer Up to Date

OrcaSlicer receives regular updates with bug fixes, new features, and improved printer profiles. Check the GitHub releases page periodically and reinstall over your existing version to update. Your custom profiles and settings are stored separately and won't be overwritten by a reinstall.