Formlabs PreForm

What Formlabs PreForm is

Formlabs PreForm prepares 3D models for printing and uploads them to Formlabs SLA or SLS printers. Its automated workflow arranges print layout, orientation, and supports, helping users prepare a job without specialized training. PreForm also provides validated print settings, real-time estimates, printability checks, and automatic recovery. Supports V2 uses touchpoints up to 50% smaller, which can produce smoother surfaces and make supports easier to remove.

Users can customize settings—including exposure, layer height, heating, and layer thickness—for Formlabs and certified third-party materials. For Fuse Series SLS printers, automatic 3D packing optimizes packing density and can lock a model’s orientation and position. Native integrations are listed for Rhino, SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, 3Shape, Fusion 360, and Netfabb; PreForm also imports native CAD models such as STEP and SolidWorks. The Formlabs API supports CAD integrations, automated batch preparation, and printer status and progress monitoring through MES or other software. PreForm is free for Formlabs SLA and SLS printers, with no license, annual fee, or installation limit. It runs on Windows 10 64-bit version 1809 or later and macOS 13 or later.

Who it suits

PreForm suits people preparing models for Formlabs SLA or SLS printers who want automatic layout, orientation, and support generation. It also fits workflows using certified third-party materials, Fuse Series SLS packing, or the listed CAD integrations and API capabilities.

Limits

The free plan applies to Formlabs SLA and SLS printers. For Form 1+, the latest compatible release is version 2.20.0.

Getting started

1. Visit the Formlabs PreForm website.
2. Download the Windows or macOS version for a supported operating system.
3. Install PreForm; the free plan has no installation limit.
4. Import a native CAD model or use a listed CAD integration.
5. Set print options and upload the job to a Formlabs SLA or SLS printer.

Verdict

Choose PreForm if you need to prepare jobs for Formlabs SLA or SLS printers, especially when automated supports, print checks, or Fuse Series packing are useful. The free plan is limited to those Formlabs printer families, and users of Form 1+ need version 2.20.0 for compatibility.