---
title: Upload Model
description: Load model into OrcaSlicer
hero:
  tagline: Load model into OrcaSlicer
  image:
    file: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0893/0603/8637/files/K1-_02-2.png?v=1762200477
---

import { Aside } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';
import { Steps } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';
import { Image } from 'astro:assets';

import orcaAddModel from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/add-model.png';
import orcaOptions from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/options.png';
import orcaSlice from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/slice-button.png';
import orcaSupport from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/support-settings.png';
import orcaInfill from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/infill-settings.png';
import orcaPrint from '~/assets/images/guides/orcaslicer/print-button.png';

<Aside type="tip">Quickly connect to its web page [here](http://printer.lebens-home.net).</Aside>

# Download a Model

There are various places to download models to print, such as [Thingverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/), [Printables](https://www.printables.com/), or [Makerworld](https://makerworld.com/en).

A default test model is [Benchy](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:763622).

The most common file type to use are STL, but the printer can also use OBJ or 3MF

# Load and Print Model

<Steps>
1. In OrcaSlicer go to the 'Prepare' tab on the navigation menu. The sidebar isn't needed at this point, you may collapse it with a button at its top right, or by pressing `Shift-Tab`

2. The printer view should now fill the screen. At the top, below the navigation menu is a tool menu. The farthest left icon is a cube, click this to add a model.
<Image src={orcaAddModel} alt="OrcaSlicer add model button" width="800" />

3. This opens a menu to select a file to upload. Select the file you have downloaded and want to print.

4. Once the model is in the 3D view various options are available to arrange or make adjustments.
<Image src={orcaOptions} alt="OrcaSlicer options bar" width="800" />

5. Next is to convert this 3D representation into instructions for the printer, this process is called slicing. At the top right are two buttons, click 'Slice plate'. Depending on the complexity this may take time.
<Image src={orcaSlice} alt="OrcaSlicer slice button" width="800" />

6. Also depending on the complexity you may need to add support or change the infill. These are options in the sidebar. After any adjustments made the model should be sliced again.
<Image src={orcaSupport} alt="OrcaSlicer support settings" width="800" /><Image src={orcaInfill} alt="OrcaSlicer infill settings" width="800" />

7. Once ready and the representation in the printer view matches what is desired, click print to begin the process.
<Image src={orcaPrint} alt="OrcaSlicer print button" width="800" />
</Steps>