# PrintPal for Cura: a model library, AI 3D and calculators inside UltiMaker Cura > A PRINTPAL tab in UltiMaker Cura: search 200k+ models, generate with AI, make timelapses and run calculators from your profile. Page: https://printpal.io/integrations/cura Updated: 2026-10-27 **PrintPal for Cura** is a free UltiMaker Cura plugin from [PrintPal](https://printpal.io/) that adds a **PRINTPAL** stage next to Prepare, Preview and Monitor. From it you can search PrintPal's library of 200k+ community models and import them onto the build plate, generate printable models from text or a photo with AI, save your sliced plate as a timelapse video, draft parametric CAD briefs, and run print-cost, filament, layer-height and flow calculators prefilled from your Cura printer, material and last slice. It runs on UltiMaker Cura 5.0 and newer on Windows, macOS and Linux, needs no account, and never changes your Cura settings or profiles. ## At a glance - **Cura version:** UltiMaker Cura 5.0 and newer (SDK 8.0–8.12) - **Version:** 1.0.0 - **Price:** Free. AI generation uses PrintPal credits. - **License:** MIT - **Account needed:** No - **Where it lives:** PRINTPAL stage, Extensions → PrintPal, or its own window - **Size:** About 70 KB, pure Python and QML ## Where to get it - Direct download (.curapackage): https://printpal.io/static/mcp/cura/dist/PrintPal-1.0.0.curapackage - UltiMaker Marketplace: coming soon - Direct download: https://printpal.io/static/mcp/cura/dist/PrintPal-1.0.0.curapackage ## Features - **Find and import models:** Search 200k+ community models by keyword or category, open the details (license, files, stats) and click Import. Multi-part models arrive as separate objects. - **AI 3D generation:** Describe an object or drop a photo and get a high-resolution printable mesh (768³ to 1536³), scaled to 100 mm and placed on the plate with an API key. - **Timelapse videos:** Slice, then save the G-code and open PrintPal's free 3D Print Animator to render a realistic build animation. The G-code never leaves your computer. - **Calculators from your profile:** Print cost, filament usage and remaining spool, magic layer heights and a flow check read your printer, nozzle, layer height, speeds, material and last slice. - **Parametric CAD briefs:** Describe a functional part with dimensions and material and open it in PrintPal's AI CAD agent for exact-dimension STL or STEP. - **Learn without leaving Cura:** Search the PrintPal wiki, docs, videos and build guides. Build-guide model files import straight onto the plate. ## How to install PrintPal in Cura 1. Download [PrintPal-1.0.0.curapackage](https://printpal.io/static/mcp/cura/dist/PrintPal-1.0.0.curapackage). 2. Drag the file onto the UltiMaker Cura window and accept the license. 3. Restart Cura when it asks. 4. Click the new **PRINTPAL** tab next to Prepare, Preview and Monitor, or use **Extensions → PrintPal**. **Open in window** puts it next to the build plate. 5. Optional: paste a PrintPal API key under **Settings** to generate AI models straight onto the plate. PrintPal is in review for the UltiMaker Marketplace. Once listed you can install it from **Marketplace → Plugins** and get updates there. ## Things to try first - Models → search "desk organizer" → Import. It lands on the plate named after the model. - Tools → Print cost, prefilled from your material and last slice. - Generate → Image → 3D → pick a product photo → Generate. It lands at 100 mm on the plate (with an API key). - Slice a plate → Timelapse → Save G-code & open the animator. - Learn → Build guides → open a guide → import its STL files. ## Who it is for - **Home printers:** Find, import and slice in one window instead of juggling browser downloads. - **Schools on Cura:** Cura is the default in many classrooms; PrintPal adds a safe model library and guides without accounts. - **Sellers:** Price each plate from the real slice and your spool price. ## Privacy and data - Requests go only to printpal.io over HTTPS, and only when you search, import, calculate or generate. No telemetry. - Your optional API key is stored in the system keychain on Windows and macOS (in Cura's preferences on Linux) and sent only to printpal.io. - All preferences live under the `printpal/` prefix. The plugin never changes Cura settings, profiles or other preferences. - Downloaded models are cached in Cura's cache folder so re-imports are instant; open or clear it from Settings. ## FAQ ### What is the PrintPal plugin for Cura? PrintPal for Cura is a free UltiMaker Cura plugin that adds a PRINTPAL stage for searching and importing 200k+ printable models, AI text-to-3D and image-to-3D generation, timelapse video hand-off, parametric CAD briefs, calculators prefilled from your Cura profile, and PrintPal's wiki and build guides. ### How do I install a .curapackage file in Cura? Download the .curapackage file, drag it onto the open Cura window, accept the license and restart Cura. The PRINTPAL tab then appears next to Prepare, Preview and Monitor. ### Which versions of Cura does it support? UltiMaker Cura 5.0 and newer (plugin SDK 8.0 to 8.12) on Windows, macOS and Linux. Screenshots were taken in Cura 5.13. ### Can Cura download 3D models from the internet? Yes, with PrintPal. Search PrintPal's community library from the PRINTPAL stage and click Import; the model is downloaded to a cache folder and opened exactly like File, Open, with multi-part models as separate objects. ### Can I generate a 3D model with AI inside Cura? Yes. Describe an object or pick a reference photo in the Generate tab. With a PrintPal API key the mesh is generated, scaled to 100 mm on its longest side and placed on the build plate; without a key the plugin opens printpal.io with your prompt prefilled. ### Will the plugin change my Cura settings? No. It only stores its own preferences under the printpal/ prefix and never edits Cura settings, printer profiles or other preferences. ### Is it free? Yes. The plugin is free and MIT licensed. Browsing, importing, calculators and learning content need no account; only AI generation uses PrintPal credits. ## Related integrations - [PrintPal for OrcaSlicer](https://printpal.io/integrations/orcaslicer): A PrintPal tab and side panel in OrcaSlicer: model library, AI 3D, timelapse videos, CAD briefs and calculators from your presets. - [PrintPal for Blender](https://printpal.io/integrations/blender): A free Blender add-on with a printable model library, 3MF import and export with colours, print prep and send-to-slicer. - [PrintPal Timelapse for OrcaSlicer](https://printpal.io/integrations/orcaslicer-timelapse): Turn any sliced plate into a realistic 3D printing timelapse video for YouTube, Reels or TikTok. Free, rendered on your computer. - [PrintPal 3D for ComfyUI](https://printpal.io/integrations/comfyui): Custom nodes for image-to-3D and text-to-3D up to 1536³, plus a free printable model library, in any ComfyUI workflow. ## More - All integrations: https://printpal.io/integrations - PrintPal for LLMs: https://printpal.io/llms.txt