# PrintPal for OrcaSlicer: models, AI 3D and timelapses inside Orca

> A PrintPal tab and side panel in OrcaSlicer: model library, AI 3D, timelapse videos, CAD briefs and calculators from your presets.

Page: https://printpal.io/integrations/orcaslicer
Updated: 2026-10-27

**PrintPal for OrcaSlicer** is a free plugin for OrcaSlicer 2.5 and newer (builds with the Python plugin system) that adds a PrintPal tab to the main window and an optional side panel next to the plate. It lets you search PrintPal's 200k+ community models and import them to the plate, generate high-resolution printable meshes from text or a photo with AI, render your sliced plate as a realistic timelapse MP4, draft parametric CAD briefs, and run print-cost, filament, layer-height and flow calculators prefilled from your printer, process and filament presets.

Everything except AI generation is free and needs no account. Timelapse videos are rendered on your computer and the G-code is never uploaded.

## At a glance

- **OrcaSlicer version:** 2.5.0 or newer (any build with the Python plugin system)
- **Version:** 1.1.1
- **Plugin type:** Script plugin (Python 3.12+, certifi installed automatically)
- **Price:** Free. AI generation uses PrintPal credits; 1440p and 4K clean timelapses need a paid plan.
- **Account needed:** No
- **Where it lives:** PrintPal tab, plus an optional side panel next to the plate

## Where to get it

- Direct download (printpal.py): https://printpal.io/static/mcp/orcaslicer/printpal.py
- Orca Cloud plugin hub: coming soon
- Direct download: https://printpal.io/static/mcp/orcaslicer/printpal.py

## Features

- **Import models to the plate:** Search 200k+ STL, 3MF, OBJ and STEP models by keyword or category and click Import to plate. Multi-part ZIPs arrive as separate objects; re-imports are instant.
- **AI 3D at super resolution:** Text or image to a printable mesh at 768³, 1024³, 1280³ or 1536³. With a key it lands on the plate at 100 mm, so there is no "object too small" prompt.
- **Timelapse videos from your slice:** Solid extrusion beads, a moving print head, studio lighting and an orbiting camera. MP4 in 16:9, 9:16 or 1:1, saved to Downloads.
- **Calculators from your presets:** Print cost, filament usage and remaining spool, magic layer heights and a volumetric flow check, prefilled from the active printer, process and filament.
- **Parametric CAD briefs:** Describe a functional part and open it in PrintPal's AI CAD agent for exact-dimension STL or STEP.
- **Side panel:** A compact PrintPal panel next to the plate in Prepare and Preview, with an option to open it at startup.

## How to install PrintPal in OrcaSlicer

1. Download [printpal.py](https://printpal.io/static/mcp/orcaslicer/printpal.py).
2. In OrcaSlicer 2.5 or newer open **File → Plugins** and choose **Add local plugin**, then pick the file.
3. Tick **Activate** on the PrintPal row. The status goes from Loading to Activated.
4. The first time you search or import, allow the one-time **create a background thread** prompt.
5. Open the **PrintPal** tab (or **Speed Dial → Go to tab → PrintPal** if your tab bar is full). Run **Open PrintPal panel** for the side panel.

On Windows and Linux, turn on **Preferences → Allow only one OrcaSlicer instance** so imports open in the running window. PrintPal is also being listed on the Orca Cloud plugin hub, where you will be able to subscribe and get updates.

## Things to try first

- Models → search "headphone stand" → Import to plate.
- Slice a plate → Timelapse tab loads it → Render video → the MP4 lands in Downloads.
- Tools → Print cost prefilled from the active filament → enter 45 g / 3.5 h → Calculate.
- Generate → Image → 3D → pick a product photo → Super → Generate & import.
- CAD → "wall bracket for a 60 x 40 mm PSU, M3 holes 50 mm apart" → Open AI CAD agent.

## Who it is for

- **Bambu, Voron and Prusa owners:** OrcaSlicer users get a model library and calculators that read their real presets.
- **Creators:** Make a satisfying print timelapse for Reels or TikTok straight from the slice.
- **Print shops:** Quote from real slice data with your spool and power prices.

## Privacy and data

- All requests go to printpal.io over HTTPS. No telemetry, no account for browsing, calculators or learning content.
- Your optional API key is stored in the plugin's private data folder and sent only to printpal.io.
- Timelapse videos are rendered on your computer with a copy of three.js that ships inside the plugin. Nothing is uploaded.
- Downloaded models stay in the plugin folder; open or clear it from Settings.

## FAQ

### Does OrcaSlicer support plugins?

Yes. OrcaSlicer 2.5.0 and newer builds include a Python plugin system with File, Plugins, where you can add a local plugin file or subscribe to plugins from the Orca Cloud plugin hub. PrintPal is a script plugin for that system.

### What is the PrintPal plugin for OrcaSlicer?

PrintPal for OrcaSlicer is a free plugin that adds a PrintPal tab and side panel to OrcaSlicer for importing 200k+ printable models to the plate, AI text-to-3D and image-to-3D generation, timelapse video rendering from your slice, parametric CAD briefs, and calculators prefilled from your presets.

### How do I make a timelapse in OrcaSlicer?

With PrintPal installed, slice a plate and open the Timelapse tab. It loads the slice automatically; pick a look, camera, length and 16:9, 9:16 or 1:1, then press Render video. The MP4 is saved to your Downloads folder. If you only want the timelapse, install the smaller PrintPal Timelapse plugin.

### Is the OrcaSlicer plugin free?

Yes. Model search and import, calculators, CAD briefs, learning content and timelapses up to 1080p are free with no account. AI generation uses PrintPal credits, and clean 1440p or 4K timelapses without the small corner watermark need a paid PrintPal plan.

### Does it work with Bambu Studio files?

The plugin runs in OrcaSlicer, and its Timelapse tab opens any sliced .gcode or Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer .gcode.3mf file. Bambu Studio users can also use the free web 3D Print Animator at printpal.io/tools/3d-print-animator.

### Why does OrcaSlicer ask to create a background thread?

It is a one-time OrcaSlicer permission so downloads, AI generation and timelapse saving run off the UI thread and never freeze the slicer.

## Related integrations

- [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 for Cura](https://printpal.io/integrations/cura): A PRINTPAL tab in UltiMaker Cura: search 200k+ models, generate with AI, make timelapses and run calculators from your profile.
- [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 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