UltiMaker Cura
Also called cura, ultimaker cura
Common FDM slicer. The process is UltiMaker-Cura.exe. It is not PrusaSlicer.
What you need to know
Cura is UltiMaker's slicer. It is not PrusaSlicer.
UltiMaker-Cura.exe is the common classroom FDM slicer. PrusaSlicer and Bambu Studio are different apps.
- What is it?
- FDM slicer
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is UltiMaker Cura?
Cura slices meshes to G-code with intent profiles and a large printer list. PrusaSlicer is the Slic3r-family sibling, not a Cura reskin.
If you have never used it
If a class or printer maker said "use Cura", this is UltiMaker's slicer. Download it from ultimaker.com. PrusaSlicer is a different app with a different profile system. Bambu Studio is for Bambu printers.
What is it used for?
Marketplace and built-in printers. Prusa-only workflows often stay in PrusaSlicer.
Cura's profile stack. Prusa's print/filament/printer trio does not paste in.
Optional extras. Those are Cura plugins, not Bambu Studio connectors.
Who is it for?
- UltiMaker printer owners
- Schools that standardized on Cura
- People handed a .3mf from Cura
Current status
UltiMaker Cura (2014) is a current fdm slicer from UltiMaker. The vendor still points Windows users at https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura.
How old is it?
Cura began at Ultimaker in 2014 and became the default many FDM printers mention. The exe name is now UltiMaker-Cura.exe. An old Cura 15.04 screenshot is history.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| UltiMaker-Cura.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
Cura does not need to start with Windows.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\UltiMaker Cura <version>\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Imported a PrusaSlicer project and settings vanished
Mesh plus G-code may transfer. Full preset stacks do not. Reslice in Cura or stay in PrusaSlicer.
Bambu printer owned by another app
Bambu Studio is the sibling for that hardware. Cura community profiles are unofficial.
Getting unstuck
Install from ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
support.ultimaker.com has printer setup. Skip "Cura Pro" bundles.
Add the printer from Cura's add-printer list
That loads Cura profiles, not Prusa config wizard packs.
Watch the exe name: UltiMaker-Cura.exe
Old cura.exe shortcuts can point at a leftover 4.x install.
Alternatives
PrusaSlicer is the Slic3r fork. Bambu Studio targets Bambu hardware. IdeaMaker and others exist for specific printers.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | support.ultimaker.com/ Vendor support |
| Official site | ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
Slicing is CPU and RAM. The printer is separate. A GPU is optional for the preview.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- UltiMaker Cura official site · Vendor product page
- UltiMaker Cura help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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