Slicer Compatibility — Gradient Chef Docs

Gradient Chef outputs a standard 3MF file with embedded layer range color assignments. How well that file behaves depends on your slicer. Always use the same slicer ecosystem for processing and final slicing.

PrusaSlicer ✅ Fully Supported

Tested: 2.9.x · Primary development platform

PrusaSlicer is the primary development and testing target for Gradient Chef. It provides the most accurate gradient preview, precise toolpath visualization, and full support for all Gradient Chef output features.

What works

Full gradient preview with per-layer color visualization
All extruder assignments honored correctly
Layer range transitions land at exact layer boundaries
Wipe tower generated correctly
Full post-processing flexibility — change colors, layer height, nozzle size, infill, supports, and print profiles freely after processing

Gradient layer ranges are stored in absolute Z height (mm), not layer numbers. This means they survive layer height and nozzle size changes cleanly — verified across 0.15mm, 0.20mm, and 0.32mm layer heights and 0.4mm and 0.6mm nozzles with no visual difference in the slicer preview.

OrcaSlicer ⚠️ Supported with Limitations

Tested: Current stable · Native 3MF required

OrcaSlicer supports Gradient Chef output but requires a native OrcaSlicer 3MF as input. 3MF files originally created in PrusaSlicer or Bambu Studio may not process correctly.

Known limitations

Input file must be a native OrcaSlicer 3MF. Export your model from OrcaSlicer before uploading — do not use a PrusaSlicer or Bambu Studio export.
CLI slicing is not supported on macOS arm64 (Apple Silicon) — slice manually in the OrcaSlicer GUI.

Recommended workflow

Set up your model and printer in OrcaSlicer
Export as 3MF: File → Export → Export plate as 3MF
Upload to Gradient Chef
Open the output 3MF in OrcaSlicer and slice

Bambu Studio ✅ Supported

Tested: Current stable · GUI only on macOS Apple Silicon

Bambu Studio is fully supported for gradient output. The Bambu CLI has a known upstream bug on macOS arm64 that causes it to crash before reading any file — this is not a Gradient Chef issue.

Known limitations

macOS arm64 only: CLI slicing is not available due to Bambu upstream bug #9636. Slice manually in Bambu Studio GUI.
Windows and Linux CLI slicing: untested but expected to work.

SuperSlicer 🔬 Not Yet Validated

SuperSlicer support is present in the codebase but hidden from the UI pending validation testing. If you need SuperSlicer support, contact us and we can discuss.

Cross-Slicer Compatibility

Gradient Chef output is tied to the slicer ecosystem of the input file. A 3MF created in PrusaSlicer should be processed and re-opened in PrusaSlicer. Cross-slicer transfers are not recommended and may produce unexpected results due to differences in 3MF internal structure and metadata.

Input 3MF from	Recommended slicer for output
PrusaSlicer	PrusaSlicer
OrcaSlicer	OrcaSlicer
Bambu Studio	Bambu Studio

Printer Requirements

Gradient Chef works with any printer that supports multi-material printing via the slicer platforms above. You need at least 2 extruders or filament slots. The more extruders available, the smoother your gradient can be.

Printer	Extruders	Notes
Prusa XL	5	Primary test platform
Prusa MK4 + MMU3	5	Supported
Bambu X1C + AMS	4	Supported
Bambu P1S + AMS	4	Supported
Any MMU/AMS printer	2+	Supported via compatible slicer