Bambu Studio's README says it is based on PrusaSlicer by Prusa Research, and PrusaSlicer's README says it is originally based on Slic3r by Alessandro Ranellucci and the RepRap community. Both carry the AGPL-3.0.
Since then each has grown around its company's hardware. Prusa describes tested profiles for every Prusa printer and filament, local network sending and a phone and tablet interface called EasyPrint. Bambu Lab describes a 3MF project workflow, multiple plates and automatic mapping of filaments to AMS slots.
PrusaSlicer and Bambu Studio side by side
| Feature | PrusaSlicer | Bambu Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Prusa Research | Bambu Lab |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 (optional networking plugin uses non-free libraries) |
| Price and account | Free; Prusa says no account is required | Free |
| Lineage | Originally based on Slic3r | Based on PrusaSlicer |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS (universal build for Intel and Apple Silicon), Linux (Flathub only); EasyPrint for phones and tablets | Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 10.15 or later, Linux (AppImage, Flathub) |
| Latest stable version | 2.9.6, released June 25, 2026 | 2.8.2.61, released August 21, 2026 |
| Printer technologies | FDM and mSLA resin | FDM; the README does not mention resin printers |
| Bundled printer profiles | 33 profile folders, including Prusa FDM and SLA plus brands such as Creality, Voron and Ultimaker; no Bambu Lab folder | Bambu Lab plus 11 other vendor folders, including Anycubic, Creality, Elegoo, Prusa and Voron |
| Plates per project | Up to 9 beds | Multiple plates |
| Settings levels | Simple, Advanced and Expert modes | Global, object and part-level slicing parameters |
| Cloud and network | Prusa Connect, Printables integration, sending over the local network | WAN and LAN sending, control and monitoring through the optional plugin; SD card without it |
| Model file formats | 3MF (preferred), STL, STEP, OBJ, AMF | 3MF-based projects; STEP import |
Checked November 2, 2026 against PrusaSlicer 2.9.6 (released June 25, 2026) and Bambu Studio 2.8.2.61 (released August 21, 2026), the latest stable releases on each GitHub release page. PrusaSlicer 3.0.0-alpha12 (September 21, 2026) and the Bambu Studio 2.8.4 public beta (September 22, 2026) were pre-releases at the time.
Shared code, different owners
Because Bambu Studio started from PrusaSlicer, many settings and concepts carry over, and both projects publish their source under the AGPL-3.0. Prusa says PrusaSlicer is developed by 13 full-time developers based in the same building as its firmware and hardware engineers, and that the slicer, profiles and updates are funded by its hardware and filament sales.
Bambu Lab adds an optional networking plugin that its README says uses non-free libraries. The plugin provides remote control and monitoring; without it, you print by copying sliced files to an SD card.
Printers and services
Prusa says PrusaSlicer has more than 200 tested profiles covering every Prusa printer and filament, delivered through a built-in updater. Its 2.9.6 profile folders also cover other brands such as Creality, Voron, Snapmaker and Ultimaker, plus Prusa and Anycubic resin printers, but not Bambu Lab. Services include Prusa Connect, Printables and EasyPrint, which runs the same engine on Prusa's servers for phones and tablets.
Bambu Studio 2.8.2.61 has a Bambu Lab folder and 11 others, including a Prusa folder. Bambu Lab's page describes sending jobs over WAN or LAN and switching between several printers in a device list, and the 2.8.2.61 notes mention fixes for MakerWorld sign-in and MakerLab generators inside the slicer.
Projects and plates
Both handle several build plates in one project. Prusa's help center says you can organize objects into up to nine beds, with one bed active at a time for actions such as importing. Bambu Studio's README lists multiple plates management, and its download page describes a project resource manager and an assembly view built on 3MF.
Both import STEP. Prusa's file format article notes that STEP files are triangulated during import and recommends 3MF over AMF for projects. Bambu Lab says STEP keeps the assembly relationships between parts, which can restore an assembly view after a model is split.
Resin and offline use
PrusaSlicer's README says it supports both FDM and mSLA printers, so one application covers filament and resin. Prusa also says all slicing happens locally and that PrusaSlicer works offline, which it describes as suitable for air-gapped environments.
Bambu Studio's README and download page describe filament features such as AMS mapping, arc moves and cooling logic, and do not mention resin printers.
Which should you choose?
Choose PrusaSlicer if…
- You own a Prusa printer and want the profiles Prusa says it tests on its hardware.
- You also slice for mSLA resin printers.
- You use Prusa Connect or Printables, or need to slice fully offline.
- You want to automate slicing from the command line.
Choose Bambu Studio if…
- You own a Bambu Lab printer and use an AMS for multicolor prints.
- You want to send, control and monitor prints over LAN or WAN from the slicer.
- You want 3MF projects with multiple plates and an assembly view.
Common questions
Is Bambu Studio a fork of PrusaSlicer?
Yes. Bambu Studio's README says it is based on PrusaSlicer by Prusa Research, and both are licensed under the AGPL-3.0.
Can PrusaSlicer slice for Bambu Lab printers?
PrusaSlicer 2.9.6 has no Bambu Lab profile folder, so you would need to set up and test a custom printer profile. Bambu Studio ships Bambu Lab profiles and connects to Bambu Lab printers through its optional plugin.
Can Bambu Studio slice for Prusa printers?
Bambu Studio 2.8.2.61 includes a Prusa vendor folder. Check that your exact model is listed. Prusa says its own tested profiles are delivered in PrusaSlicer.
Sources
- PrusaSlicer README Prusa Research on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Bambu Studio README (features, lineage, license) Bambu Lab on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- PrusaSlicer product page Prusa Research · Checked 2026-11-02
- Bambu Studio download page (features, supported systems) Bambu Lab · Checked 2026-11-02
- PrusaSlicer 2.9.6 release notes Prusa Research on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Bambu Studio 2.8.2.61 public release notes Bambu Lab on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- PrusaSlicer bundled printer profiles (2.9.6) Prusa Research on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Bambu Studio bundled printer profiles (v02.08.02.61) Bambu Lab on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Multiple build plates on PrusaSlicer Prusa Research Knowledge Base · Checked 2026-11-02
- Supported file formats (PrusaSlicer) Prusa Research Knowledge Base · Checked 2026-11-02
This comparison summarizes the cited documentation; it is not a lab test. Features and prices change between releases; check the developer’s site for the current version.