LayerForgeQuestions, answered
Can't find yours? Ask us on the Kickstarter page once it's live.
The app
What does LayerForge run on?
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. A Mac version is a Kickstarter stretch goal.
What file types does the library understand?
STL, 3MF, OBJ, PLY, STEP, G-code and ZIP archives of those. It reads them where they are; nothing is moved or copied.
How big a library can it handle?
Tens of thousands of files. Indexing runs in the background and adjusts to your PC, so it won't slow everything else down.
Which printers can it control?
Bambu Lab printers on your local network, anything running Klipper/Moonraker, OctoPrint or PrusaLink, plus Tasmota and Shelly smart plugs for power. These connections are in beta testing now.
Does it need the internet?
Your library, printers, print tools and molds all work on your own network. The cloud AI features need the internet; local AI doesn't.
AI
Which features use AI?
“Describe a part” in the Designer, the AI model generator, and image generation. Everything else is ordinary software running on your PC.
What does AI cost?
Cloud AI uses your own API keys, so you pay the provider directly, usually a few pence per design. You can also install open models (Qwen, Gemma, DeepSeek and others) on your own PC in one click and run them for free.
Will AI-made models be flagged when I upload them?
Some sites, like MakerWorld, detect and tag AI-generated models. We think that's fair: if you share an AI-made model, label it as AI-generated. LayerForge doesn't try to hide where a model came from.
Buying
Is there a free version?
No free tier, but a 7-day free trial with everything unlocked. Our browser tools are free for everyone.
Kickstarter or subscription?
Kickstarter backers pay once for a lifetime licence with lifetime updates. After the campaign, LayerForge is sold monthly or yearly. See backer tiers and pricing.
What's the Collection?
Our own print-ready designs with a commercial licence to sell prints, £8/month or £79/year. It's separate from the software: anyone can buy it. More about the Collection.
How many PCs can I use it on?
One licence covers one person on up to two PCs, for example a workshop PC and a laptop.