Prusa Slicer: The Must-Have Companion for Your Chromebook 3D Printing Experience

If you own a Prusa 3D printer, integrating Prusa Slicer into your workflow is essential for optimal performance. This reliable slicing software ensures maximum compatibility and efficiency for your printing needs. Available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and notably, Chrome OS, Prusa Slicer also boasts functionality on Chromebooks with Linux configured. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to set up Prusa Slicer on your Chromebook.

Step 1: Activate Linux on Your Chromebook

Before you can install Prusa Slicer, you’ll need to enable the Linux developer environment on your Chromebook. Begin by clicking on the clock icon located in the lower right corner of your screen. Next, select the gear icon to access the Chrome OS settings menu.

In the settings, scroll down to find the "Advanced" section and click on it. This will expand additional options. Locate the “Developers” option and click to access more settings. Here, you will see the option for the “Linux development environment.” Click on the “Turn on” button, initiating the Linux installation process.

Upon completion, your Chromebook will automatically download and install a terminal application. You will see “Penguin” appear; click on it to load the Linux command line interface.

To update the software sources, run the following command:

sudo apt update

After refreshing the sources, you can apply any available updates by executing:

sudo apt upgrade

Depending on how many updates are available, this may take a few moments. Once finished, you will be ready to use Linux applications on your Chromebook, including Prusa Slicer.

Step 2: Installing Prusa Slicer on Chrome OS

You have two options for installing Prusa Slicer: through a Debian package or via Flatpak. While the Debian package provides a stable but potentially outdated version of the software, the Flatpak installation method ensures you have the latest features and updates. Below, we’ll walk through both options.

Option 1: Install Prusa Slicer via Debian Package

To get started with the Debian package, open your terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the Chrome OS app menu.

Once the terminal is open, use the following command to install the Prusa Slicer package:

sudo apt install prusa-slicer

Keep in mind that this method might not include the latest software enhancements. Therefore, if you are looking for the newest features, consider opting for the Flatpak installation.

Option 2: Install Prusa Slicer via Flatpak

For those interested in using the newest version of Prusa Slicer, installing via Flatpak is the preferred choice. First, you need to install the Flatpak package itself. Run the following command:

sudo apt install flatpak

After Flatpak is set up, you need to add the Flathub repository, which hosts the latest versions of various applications, including Prusa Slicer. Use this command to do so:

flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Now that Flathub is enabled, you can install Prusa Slicer by executing:

flatpak install flathub com.prusa3d.PrusaSlicer

After completing the installation, you’ll find Prusa Slicer readily available in the “Linux apps” folder in the Chrome OS app menu.

Conclusion

With Prusa Slicer successfully installed on your Chromebook, you can enjoy a seamless 3D printing experience. Whether you choose the Debian package for stability or opt for the Flatpak installation for the latest features, you’ll be equipped to take full advantage of your Prusa 3D printer. Happy printing!

For daily tips and updates on maximizing your tech experience, consider subscribing to our newsletter to join a community of like-minded readers.