Skill: orca-slicer

OrcaSlicer Manager — Profile Creation, Calibration & Settings Expert

Expert assistant for OrcaSlicer: creates and edits printer/filament/process profiles, guides calibration workflows, explains every setting, generates custom G-code with placeholders, and diagnoses common print quality issues.

Source: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer
Docs: https://www.orcaslicer.com/wiki/

Activation

Use this skill when the user asks about:

Creating or editing OrcaSlicer profiles (printer, filament, process)
Understanding any OrcaSlicer setting or what value to use
Running a calibration (temperature, flow, pressure advance, retraction, etc.)
Writing or debugging custom start/end G-code with placeholder variables
Diagnosing print quality issues (stringing, under-extrusion, ringing, layer adhesion, etc.)
Connecting OrcaSlicer to Klipper, OctoPrint, or PrusaLink
Generating optimized profiles for specific use cases (functional parts, miniatures, speed, visual quality)

Platform Notes

OrcaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Profile files are JSON and work identically across platforms. All paths below use the notation:

Placeholder	Windows	macOS	Linux
`<config>`	`%APPDATA%\OrcaSlicer`	`~/Library/Application Support/OrcaSlicer`	`~/.config/OrcaSlicer`
`<install>`	`C:\Program Files\OrcaSlicer`	`/Applications/OrcaSlicer.app/Contents`	AppImage mount or install dir

Profile cache lives at

<config>/system/

— delete it to force OrcaSlicer to reload profiles after manual edits to

<install>/resources/profiles/

User-created profiles live at

<config>/user/

Phase 1: Understand the User's Setup

Before giving advice, establish:

Printer — make/model, kinematics (Cartesian, CoreXY, Delta), build volume
Nozzle — diameter (0.2 / 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8mm), material (brass, hardened, ruby)
Filament type — PLA / PETG / ABS / ASA / TPU / PA / PC / etc.
Firmware — Klipper, Marlin, RepRapFirmware, PrusaFirmware, Bambu
Goal — speed, visual quality, functional strength, miniatures, multicolor

If the user has a Klipper printer, recommend adding to

printer.cfg

ini

[exclude_object]
[gcode_arcs]
resolution: 0.1

Phase 2: Profile Architecture

OrcaSlicer uses a 4-level JSON profile hierarchy. See

references/profiles.md

for full details.

Vendor meta (.json)
└── Printer model (machine_model)
    └── Printer variant (machine)   ← nozzle-specific
        ├── Process profile          ← layer height, speeds, quality
        └── Filament profile         ← temps, flow, cooling, PA

Profile Locations (installed)

<install>/resources/profiles/
├── VendorName.json               ← vendor meta
└── VendorName/
    ├── machine/
    │   ├── PrinterModel.json     ← machine_model
    │   └── PrinterModel 0.4 nozzle.json  ← machine
    ├── process/
    │   └── 0.20mm Standard @PrinterModel 0.4.json
    └── filament/
        └── Generic PLA @PrinterModel@.json

Profile Naming Convention

Type	Pattern
Vendor meta	`VendorName.json`
Machine model	`VendorName PrinterName.json`
Machine variant	`VendorName PrinterName 0.4 nozzle.json`
Process	`0.20mm Standard @VendorName PrinterName 0.4.json`
Filament	`Generic PLA @VendorName PrinterName@.json`

Phase 3: Calibration Workflows

Always follow this order when calibrating from scratch. See

references/calibration.md

for step-by-step detail on each test.

Recommended Calibration Order

Temperature — find optimal nozzle temp for layer adhesion vs. stringing
Max Volumetric Speed — find the flow ceiling before under-extrusion
Pressure Advance — reduce corner bulging and improve dimensional accuracy
Flow Rate — fine-tune extrusion multiplier for accurate dimensions
Retraction — eliminate stringing
Cornering (Jerk / Junction Deviation) — reduce corner artifacts
Input Shaping — eliminate ringing/ghosting (accelerometer required)
VFA — find resonance-free speed ranges
Tolerance (optional) — tune for tight-fitting parts

All calibrations are under Calibration tab in OrcaSlicer. After each calibration, create a new project to exit calibration mode before printing normally.

Quick Calibration Decision Tree

Symptom	Run This
Stringing	Temp ↓, then Retraction
Under-extrusion	Temp ↑, then Max Volumetric Speed, then Flow Rate
Corner bulging	Pressure Advance
Ringing / ghosting	Input Shaping
Wrong dimensions	Flow Rate, then Tolerance
VFA bands / zebra stripes	VFA speed test
Rough top surface	Flow Rate, Ironing

Phase 4: Key Settings Reference

See

references/settings.md

for the full annotated settings reference.

Quick Values by Intent

Functional / Engineering Parts

layer_height:          0.20–0.30mm
wall_loops:            4–6
top/bottom_shell_layers: 5–7
infill_density:        40–60%
infill_pattern:        gyroid / cubic / grid
print_speed:           60–120 mm/s (match MVS)
enable_support:        true (tree support for overhangs > 50°)

Visual / Display Quality

layer_height:          0.08–0.15mm
wall_loops:            3–4
wall_sequence:         inner/outer/inner (sandwich)
seam_position:         back or aligned
ironing_type:          top surfaces
print_speed:           40–80 mm/s

Speed / Draft

layer_height:          0.25–0.35mm
wall_loops:            2
infill_density:        10–15%
print_speed:           150–300 mm/s (limited by MVS)
acceleration:          limited by printer capability / input shaper result

Miniatures / Fine Detail

layer_height:          0.04–0.10mm (requires 0.2mm nozzle)
line_width:            0.10–0.15mm
wall_loops:            3
support:               tree support, small interface spacing

Phase 5: Custom G-Code

OrcaSlicer exposes rich placeholder variables in machine start/end G-code, filament start/end G-code, layer change G-code, and toolchange G-code.

See

references/placeholders.md

for the complete variable reference.

Common Start G-Code Patterns (Klipper)

gcode

; --- Machine Start G-code for Klipper ---
M104 S0                          ; cancel any temp from preview
M140 S0
PRINT_START BED={first_layer_bed_temperature[0]} EXTRUDER={first_layer_temperature[0]}

gcode

; --- Machine Start G-code (inline heating) ---
G28                              ; home
M190 S{first_layer_bed_temperature[0]}   ; wait for bed
M109 S{first_layer_temperature[0]}       ; wait for nozzle
G29                              ; bed leveling (if not in PRINT_START)

Layer Change G-Code

gcode

; pause at layer 3 for color change
{if layer_num == 3}M600{endif}

Conditional G-Code Syntax

gcode

{if condition}...{endif}
{if condition}...{else}...{endif}
{value|default(fallback)}

Temperature Placeholders

gcode

M104 S{first_layer_temperature[0]}         ; initial layer nozzle
M190 S{first_layer_bed_temperature[0]}     ; initial layer bed
M104 S{nozzle_temperature[0]}              ; normal printing temp
M140 S{bed_temperature[0]}                 ; normal bed temp

Phase 6: Filament Profiles — Key Parameters

Parameter	PLA	PETG	ABS/ASA	TPU	PA/Nylon
Nozzle temp	190–220°C	230–250°C	235–260°C	210–240°C	240–280°C
Bed temp	55–65°C	70–85°C	100–115°C	30–60°C	70–90°C
Chamber	—	—	40–50°C	—	50–60°C
Fan speed	80–100%	20–50%	0–20%	50–80%	0–30%
Flow ratio	0.95–1.0	0.95–1.0	0.95–1.0	0.9–1.0	0.95–1.0
Max vol. speed	12–20 mm³/s	8–15 mm³/s	8–12 mm³/s	3–8 mm³/s	6–12 mm³/s
Pressure advance	0.02–0.06	0.04–0.10	0.02–0.06	0.05–0.15	0.03–0.08
Retraction (DD)	0.4–1.0mm	0.5–1.5mm	0.5–1.0mm	1.0–3.0mm	0.5–1.5mm
Retraction (Bowden)	3–6mm	4–7mm	4–7mm	2–4mm	4–8mm

Phase 7: Diagnosing Print Quality Issues

Issue	Likely Cause	Setting to Adjust
Stringing	Temp too high, retraction too low	Lower temp, increase retraction, check PA
Under-extrusion	Temp too low, flow too fast, clogged	Raise temp, reduce speed, check flow ratio
Over-extrusion	Flow ratio too high	Reduce `filament_flow_ratio`
Corner bulging	PA too low	Increase `pressure_advance`
Ringing/ghosting	Mechanical resonance	Run Input Shaping calibration
Layer adhesion failure	Temp too low	Raise nozzle temp
Warping	Bed temp too low, no enclosure	Raise bed temp, add brim, enclose printer
Elephant foot	First layer too squished	Raise z-offset, or enable "elephant foot compensation"
Gaps in top surface	Flow too low, or top speed too high	Increase flow ratio, reduce top surface speed
Pillowing on top	Cooling too aggressive, too few top layers	Reduce fan, add top layers
Support not removable	Interface too tight	Increase support/object gap, use PETG interface for PLA
Seam visible	Seam position not ideal	Use "aligned" or "rear" seam, or scarf seam
VFA / zebra bands	Resonance at specific speed	VFA test to find and avoid resonant speeds

Phase 8: Network Printer Integration

Klipper (via Moonraker)

In OrcaSlicer: Printer Settings → Connection

Protocol:
```
Moonraker
```
Hostname/IP:
```
<printer_ip>
```
Port:
```
7125
```
API key: (leave blank if not configured)

OctoPrint

Protocol:
```
OctoPrint
```
Hostname/IP:
```
<printer_ip>
```
Port:
```
5000
```
(default)
API key: from OctoPrint → Settings → Application Keys

PrusaLink (Prusa MK4 / XL)

Protocol:
```
PrusaLink
```
Hostname/IP:
```
<printer_ip>
```
Password: found on printer screen

Bambu Lab

Uses the proprietary Bambu networking plugin (optional install)
Cloud mode requires Bambu account
LAN mode: enable on printer, set access code in OrcaSlicer

Phase 9: Profile JSON Structure

Minimal Printer Variant (machine) Profile

json

{
  "type": "machine",
  "name": "MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle",
  "inherits": "fdm_machine_common",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "nozzle_diameter": ["0.4"],
  "printer_model": "MyPrinter",
  "printer_variant": "0.4",
  "printable_area": ["0x0", "235x0", "235x235", "0x235"],
  "printable_height": 250,
  "default_filament_profile": ["Generic PLA @System"],
  "default_print_profile": "0.20mm Standard @MyPrinter 0.4",
  "machine_start_gcode": "PRINT_START BED={first_layer_bed_temperature[0]} EXTRUDER={first_layer_temperature[0]}",
  "machine_end_gcode": "PRINT_END"
}

Minimal Filament Profile

json

{
  "type": "filament",
  "name": "Generic PLA @MyPrinter@",
  "inherits": "Generic PLA @System",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "nozzle_temperature": ["215"],
  "bed_temperature": ["60"],
  "filament_flow_ratio": ["0.98"],
  "compatible_printers": ["MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle"]
}

Minimal Process Profile

json

{
  "type": "process",
  "name": "0.20mm Standard @MyPrinter 0.4",
  "inherits": "fdm_process_common",
  "from": "system",
  "instantiation": "true",
  "layer_height": 0.2,
  "print_speed": 150,
  "compatible_printers": ["MyPrinter 0.4 nozzle"]
}

Phase 10: Profile Validation

After creating or editing profiles, validate them:

Method 1 — OrcaSlicer Profile Validator

bash

# Linux / macOS
./OrcaSlicer_profile_validator -p /path/to/resources/profiles -l 2 -v VendorName

# Windows
OrcaSlicer_profile_validator.exe --path C:\path\to\resources\profiles -l 2 -v VendorName

Method 2 — Python Script

bash

python orca_extra_profile_check.py --vendor="VendorName" --check-filaments --check-materials

Force Profile Reload (after editing installed profiles)

Delete the system cache:

Windows:
```
%APPDATA%\OrcaSlicer\system\
```

macOS:

~/Library/Application Support/OrcaSlicer/system/

Linux:
```
~/.config/OrcaSlicer/system/
```

Then restart OrcaSlicer.

References

```
references/profiles.md
```
— Full profile JSON schema, inheritance rules, field reference
```
references/calibration.md
```
— Step-by-step calibration procedures for every test
```
references/placeholders.md
```
— Complete built-in placeholder variable reference
```
references/settings.md
```
— Annotated settings reference for all three profile types

Wiki: https://www.orcaslicer.com/wiki/
GitHub: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer
Releases: https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases/latest

orca-slicer

NPX Install

Tags

SKILL.md Content

Skill: orca-slicer

OrcaSlicer Manager — Profile Creation, Calibration & Settings Expert

Activation

Platform Notes

Phase 1: Understand the User's Setup

Phase 2: Profile Architecture

Profile Locations (installed)

Profile Naming Convention

Phase 3: Calibration Workflows

Recommended Calibration Order

Quick Calibration Decision Tree

Phase 4: Key Settings Reference

Quick Values by Intent

Functional / Engineering Parts

Visual / Display Quality

Speed / Draft

Miniatures / Fine Detail

Phase 5: Custom G-Code

Common Start G-Code Patterns (Klipper)

Layer Change G-Code

Conditional G-Code Syntax

Temperature Placeholders

Phase 6: Filament Profiles — Key Parameters

Phase 7: Diagnosing Print Quality Issues

Phase 8: Network Printer Integration

Klipper (via Moonraker)

OctoPrint

PrusaLink (Prusa MK4 / XL)

Bambu Lab

Phase 9: Profile JSON Structure

Minimal Printer Variant (machine) Profile

Minimal Filament Profile

Minimal Process Profile

Phase 10: Profile Validation

Method 1 — OrcaSlicer Profile Validator

Method 2 — Python Script

Force Profile Reload (after editing installed profiles)

References