The Only Print Settings Guide You Need (For Beginners)

Start Here: The 3 Settings That Matter Most

When you're starting out, 90% of print quality comes from three settings. Master these and you'll get great prints on any machine.

1. Layer Height

What it is: How thick each layer of plastic is.

Best default: 0.2mm

Use 0.15mm when: You need fine detail (figurines, text, swatch caps)

Use 0.25–0.3mm when: Speed matters and detail doesn't (functional parts, prototypes)

The smaller the layer height, the smoother the print — but the longer it takes. For most organizers and functional prints, 0.2mm is perfect.

2. Infill Percentage

What it is: How solid the inside of your print is. 0% = hollow, 100% = completely solid.

Best default: 15–20%

Use 30–50% for: Anything structural — brackets, clips, functional hardware

Use 10–15% for: Decorative items, figurines, anything that doesn't need to be strong

Most prints only need 15–20% infill. Going higher wastes filament and time with little benefit unless you actually need the strength.

3. Supports

What they are: Temporary structures that hold up overhanging sections while printing.

The 45° rule: Any overhang steeper than 45° from vertical probably needs supports.

The truth: Most well-designed STL files are designed to print without supports. Always check the listing description — if it says "no supports needed," believe it.

The Settings You Can Ignore At First

**Print speed:** Keep it at the slicer's default. Don't touch it until you've made 20 successful prints.

**Temperature:** Use the filament manufacturer's recommendation. PLA = 200–220°C, PETG = 230–250°C.

**Bed temp:** PLA = 60°C, PETG = 70–80°C. That's it.

**Retraction:** Leave it at the slicer's profile default. Tuning retraction is an advanced topic.

Recommended Starter Profile

For PLA on any FDM printer:

Layer height: 0.2mm

Infill: 15%

Supports: Only where required

Print speed: Slicer default (usually 50–60mm/s)

First layer speed: 25mm/s (always slow the first layer)

Cooling fan: 100% after first layer

This profile will get you 90% of the way to a perfect print on the first try.