# SimplyPrint Setup Guide

## How SimplyPrint Works

To connect your printer to the SimplyPrint cloud, the printer needs to be able to communicate with us. This can be done in several different ways, and **the method differs from printer to printer**.

We've worked hard to make SimplyPrint as easy to install as humanly possible. However, different printers have different capabilities, and some manufacturers make it harder than others to integrate with their products. We do our best to support as many printers as possible, even when manufacturers make it difficult.

**Some printers can be set up in more than one way, and the obvious-looking path is not always the right one.** A number of modern printers (for example the Creality K1 and K2, or the Anycubic Kobra S1) look like they "just connect directly," but for full control — especially multi-material systems like the **Creality CFS** or **Anycubic ACE** — you run them through the **SimplyPrint Client** instead (see "Cloud / Bridged Printers" below). The categories below name a few of these special cases; there are more, and the list keeps growing. **Do not assume a printer connects straight to SimplyPrint just because it has Wi-Fi or runs Klipper** — always check that printer's own setup page.

**The first step is always the same:** Tell us which printer you have, and we'll show you exactly how to set it up.

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## Types of Printer Connections

Not all printers connect the same way. Here's a breakdown of the different categories:

### 🟢 Smart Printers ("Klipper" Printers)

Some printers can connect to us directly - we install the SimplyPrint software **on** the actual printer.

**What is Klipper?** Klipper is advanced printer software (called "firmware") that runs on many modern 3D printers. It makes printers faster and smarter, and includes built-in WiFi connectivity. If your printer has a touchscreen with a web interface, it probably runs Klipper.

**Examples:** Creality K1 / K1 Max / K1C, Creality K2 Plus, Creality Ender-3 V3 (KE, Plus, Core), Sovol SV07 Plus, QIDI X-Plus 3 / X-Max 3

**What you need (direct path):** For a true smart printer with no multi-material needs, nothing extra - just follow the setup steps.

**⚠️ Important special cases:** Some printers in this group can connect directly, but the direct path is not always the best one - and a few aren't as "direct" as they look:

- **Creality K1 / K1 Max / K1C** - connecting *on* the printer requires rooting / custom firmware. If you'd rather not touch firmware, run it through the **SimplyPrint Client** instead (see Cloud / Bridged Printers below) - nothing is flashed or installed on the printer.
- **Creality K2 series** - runs Klipper and *can* connect directly, but the direct path gives **no multi-material control**. For full **Creality CFS** control (per-slot material assignment, material mapping, and choosing which slot a print starts on), run it via the **SimplyPrint Client**. Rule of thumb: no CFS and no per-slot start needs → the direct path is fine; a CFS or slot control → use the client.
- **Anycubic Kobra S1** - can't be run with the custom-firmware Klipper setup, but it runs **without any custom firmware** through the SimplyPrint Client (new). Use the client for full **Anycubic ACE** multi-material control.

These are only a few examples - more printers fall into this "looks direct, but use the client for full control" group, and the list keeps growing. **Never assume one of these connects straight to SimplyPrint with nothing else; check the printer's own setup page.**

### 🟡 Cloud / Bridged Printers (Run via the SimplyPrint Client)

These printers expose a local network API, but the manufacturer doesn't let us install anything **on** the printer. Instead, the **SimplyPrint Client** - one small app you run on a separate, always-on device on the same network - bridges them to SimplyPrint. (They don't have to be "cloud" printers; they just need a local API the client can reach.)

**Examples:** All Bambu Lab printers (X1 / X1C, P1P / P1S, A1 / A1 mini), Elegoo Centauri / Centauri Carbon, Creality K2 series (for full CFS multi-material control), Anycubic Kobra S1 (for full ACE multi-material control), Snapmaker U1, Ultimaker S-line and Duet (RepRapFirmware) boards

**This is also the path for the multi-material special cases above.** A Creality K2 with a CFS, or an Anycubic Kobra S1 with an ACE, runs through the SimplyPrint Client so we can sync materials, map materials, and pick which slot a print starts on - control that simply isn't possible over the plain on-printer (Klipper) connection.

**What you need:** A device on the same network as your printer that stays powered on to run the client:
- Mac, Windows, or Linux computer
- Raspberry Pi (Pi 3/4/5 or Zero 2 W)
- Docker container
- Any always-on mini PC or server (not a phone, tablet, or Arduino - must be an actual *computer*)

**Pros and cons:**
- ✅ More features and tighter control: multi-material (CFS / ACE) material sync, material mapping, per-slot start, and a uniform experience across brands.
- ✅ No firmware to flash and nothing installed on the printer - the cleanest, most open setup, and the only one that never touches the printer itself.
- ✅ One client can bridge many printers across different brands at once.
- ❌ Needs a separate always-on device on your network (a cheap Raspberry Pi is ideal).

**Why not install on the printer?** For closed printers like Bambu Lab, the client is the *only* way in - the manufacturer doesn't allow third-party software on the printer. For printers that *also* have an on-printer path (Creality, Anycubic), the client is still recommended whenever you want multi-material control or simply don't want to flash firmware. This isn't a SimplyPrint limitation - we're working around the manufacturer's restrictions.

### 🔵 Traditional Printers (External Hardware Required)

Many printers, especially older ones, aren't "smart" on their own. They don't have WiFi or any local API that we can talk to. These printers require **external hardware** - specifically a small computer called a **Raspberry Pi**.

**Examples:** Creality Ender 3 (original, V2, V2 Neo), Creality Ender 5, Prusa MK3/MK3S, Anycubic Kobra, Artillery Sidewinder

**What you need:** A Raspberry Pi running OctoPrint (free software that handles USB communication with your printer).

**What is OctoPrint?** It's the "engine" that talks to your printer over USB. SimplyPrint connects to OctoPrint to add cloud features. You don't need to use OctoPrint directly - it runs in the background.

**Don't have a Raspberry Pi?** If you don't know what a Raspberry Pi is, you most likely don't have one and will need to purchase one. It's a small, affordable computer perfect for this purpose.

### 🟠 Locked Printers (Requires "Rooting" First)

Some printers have potential but are locked down by the manufacturer. Before SimplyPrint can be installed, you'll need to install community-made firmware that "opens up" the printer.

**Why?** Some manufacturers ship printers with restrictive software that doesn't allow third-party integrations. The 3D printing community creates alternative firmware that removes these restrictions. This isn't a SimplyPrint limitation - we're working around the manufacturer's choices to give you more control.

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## 📍 Start Here: Find Your Printer

**The best way to get started is to tell us which printer you have.** We'll automatically show you the right setup method and any hardware you might need.

### Popular Brands

- **[Creality](/setup/creality.md)** - Ender series, K1, K2, CR series
- **[Bambu Lab](/setup/bambu-lab.md)** - All Bambu Lab printers
- **[Prusa](/setup/prusa.md)** - MK3, MK4, Mini, XL
- **[Anycubic](/setup/anycubic.md)** - Kobra, Vyper, Mega
- **[Elegoo](/setup/elegoo.md)** - Neptune series
- **[Snapmaker](/setup/snapmaker.md)** - U1
- **[Flashforge](/setup/flashforge.md)** - Adventurer, Creator, Guider
- **[Sovol](/setup/sovol.md)** - SV06, SV07 series
- **[QIDI](/setup/qidi-tech.md)** - X-Plus 3, X-Max 3, X-Smart 3

**Don't see your brand?** [Browse all supported brands](/setup-guide/brands.md)

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## 🛒 Hardware You Might Need

Depending on your printer type, you may need additional hardware:

### For Traditional Printers (Raspberry Pi Setup)

If your printer needs external hardware, here's what to get:

| Item | Notes | Where to Buy |
|------|-------|-------------|
| Raspberry Pi | Pi 4 or Pi 5 recommended | [Buy on Amazon](https://simplyprint.io/go/raspberry-pi-amazon?vendor=amazon) |
| Power Supply | Official 5V 3A recommended | [Buy on Amazon](https://simplyprint.io/go/raspberry-pi-official-power-supply?vendor=amazon) |
| MicroSD Card | 8GB minimum, 16GB+ recommended | [Buy on Amazon](https://simplyprint.io/go/microsd-card-8gb-min?vendor=amazon) |
| USB Cable | Connects Pi to printer | [Which cable do I need?](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/which-cable-to-use-for-simplyprint-octoprint-a31397/) |

📖 **[Guide: How to pick the right Raspberry Pi](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/pick-the-right-raspberry-pi-for-running-simplyprint-octoprint-2wj57s/)**

#### Alternative: Klipper Pads

Instead of a Raspberry Pi with OctoPrint, you can use a **"Klipper Pad"** - a dedicated device with a touchscreen that connects to your printer.

**What is Klipper?** Klipper is advanced printer software ("firmware") that makes your printer faster and more precise. It's what many modern "smart" printers run. A Klipper Pad upgrades your traditional printer to use this software.

**⚠️ Important:** Not all printers work with Klipper Pads. Before buying one, check that your specific printer model is listed as compatible with the device.

**Available Klipper Pads:**

| Device | Setup Guide |
|--------|-------------|
| Creality Sonic Pad | [Setup Guide](/setup-guide/methods/sonic-pad.md) |
| BIGTREETECH Pad | [Setup Guide](/setup-guide/methods/bigtreetech-pad.md) |
| Creality Nebula Smart Kit | [Setup Guide](/setup-guide/methods/nebula-smart-kit.md) |
| Co Print ChromaPad | [Setup Guide](/setup-guide/methods/chromapad.md) |

**When to choose a Klipper Pad:**
- You want faster, higher-quality prints
- You like having a touchscreen to control your printer
- Your printer is confirmed compatible with the specific Klipper Pad

**When to stick with Raspberry Pi + OctoPrint:**
- Your printer isn't compatible with Klipper Pads
- You're not sure if your printer is compatible (OctoPrint works with almost any printer)
- You want the simplest, most universal solution

### For Bridge Printers (SimplyPrint Client - Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Snapmaker, Ultimaker, Duet)

You'll need a device on the same network as your printer that stays powered on to run the SimplyPrint Client. This can be:
- A Raspberry Pi (Pi 3/4/5 or Zero 2 W)
- Your existing Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
- Any always-on mini PC or server

**💡 Recommendation:** A Raspberry Pi is ideal for bridge setups - they're inexpensive, built to run 24/7, and consume very little power. Since the bridge needs to stay on whenever you want to use SimplyPrint, a dedicated Pi is often the best choice.

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## Setup Methods Reference

If you already know which method you need, here are the available options:

### Direct Installation (Smart Printers)

For modern "smart" printers that have built-in WiFi and a web interface:

- **[Klipper/Smart Printer Setup](/setup-guide/methods/klipper-powered.md)** - For printers running Klipper firmware (those with a Mainsail or Fluidd web interface)

### Bridge Installation (SimplyPrint Client)

For printers that connect through a local bridge app:

- **[SimplyPrint Client](/setup-guide/methods/simplyprint-client.md)** - One app bridges Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Snapmaker, Ultimaker, Duet

### External Hardware (Traditional Printers)

For traditional printers that need external hardware to connect:

- **[OctoPrint Setup](/setup-guide/methods/octoprint-powered.md)** - Use a Raspberry Pi to connect. Most versatile, works with almost any printer.

**Klipper Pads** (touchscreen devices that upgrade your printer):

- **[Creality Sonic Pad](/setup-guide/methods/sonic-pad.md)**
- **[BIGTREETECH Pad](/setup-guide/methods/bigtreetech-pad.md)**
- **[Creality Nebula Smart Kit](/setup-guide/methods/nebula-smart-kit.md)**
- **[Co Print ChromaPad](/setup-guide/methods/chromapad.md)**

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## Need Help?

- **[Browse all setup methods](/setup-guide/methods.md)** - See all available connection methods
- **[Browse all brands](/setup-guide/brands.md)** - Find your specific printer
- **[Setup FAQ](/setup-guide/faq.md)** - Common questions and troubleshooting