# 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.

**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:** Nothing extra! Just follow the setup steps.

### 🟡 Cloud Printers (Requires Bridge)

Some printers are "smart" and cloud-connected, but we can't install anything **on** the printer - we can only connect **to** it via a device on your local network.

**Examples:** Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, Bambu Lab P1P / P1S, Bambu Lab A1 / A1 Mini

**What you need:** A device on the same network as your printer to act as a "bridge":
- Mac, Windows, or Linux computer
- Raspberry Pi
- Docker container
- Any computer (not a phone, tablet, or Arduino - must be an actual *computer*)

**Why?** Some manufacturers choose not to allow third-party software on their printers. 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
- **[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 (Bambu Lab, etc.)

You'll need a device on the same network as your printer that stays powered on. This can be:
- Your existing Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
- A Raspberry Pi (any model with networking)
- A Docker container on your home server
- Any always-on computer

**💡 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.

---

## 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 (Cloud Printers)

For printers that need a local bridge device:

- **[Bambu Lab](/setup-guide/methods/bambu-lab.md)** - All Bambu Lab printers

### 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)**

---

## 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