# SimplyPrint Client Setup Guide The **SimplyPrint Client** is one local app that bridges printers from several brands to SimplyPrint. You run it on a device on your network (a Raspberry Pi, computer, or server) and it relays printer communication to the SimplyPrint cloud. Nothing is installed on the printers themselves. > **The device running the client must stay on** whenever you want to use SimplyPrint. If it is off or asleep, > SimplyPrint cannot reach your printers. ## Supported brands | Brand | How you connect | Also has an on-printer option? | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Bambu Lab** | LAN-only mode + Developer Mode, then enter IP, access code, and serial number; or sign in with a Bambu account (monitor-only) | No - the client is the only way in (closed ecosystem) | | **Creality** | Enter the printer's IP (model auto-detected) | Yes - K1/K2 and others can also use Klipper/OctoPrint on the printer | | **Anycubic** | Enter the printer's IP | Yes - some models can also use Klipper | | **Elegoo** | Enter the IP, then pick the model | Mostly the client | | **Ultimaker** | Enter the IP, then press Allow on the printer | Mostly the client | | **Duet** | Enter the IP, optional Duet Web Control password | Native RepRapFirmware | For brands that can also connect directly on the printer, the SimplyPrint Client is the recommended path and the on-printer method stays available as an alternative - both are presented as a choice. For closed printers like Bambu Lab, the client is the only path. ## Supported devices to run the client on | Device | Notes | |------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Raspberry Pi** | Pi 4 and 5 via the ready-to-flash image; older Pis via the Linux installer. Low power, runs 24/7 reliably. | | **Linux** | Any x86_64 / aarch64 / armv7l machine, dedicated mini PC, or existing server. | | **macOS** | Intel or Apple Silicon. Must stay on and awake. | | **Windows** | Any modern 64-bit Windows PC. Must stay on and awake. | | **Docker** | The official `simplyprint/simplyprint-client` image on any Docker host. | **Cannot run the client:** phones and tablets (iOS/Android background limits), microcontrollers (Arduino/ESP32), and the printers themselves. Once the client runs on a supported device, you can still control everything from a phone or tablet via the SimplyPrint web and mobile apps. ## Install the client ### Raspberry Pi (easiest) Works on Pi 4 and 5 (2 GB RAM recommended). Flash the ready-to-use image with [Raspberry Pi Imager](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/): 1. Insert the microSD card and open Raspberry Pi Imager. 2. Choose OS: pick "Other specific-purpose OS → 3D printing → SimplyPrint → SimplyPrint Client OS" if listed, or "Use custom" with the image below. 3. Choose storage: select the card. 4. In OS customisation, enable SSH (set a username + password) and configure WiFi (same network as your printers) with your country code, then save and write. 5. Boot the Pi, then open `http://:8000`. - Pi 4 and 5 (arm64) image: `https://download.simplyprint.io/client/images/simplyprint-client-rpi-arm64.img.zip` On a Pi 3, install Raspberry Pi OS Lite yourself and use the Linux installer below instead. ### Windows Download and run the installer `https://download.simplyprint.io/client/SimplyPrintClient-Setup-x64.exe`. If SmartScreen warns, choose **More info → Run anyway**. The client runs in the background with a system-tray icon and starts with Windows. A portable build (`https://download.simplyprint.io/client/simplyprint-client-windows-AMD64.zip`) is also available. ### macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) Download and run the signed `.pkg` installer for your Mac (the canonical macOS installer): - Apple Silicon (M-series): `https://download.simplyprint.io/client/simplyprint-client-macos-arm64.pkg` - Intel: `https://download.simplyprint.io/client/simplyprint-client-macos-x86_64.pkg` The installer offers an optional "Start at login" choice; leave it on so the client stays connected. It runs in the background with a menu-bar icon. Prefer Homebrew? Run `brew install simplyprint/tap/simplyprint-client` then `brew services start simplyprint/tap/simplyprint-client`. ### Linux (x86_64 / aarch64 / armv7l) ```bash sudo bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://download.simplyprint.io/client/install-linux.sh)" ``` It installs as a systemd service (`simplyprint-client.service`) that starts on boot. ### Docker The official image is `simplyprint/simplyprint-client` on Docker Hub. Run it with host networking so it can reach printers on your LAN: ```bash docker run -d --name simplyprint-client --network=host --restart=always -v /root/.config/SimplyPrint:/root/.config/SimplyPrint simplyprint/simplyprint-client ``` Update with `docker pull simplyprint/simplyprint-client && docker restart simplyprint-client`. Or with Docker Compose: ```yaml services: simplyprint-client: image: simplyprint/simplyprint-client container_name: simplyprint-client network_mode: host restart: always volumes: - simplyprint_data:/root/.config/SimplyPrint volumes: simplyprint_data: ``` The config volume keeps your printers across updates. ## Open the client Once installed, open `http://localhost:8000` (or `http://:8000` on a remote device). There is no sign-in here; you link each printer to your account with a setup code (below). The client keeps itself up to date automatically. ## Connect your printer (per brand) In the client, choose **Add printer**, pick your brand, and follow the on-screen steps. The client lists printers it finds on your network, or you can enter the details by hand. ### Bambu Lab One time on the printer, turn on **LAN-only mode** and **Developer Mode** (a Bambu Lab restriction on current firmware, their Authorization Control System). In the client, choose Add printer → Bambu Lab, let it discover the printer or enter the IP, then enter the **8-character access code** and the **serial number** (both shown on the printer's screen). AMS is supported. Cloud mode is monitor-only on current firmware and only fully works on pre-2024 firmware for X1/P1/A1. See [LAN-only vs cloud](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/bambu-lab-integration-lan-only-vs-bambu-cloud-2eof1u/) and [the ACS change](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/bambu-lab-security-firmware-authorization-control-system-update-will-i-still-be-able-to-use-simplyprint-y2uoor/). ### Creality Add printer → Creality. The client auto-discovers Creality printers; if yours does not appear, enter its IP. The model is detected automatically. No access code or password. Supported models: K1, K1C, K1 Max, K2, K2 Pro, K2 Plus, CR-10 SE, Ender-3 V3 Plus, Ender-3 V3 KE, Ender 5 Max, Hi. The Ender-3 V3 and Ender-3 V4 are not supported yet. ### Anycubic Add printer → Anycubic. Auto-discovered, or enter the IP. No access code needed. Supported models: Kobra 2 Pro, Kobra 2 Plus, Kobra 2 Max, Kobra 3 V2, Kobra 3 Max, Kobra S1, Kobra S1 Max, Kobra X. ### Elegoo Add printer → Elegoo. Enter the IP, then choose your model. ### Ultimaker Add printer → Ultimaker. Auto-discovered, or enter the IP, then **press Allow on the printer's display** to authorize. Works with the S-line (S3/S5/S7), Ultimaker 3 / 3 Extended, and 2+ Connect. ### Duet Add printer → Duet. Enter the board's IP. If you set a Duet Web Control password, enter it; otherwise leave it blank. Works with Duet 3 (6HC, 6XD, Mini 5+), Duet 2 (WiFi, Ethernet, Maestro), and other RepRapFirmware boards. ## Finish linking in SimplyPrint Each printer you add appears in the client as **Pending** with a short **setup code**. Open SimplyPrint, go to your printers, and enter that code to link the printer to your account. The printer then comes online and is ready to print. ## Troubleshooting Most setup issues are covered in the [SimplyPrint help center](https://help.simplyprint.io/). ## FAQ ### What is the SimplyPrint Client? A small app, made by SimplyPrint, that runs on a device on your network and bridges your printers to SimplyPrint. One client can connect many printers across different brands at once. ### Do I have to use the client, or can I connect on the printer? It depends on the brand. Creality and Anycubic can also connect on the printer with Klipper/OctoPrint, and you will see both options. The client is the simplest path. For Bambu Lab it is the only path. ### Does the device need to stay on? Yes. The client must be running to start prints, monitor remotely, or use SimplyPrint features. A Raspberry Pi is ideal (low power, built for 24/7). ### Will my print stop if SimplyPrint or the client goes down? No. Prints run locally on the printer once files are sent; an ongoing print keeps going. ### Do my printers need internet? No. Printers only need to be on the same local network as the client. The client device needs internet to reach SimplyPrint.