# Prusa Direct Integration

Set up your Prusa printer with SimplyPrint — choose between the classic OctoPrint method or our direct firmware integration.

## Choose Your Setup Method

Prusa printers can be set up with SimplyPrint in two ways:

| Method | Best For | Requires |
|--------|----------|----------|
| **[Classic Setup (OctoPrint)](#classic-setup-octoprint)** | Most stable experience, faster connections | Raspberry Pi |
| **[Direct Integration (Custom Firmware)](#direct-integration-custom-firmware)** | No extra hardware, quick setup | Newer Prusa mainboard |

> **Our recommendation:** For most users, the **Classic setup via OctoPrint** with a Raspberry Pi offers the most stable experience, faster connections/downloads, and more available data. The SimplyPrint custom firmware is currently in **beta** with limited support.

📖 **[Learn more about the pros and cons of each method](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/direct-prusa-integration-custom-simplyprint-prusa-firmware-setup-6bysim/)**

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## Classic Setup (OctoPrint)

The tried-and-true method that works with **all Prusa printers**, including older models.

### Pros
- ✅ Most stable and mature setup
- ✅ Faster connections and downloads
- ✅ More data available (temps, progress, etc.)
- ✅ Webcam support
- ✅ Works with all Prusa models (including older i3 MK3/S/+)

### Cons
- ❌ Requires additional hardware (Raspberry Pi, often one per printer)
- ❌ Slightly more involved setup

**→ [Follow the OctoPrint Setup Guide](/setup-guide/methods/octoprint-powered.md)**

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## Direct Integration (Custom Firmware)

Connect newer Prusa printers directly to SimplyPrint — no Raspberry Pi or other external hardware required!

> ⚠️ **Beta:** This integration is currently in beta with limited support. All support runs exclusively in our [Discord](https://simplyprint.io/discord), channel [`#prusa-integration-beta`](https://discord.com/channels/699248047640805463/1430142606565969950).

### Compatible Printers

This method only works with **newer Prusa mainboards**:

- ✅ CORE One
- ✅ MK4S
- ✅ MK4
- ✅ MK3.9
- ✅ MK3.5
- ✅ Mini / Mini+
- ✅ XL

> **Got an older Prusa?** If you have an i3 MK3/S/+ without an upgraded mainboard, use the [Classic Setup (OctoPrint)](#classic-setup-octoprint) instead.

### Pros
- ✅ No additional hardware required
- ✅ Printer connects directly to SimplyPrint

### Cons
- ❌ No webcam support
- ❌ Slower downloads
- ❌ Potential bugs (beta software)
- ❌ Only works with newer mainboards

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## Direct Integration Setup Steps

### Step 1: Download the Firmware

Download the SimplyPrint firmware for your specific printer model:

| Printer | Firmware Download |
|---------|-------------------|
| CORE One | [Download](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware/releases) |
| MK4S / MK4 | [Download](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware/releases) |
| MK3.9 / MK3.5 | [Download](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware/releases) |
| Mini / Mini+ | [Download](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware/releases) |
| XL | [Download](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware/releases) |

Our firmware is **open source** and available on [GitHub](https://github.com/SimplyPrint/printer-prusa-firmware). It's 99% standard Prusa firmware with minimal changes to connect to SimplyPrint servers.

### Step 2: Break the Appendix (Firmware Lock)

Prusa mainboards have a physical "appendix" that must be broken off to allow custom firmware.

> **Good news:** Prusa states that breaking the appendix and flashing custom firmware **does not void your warranty**. However, they disclaim liability for any damage caused by custom firmware, so proceed at your own risk.

📖 **Official Prusa guides:**
- [CORE One, MK4(S), MK3.9, MK3.5](https://help.prusa3d.com/article/flashing-custom-firmware-core-one-mk4-s-mk3-9-s-mk3-5-s_814967)
- [Mini / Mini+](https://help.prusa3d.com/article/flashing-custom-firmware-mini_14)

**Steps:**
1. Turn off and unplug the printer
2. Open the electronics box by unscrewing the screws
3. You may need to move the power switch to access the appendix
4. Use pliers to carefully break off the appendix
5. **Be careful not to damage anything else!**

### Step 3: Flash the Firmware

1. Put the downloaded firmware file on a **USB drive**
2. Plug the USB drive into your printer
3. Turn on the printer
4. While booting, **click the "Knob" button repeatedly** when the boot screen shows
5. When **"Firmware version [X] is available"** appears, click **"Flash"**
6. You'll see **"Warning! Firmware signature validation failed"** — this is expected for custom firmware. Click **"Ignore"**
7. Wait for flashing to complete
8. The "Original Prusa" logo should now appear in **blue** — this confirms SimplyPrint firmware is installed!

### Step 4: Connect to SimplyPrint

1. In SimplyPrint, add a new printer and select your Prusa model
2. Download the generated **settings file** (`prusa_printer_settings.ini`)
3. Put the settings file on a USB drive

   > ⚠️ **Important:** The file must be named exactly `prusa_printer_settings.ini`. If your browser added a number (like `prusa_printer_settings (1).ini`), rename it!

4. Plug the USB drive into your printer
5. On the printer screen, go to: **Settings** → **Network** → **SimplyPrint** → **Load Settings**
6. Your printer should connect to SimplyPrint momentarily!

### Setting Up WiFi (Optional)

If your printer doesn't have WiFi configured yet, you can include WiFi credentials in the settings file. When downloading the settings file from SimplyPrint, select the "Set up WiFi details" option and enter your network name and password.

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## Troubleshooting

- **Printer not connecting?** Make sure your printer has an internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
- **Firmware won't flash?** Ensure you've broken the appendix and are clicking Reset during boot
- **"Signature validation failed" error?** This is normal — click "Ignore" to continue

📖 **[Full Prusa integration troubleshooting guide](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/direct-prusa-integration-custom-simplyprint-prusa-firmware-setup-6bysim/)**

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## Multiple Printers

Setting up multiple Prusa printers? Repeat the process for each printer — each one needs its own settings file downloaded and configured separately.