Creatr 2.

1 Software
User Manual
 Creatr 2

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. 2
Welcome to Creatr Software................................................................................................................. 4
Installation and Registration........................................................................................... 4
Basic Interface ............................................................................................................... 8
The Flow ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Navigate the Workspace............................................................................................................. 8
Main Toolbar .......................................................................................................................................... 9
File ................................................................................................................................ 9
New Project ................................................................................................................................ 9
Open Project ............................................................................................................................... 9
Save Project ............................................................................................................................... 9
Exit .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Options .......................................................................................................................... 9
Smooth Shading ......................................................................................................................... 9
Autoplacement on import ............................................................................................................ 9
Communication Log .................................................................................................................. 10
Autofixing on import .................................................................................................................. 10
Help Menu ....................................................................................................................10
About......................................................................................................................................... 10
Manual ...................................................................................................................................... 11
3DPrintCloud ................................................................................................................11
Printer Selection .................................................................................................................................. 12
Importing Parts & Parts List ............................................................................................................... 13
Import ...........................................................................................................................13
Part List ........................................................................................................................14
Transform ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Autoplacement..............................................................................................................16
Move ............................................................................................................................16
Rotate ...........................................................................................................................17
Lay Flat.........................................................................................................................17
Rescale ........................................................................................................................18
Duplicate ......................................................................................................................18
Print ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Print Settings ................................................................................................................19
Profiles ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Print mode ................................................................................................................................ 19
Printer Control ..............................................................................................................20
Start printing ............................................................................................................................. 20
Print Preview ................................................................................................................22
Generate G-Code .........................................................................................................23
Calibrate Printer ................................................................................................................................... 24
Profile Editor ........................................................................................................................................ 26
General Behavior..........................................................................................................28
Machine Settings ..........................................................................................................30
Slicing Profile Section ...................................................................................................31
Material Profiles Section ...............................................................................................33
Build Strategy Profile Section .......................................................................................36
Support Strategy Profile Section ...................................................................................40
Saving Profile Changes – Very Important .....................................................................46
Visualize ............................................................................................................................................... 47
An 11 Step Walk-Through ................................................................................................................... 49
System Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 51

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Welcome to Creatr Software

Installation and Registration

Application Install - Windows Version
The preferred software for your Leapfrog 3D printer is Creatr from Materialise. Creatr software is sold
with Leapfrog’s Educational or Starter bundles, or it can be purchased separately; individual printer
purchase do not automatically include the software. If you did purchase the software, you will receive a
voucher code. You should use this voucher code to register the software. But first you will need to
download the Windows version of the software (.MSI file type) from Leapfrog’s website:
http://www.lpfrg.com/en/materialise/download/

1. Open the installer (.MSI) and follow the wizard to install the Creatr software.
2. Open the Creatr hyperlink in the start menu.
3. Approve the end-user license agreement.
4. Enter the voucher code that you have received and press VALIDATE.
5. The software will be registered and you will get notified of the validity period of the voucher.

Note: if the voucher registration isn’t working please run the application as administrator.

Application Install – Mac Version

The preferred software for your Leapfrog 3D printer is Creatr from Materialise. Creatr software is sold
with Leapfrog’s Educational or Starter bundles, or it can be purchased separately; individual printer
purchase do not automatically include the software. If you did purchase the software, you will receive a
voucher code. You should use this voucher code to register the software. But first you will need to
download the Mac version of the software (.DMG file type) from Leapfrog’s website:
http://www.lpfrg.com/en/materialise/download/

1. Open the installer (.DMG file type), drag, and drop the application to your Applications folder.
2. After installing Creatr, right click the application and press Open.
3. Click Open in the dialog box. If prompted, enter an administrator name and password.

(If you are not able to open the application, please see note on the next page.)
4. Approve the end-user license agreement.
5. Enter the voucher code that you have received with the Leapfrog 3D printer and press
VALIDATE.
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6. The software will be registered and you will get notified of the validity period of the voucher.
7. Press Finish to complete the installation.

Note: for more info visit: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT202491

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Load Leapfrog’s Starter Profiles

Once you have installed the software, the very first thing you should do is update the print profiles with
Leapfrog’s Starter Profile (also known as the latest “OEM profile version”).
1. Select your printer model from the Printer Selection tab at the top.

2. Then, navigate to Print  Edit profiles

3. When the Profile Editor window opens, press the

Update profiles button located in the top right
corner to download the latest Leapfrog profiles for
the selected printer model (an internet connection
is required).

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Note: If you do not have access to the internet on the computer that you have installed the Creatr
software, you can download them from another device by visiting Leapfrog’s Creatr software
download site: http://www.lpfrg.com/en/materialise/download/

Print profiles in Creatr software are saved as the .BPPROF file type. Once you have saved them
onto the computer or a USB stick, click the Import button in the same Profile Editor window (top
center):

Also note that exporting your profiles is an excellent way of archiving personal project print settings
or those projects made for your clients. By clicking Export, you can bundle all or only certain profiles
in one .BPPROF file to archive/back-up your favorite profile settings.

Before doing so, it is recommended to re-name profiles to either specific part names or a client’s
name to help you archive better. You can do this in the actual profiles themselves.

It will open a window similar to the following:

OEM M83

Simply go through each category, make sure that only the profiles that you want to export have their
box checked, and click Export.

Backing up all your profiles regularly in a special location is recommended, as most of these can be
easily edited.

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Basic Interface

1. Part List
2. Flow Toolbar
3. Function Toolbar
4. Printer Selection
5. Workspace
6. Main Toolbar

When you launch Creatr, you will directly see a platform from the Printer Selection. If your model is not
already selected in this area, please choose the correct model before continuing.

The Flow
A. Click the Import flow button to load your STL-files
B. Click the Transform flow button if you want to translate, rotate, rescale or duplicate your part(s)
C. Click the Print button if you want to build your part(s) on your 3D printer

Import Transform Print

Navigate the Workspace

Left mouse button Scroll wheel button

Select objects. Use the scroll wheel to zoom in
or out.
Right mouse button Right mouse button + shift
Hold and move the mouse to or middle mouse button
rotate the viewpoint around the Hold and move the mouse to
3D model. pan the 3D view.

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Main Toolbar

File
New Project
This function will remove all parts and scenes from the current project and generates a new,
empty project. The user is asked to save the current project (parts and scenes) before closing.
If you want to work in two (or more) parallel Creatr sessions, just open Creatr a second time.

Open Project
This function allows you to open an existing project in Creatr. The Creatr Project File (.BUILDER
file type) is a dedicated file format of Materialise and has the ability to save or load information
other than STL data with a particular STL file or files (project). Due to the builder file, you can
save a whole project at once instead of saving all parts (STL-files) separately.

Save Project
Saving STL-files in a project (*.builder) has the advantage of compressing the file and saving
any other information such as platforms, scenes, measurements and annotations. The Save
function will ask you to re-name your project while preserving the original project.

Use the *.builder file format if you want to continue your work another time. It will save everything
as it is when you save and close Creatr.

Note: Saving a project only saves the layout; it does not save print settings to the project. See
“Load Leapfrog Build Profiles” on how to Export these to keep with your .BUILDER file.
Therefore, a complete project includes a .BULDER file and a .BPPROF file.
Exit
By clicking on Exit you will exit the application. In case the last changes are not saved yet, you
will be asked if you want to save them before closing the application.

Options

Smooth Shading
This option will influence how the part is rendered. The variations in color will be shown more
gradually and no longer as separate triangles. Note that only the visualization of the part
changes, the number of triangles and the accuracy of the .STL are not changed.

Autoplacement on import
If this option is selected, the parts will be automatically placed around the center of the platform
when importing them.

Note: Using this when importing .STL files for dual color printing is not ideal as it will not snap
the intended models in place but center them evenly in the middle.

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Communication Log
If you want to log the communication with your printer, select this checkbox or click Ctrl+L to
display the communication log window. This is also where you can manually enter g-code
command lines.

Autofixing on import
If you enable autofixing on import a basic STL fixing operation is performed. (Inversed normals
and badly aligned triangles)

Help Menu

About
This button will open the about box
of Creatr. In this dialog you can find
the version number, copyright info
and Third-Party Software Credits.

License info:
 System ID: unique identifier of
your computer.
 License period: the time your license will stay
valid.

Network Settings is useful for those who have a

computer on a Proxy Server (usually a large PC business server will use this).

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Manual
This button will navigate to the support website of Creatr. There you can find the all info you
need to use this software.

3DPrintCloud

Do you have a file that is not printable due to errors with the .STL? The Materialise
3DPrintCloud significantly simplifies the 3D Printing process, offering easy-to-use tools that
allow you to prepare models for 3D printing in a few automated steps.

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Printer Selection
Creatr has a printer selection menu to change your selected printer.

As previously mentioned, it is important to check that you have the

correct 3D printer before moving on to the importing, transforming,
and printing steps. Each of these have profile updates specific to
the printer model.

Failing to select the correct printer model could cause damage to

your printer. For example, trying to print high speeds designed for
the Creatr HS (or HS XL) with one of the Creatr Single, Dual, or XL
printers could damage the motors. Trying to print a .GCODE made
for a Creatr HS XL on a Creatr HS could damage the print head
(and possibly more) as the build volumes are different.

Please also note that if you are ever asked to change the Baud
Rate for the printer to PC connection, you can change it (once you
select the printer model) at the bottom of this tab.

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Importing Parts & Parts List

Creatr is based on the .STL file format which is the 3D-Printing Industry's standard data format. A .STL
file is a triangular representation of a 3D object: it will describe surfaces as a collection of triangles,
which makes them ideal for use in Rapid Prototyping or any environment that requires a triangulated
file.

Unlike CAD, a .STL file uses triangles and not entities to describe an object. Each triangle is uniquely
defined by its normal and three points that represent its vertices.

Digital CAD .STL file Single Triangle

2 entities Triangle 1 1 Triangle
• Center point Triangle 2 =
• Radius Triangle 3 3 vetices &
Triangle 4 1 normal
…

Triangle 1500

Import
Use this button in the flow toolbar to load STL-files on the platform.

Browse for the file location. You can select multiple .STL to import at the same time, but they must be
from the same location.

After you opened your .STL files, they will appear in the part list and on the platform. If you do not have
Autoplacement on import selected (Options menu, as described on page 9), your part will be placed
on the edge of the build platform.

Autoplacement on import disabled; dual Autoplacement on import enabled; dual color

color models fit together, but are not centered. models are centered but are not placed together.

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Part List
The Part list is a very useful and versatile tool for managing loaded
parts. All loaded parts will be displayed in the list.

1. Selected/deselect part
You can select/deselect a part by clicking on the tile in the
part list or on the part on the build platform. The edges of
the bounding box of the part will be highlighted in the 3D
view.

2. Change nozzle button

By using this switch you will assign the part to a
nozzle. This is only applicable when printing in
part-part print mode with two nozzles. Updated
versions will show “R” and “L” instead of “1” and
“2” to signify “Right” and “Left” nozzle.

3. Change color
By clicking the button you can change the
visualization color of the part.

4. Visible/invisible button
By clicking on this button the
part will turn invisible on the
platform. Click it a second time
to deactivate it.

5. Part info button

When you press this button
the tile in the part list will flip,
and the part info will appear.

Dimensions:
The minimum, maximum and the bounding box
XYZ-dimensions.

Mesh info:
Number of triangles and number of vertices.

Diagnostics:
Information about the quality of the STL-file.
Errors in STL-files can cause problems during
slicing and building. Therefore you need
watertight (and error-free) files. A good file
contains one single Shell and zero Inverted
Normals or Bad Edges.

6. STL error tooltip

This warning button indicates if your STL-file contains errors. When you press it you will see the
part info (same as 5. Part info button).

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8 9 7

7. Remove Part
This button will remove the selected part from the project. This works with multiple selected
parts which can also be removed by pressing the delete key on your keyboard.

8. Select all parts

By pressing this button all parts will be selected. Press it twice to deselect all parts.

9. Invert selection
By pressing this button all deselected parts will be selected and vice-versa.

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Transform

Autoplacement
This command will automatically place parts about the middle
of the build platform. The part distance will define the space
between the parts when placing the parts automatically. The
platform margin will indicate how far the parts need to be
placed from the borders of the platform.

The parts to nest selection will give the user the possibility to
select all parts or just the selected ones.

Move
The move operation allows you to interactively move a part (or
a group of selected parts) to another position.
Grab an axis or the blue plane on the platform to move the
selected part(s) while visualizing in 3D view.

Use the Snap checkbox to move parts in defined increments,

you can specify the step size yourself in terms of millimeters.
In addition, you can specify a relative movement: enter your
desired value to move your part in XYZ directions.
You can use the Center button to move (in X, Y) the center of
your selection to the center of the build platform.
Use the Drop Model button to move (in Z) the selected parts
with their bottom plane onto the build platform.

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Rotate
Grab one of the circles to interactively rotate about the chosen
axis. You can also change your part selection during operation.

Use the Snap checkbox to rotate parts in defined angular degree

increments; you can specify the step size yourself.

In addition, you can specify a relative rotation: fill in your desired

degrees to rotate about the X, Y or Z axis. Press Apply to rotate.

Use the lock icons to counter movement about the specified axis.

Lay Flat
The Lay flat function allows easy orientation of the selected part by indicating a plane as the lay flat.
This plane will automatically be oriented parallel to the platform (i.e. the XY-plane). To indicate the plane,
click the side of the model on the build platform itself. You may need to pan your view to see the desired
side. Once clicked, you will see that side turn light green. If that is the side that you want be the bottom
plane, then simply click Apply and the part will lay flat on that plane:

Indicate plane Select you reference plane (the selected plane is indicated in green). The
selected plane will be orientated parallel to the platform facing the upper or
bottom plane (depending on your selection).

Positioning (after orientating the plane parallel to the platform)

Keep original z value No translation is performed.
Translate to Z After orientation, the part is translated along Z to the entered minimal Z
position position.

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Rescale
The Rescale function gives you the ability to resize the
dimensions of a part as a whole or in only certain specified
dimensions.

The Factor is a multiplying percentage for the dimensions

in that direction. When the factor is 100%, no rescaling is
performed, when the factor is 200%, size is doubled. A
factor larger than 100 will enlarge the part, a factor smaller
than 100 will shrink the part.

Enable Uniform rescale when you want to use an identical

factor in all directions. Disable this option if you want to
specify a different value in X, Y and Z.

Note: Applying a rescale is relative to the current size of

the model. For example, if you had a 10mm cube, and you
applied a 125% rescale, the dimensions would change to 12.5mm. However, the new 100% factor
becomes 12.5mm. If you were to rescale 125% again, you are rescaling 125% of the 12.5mm and not
the original 10mm .STL.

Duplicate
This command automatically duplicates the selected
part(s) and spaces them the specified number of
millimeters apart.

You can specify the number of extra parts you would like
to create, the spacing between the duplicated parts and
the direction you would like to duplicate in.

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Print

Print Settings
To generate a file that is appropriate for your print job you will have to choose the right profiles and a
print mode.

In Creatr software, every print derives its print settings from four specific profiles.

Profiles
Nozzle dependent (can be left or right)
 Material: filament related
parameters such as filament
diameter, extrusion temperature
and print speed, etc. When
assigning this to a nozzle,
please make sure that you have
that filament type loaded in the
specified extruder on the printer.

Nozzle independent
 Slicing Strategy: parameters of
sliced layer thickness and
accuracy.
 Build Strategy: parameters for
printing contours (or
perimeters), upskin and
downskin layers and 
infill (fill density of a part).
 Support Strategy: parameters for support material generation. This section also includes
settings of raft, brim and skirt.

It’s important to note the Edit profiles button in the bottom right corner of this panel; note its location as
more a large part of this manual (and 3D printing in general) is dedicated to modifying profile settings.

Print mode
The print mode is a specific option for printing with two nozzles to indicate for which purpose you would
like to use the nozzle.

Options:
Part - Part: the printer will use both nozzles to print different
parts. You can assign a part to a nozzle with the switch button
in the part list. (See part list section). Ideal for dual color prints.

Part - Support: the nozzle that is in part-mode will print the actual
part, the other nozzle will be in support mode and will print the
support material.

Contour - Infill: the nozzle that is in contour mode will print the
contours of a layer and the other nozzle will print the infill.

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Printer Control
The Printer Control functions make it possible to directly send your print job to the 3D printer via USB
cable connection. The printer can also be directly controlled by performing manual printer movements
and adjusting temperature settings.

Note: The Xeed printer is not designed for you to connect the printer to the PC, as it has its own internal
PC with controls.

First you will have to select the COM port where your 3D
printer is connected to. To be sure that it is the right one,
you can insert the USB cable and press the refresh icon.
The port that appears should be the port that is assigned
to your 3D printer.

 Port selection: Select the COM port where your

3D printer is connected to. Press refresh if the
COM port you would like to connect with isn’t in
the list.

 Connect/disconnect button: By pressing this

button you are going to setup a serial connection
with your 3D printer. If you are connected the
button will change to a disconnect button.

Note: If the port isn’t appearing in the list, please check

if you have the correct printer drivers installed (contact
Leapfrog 3D Printers support for this).

To submit a print job that is appropriate for your 3D

printer, you will have to choose the right profiles and a
print mode in the print settings section described above.
Make sure that your printer is set up with the correct
filament loaded in the correct extruder. It is always
recommended to Home the printer before starting the print as well.

Start printing

When you are connected and ready to print, you can press the Start Printing button.

While printing, a process bar appears to indicate the printing status. The first 12% of the bar is indicating
the slicing progress, from that point on the bar moves by the progress of the print job.

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The nozzle temperature will change to the ones that are set in the g-code. During a print you can monitor
and manually change the temperature. Any changes will ask you if you would like to override the
settings.

The Pause button will pause a print job. On pause the printer will move up for 10 mm and to X/Y home.
The Resume button will un-pause the printer, resulting in the printer picking up where it left of before
pausing.

After the software performs a slicing operation, it also calculates the estimated time of arrival, the amount
of millimeters filament that will be extruded in the job and the weight of the filament that will be used.
The numbers will be displayed until you overwrite them by performing another slicing operation.

Note: The estimated time is very much an estimate, based mainly on the number of lines of code that
the printer has to run. Circular objects have the greatest discrepancy, because it takes more lines of g-
code to print a circle than a square.

Slicing is done when generating a print preview, generating g-codes or when you start a print job from
in the application.

During a print job the time decrease following the progress of the print.

In the Printer Control you are able to control the hardware of your 3D printer directly.

Current
Temperature
Readings

The nozzle(s) and platform bed blocks allow you to change the temperature. The temperature can be
set either by changing the value on the right text field or by dragging the slider to a desired temperature.
If you change it in the text field, you need to press return or leave the field to set the value. By clicking
the left On/Off icon button (looks like a thermometer), the extruder or the bed is deactivated or
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reactivated. Next to the On/Off button the actual temperature is displayed. Next to that there is also a
clear temperature indicator in the slider.

Note: You are able to change the temperature while printing, but if a temperature is set in the profiles it
will overwrite your manual set temperature.

The extrude filament controls next to the nozzle temperature controls are designed to let you manually
extrude material out of the nozzle or retract it in the opposite direction. These controls are only active
when the nozzle is heated to a temperature higher than 150°C. You can press and hold one of the two
arrow buttons to manually extrude filament out of the nozzle or retracting it inside. The icon will spin in
the way that the extruder motor is spinning to give a clear indication.

The fan speed control slider is designed to give feedback on the fan speed during a print job. It can be
used to change the fan speed during a print job or in idle mode.

The next block controls the positioning of the extruder. With the arrow keys you move the extruder
relative in any direction. You can perform big jumps by clicking on the button on the most outer part or
do small jumps by pressing on the inside. The home buttons per axis will move the nozzle to home. The
home all button will move all axis to home.

Print Preview
The print preview function can be used to check the slicing output in 3D. The slicing progress will be
displayed and afterwards the slices are displayed.

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The vertical slider on the left side can be used to drag through the slices; the bottom slider can be used
to navigate through the vectors of the active slice.
The estimated time of arrival is shown in the bottom left corner.

In the print preview mode you are not able change the selected print profile. You can exit the print
preview mode by pressing the Exit print preview button or by pressing on another mode in the flow
toolbar.

Color legend:
 Outer Contour
 Support
 Inner contours
 Infill

Generate G-Code
If you want to generate a g-code file and transfer it for instance through an USB stick to your printer,
you can click on the Generate g-code button. You will first be asked to specify a name for the g-code
file that will be generated. Then, the part(s) will be sliced and the slicing progress will be displayed.

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Calibrate Printer
Note: These calibrations are only intended for the Creatr series and Creatr HS series model printers.

This wizard consists out of two functions: calibrate platform or calibrate nozzles.

Calibrate Platform
Note: Please make sure that there isn’t any filament residue on the tips of the nozzles and that the bed
is clean (to include removing finished parts) before running this calibration.

For a successful print it is important that

the platform is properly calibrated. The
distance between the nozzle and
platform should be the same at every X,
Y position. The leveling mechanism of the
platform can be adjusted by turning the
nuts underneath the heated platform bed.
It is important to check it first, because
the leveling can change during shipment.

Move the nozzle to all the points and

check that the distance between the
nozzle and the platform is equal across
all the points. If it isn’t adjust the platform
according to the instructions of the
printer’s manual.

Xeed 3D printers have their own Bed

Leveling function.

When you click Start, the print head will move to the front left corner. With the sheet of paper between
the nozzles and the bed, adjust the height of the front left corner until the bed presses the paper between
the glass and the nozzles with a moderate amount of pressure – just enough to where you can barely
slide the paper around. When that corner is adjusted, click Next, and the print head will move to the
front right corner. If ever you need to go back, click Previous. Adjust the front right corner in the same
manner. Click Next, and the print head will move to the center. If you adjust anything simply lower the

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back left and back right corners. Clicking Next will have you adjust the back left; Next again will have
you adjust the back right. It is recommended to cycle through these at least one more time before you
consider your bed calibrated.

Note: The Calibrate Platform tool goes to the center before going to the back two corners to help prevent
the nozzles from digging into the glass, should the back two corners be adjusted too high. Therefore,
lowering these two back corners may be necessary.

Calibrate Nozzles (extra calibration for dual nozzle printers)

This calibration is only to be used when you find that your nozzles do not seem to be printing at the
same coordinates; a dual color print will have colors that are offset from another. To set the printer up
for this calibration, please have filament loaded (if possible 2 different colors) in both extruders and the
correct Material profiles selected for each nozzle under the Print section in Creatr software. When you
are ready, click the Calibrate Nozzles button under the “Calibrate printer” sub-section.

1. Print out the calibration parts by pressing the Print Parts

button. In this print, two layers of squares are printed. Layer one is
printed with extruder 1, and layer two is printed with extruder 2. Click
the shifted square based on how the second layer has shifted
compared to layer one.
2. After you have selected the squares that align on top of each
other, the software will send these settings to the EEPROM of the
printer by pressing the Finish button.
3. The calibration is finished, and you should be able to print
successfully with your dual head printer.

Note: If you had trouble with a nozzle not being aligned with the
other, please search www.lpfrg.com’s support page for how to align your extruders.

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Profile Editor
The profile editor allows you to setup and manage the print and printer parameters. You can
access these profiles by clicking the Edit profiles button located in the Print section:

Note: The profiles that you see in the Edit Profiles window are directly related to which printer
model you have selected in the Printer Selection section.

These parameters are grouped into logical sections called profiles. Each profile has a
parameter list attached to it that allow to make settings to the way the build processor behaves.

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Slicing section

Material profile section

Build strategy profile section

Support strategy profile section

Parameter list section

The next several pages will begin to give you an overview of the settings found in each of the
profiles. This by no means is a tutorial on 3D printing. Likewise, no downloaded profile is
“plug-and-play;” you will need to adjust these according to the size, shape, and complexity of
the model. Please research on your own or use the resources available on www.lpfrg.com to
learn how to better adjust these settings.

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General Behavior
It’s important to note that some of the profiles (usually certain OEM provided profiles) are not
editable. Instead, Creatr profiles give you the ability to make a duplicate copy of a profile by
hovering over the profile and pressing the + sign that appears. The X will delete the profile.

This button will allow the user to make a copy of the profile that is select or it will allow
the user to add an additional parameter in the parameter list section

This button will allow the user to delete the profile that is selected. This will only appear
when you hover over the parameter or profile.

This button will give the user additional info about the parameters it stands beside.
This will only appear when you hover over the parameter of a profile.

All parameters also have a tooltip it will appear when putting your cursor on the
parameter name

Again, the Update profiles button will allow the user to download predefined profiles
from the manufacturer’s server.

The Import and Export buttons allow you to manually import/export saved .BPPROF
files. You will be able to decide which profiles you are willing to export. If you import a
duplicate you will be requested to override or to save both.

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Machine Settings
The machine settings define the parameters necessary to setup the software to work with a
specific machine.

Extruder configuration
Here the user can define the nozzle diameters on his machine.

 Calibrated Wirewidth nozzle 1: sets the width of an extruded line with nozzle 1
 Calibrated Wirewidth nozzle 2: sets the width of an extruded line with nozzle 2

All Leapfrog 3D printers come with 0.35mm nozzles, but some models have the option of purchasing
0.5mm nozzles separate.

Note: Nozzle 1 is the right extruder nozzle, and Nozzle 2 is the left extruder nozzle.

Custom codes
Here the user can insert custom define g-code commands into the output to change the behavior during
special events of the build process. Those special events are:

 During the start of a build  start code

 During the end of a build  stop code
 During the change of a tool  before tool change code & after tool change code

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Start code: Here the user can insert additional g-code commands that will be executed during the
startup of a build. These usually tell the printer how to heat, homing the printer, and resetting the
coordinates to make sure that the printer isn’t printing off target.

Stop code: Here the user can insert additional g-code commands that will be executed during the
end of a build. These usually are functions like turning off the nozzle temperatures, homing the x
and y axis, lowering the bed, and “disabling” the motors.

Before tool change code: here the user can insert additional g-code commands that will be
executed before a tool change but after the build for that tool is finished.

After tool change code: here the user can insert additional g-code commands that will be executed
after a tool change but before the resume of the build for that tool.

Note: the build processor provide variables that can be used into the custom start and stop codes.

 %%Zstart%%: will give information about the start Z-level

 %%TemperatureNozzle1%%: will give a value corresponding with the set temperature for
nozzle 1 like set in the corresponding profile
 %%TemperatureNozzle2%%: will give a value corresponding with the set temperature for
nozzle 2 like set in the corresponding profile
 %%TemperatureBed%%: will give a value corresponding with the set temperature for the
bed like set in the corresponding profile.
 {IF_NOZZLE1} If you enter this before start or stop code the following g-code will only be
inserted when nozzle 1 is active in the print job.
 {IF_NOZZLE2} If you enter this before start or stop code the following g-code will only be
inserted when nozzle 2 is active in the print job.
 {IF_BED} If you enter this before start or stop code the following g-code will only be inserted
when the heated bed is active in the print job.

It is recommended that only experienced users and those familiar with g-code commands change, add,
or subtract codes to these areas as doing so could damage the printer.

Slicing Profile Section

The slice profile section will allow the user to edit, manage, and define the profiles that
influence the slicing behavior of the build processor.

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 Layer thickness: defines the thickness of the slicing process in mm

Layer thickness

A general rule for 3D printing is that the thinner the layer, the slower the extruder printing speed
should be. High speed printers have been tested their max printing speed at the max layer
thickness. Print speed of the extruder is found in the Material profile.

Another good piece of advice is to keep the maximum layer thickness no higher than 80% of
the nozzle tip diameter. Therefore, since most Leapfrog 3D printers use a 0.35mm nozzle by
default, then the largest recommend layer thickness should be around 0.28mm (though with a
perfectly clean nozzle, you could use a maximum 0.35mm layer thickness).

 Border accuracy: defines the minimal length in mm of a toolpath vector. The higher
the border accuracy the bigger the deviation a toolpath has compared to the designed
geometry (for curved paths). With a lower border accuracy more points are generated
to have a more accurate toolpath. A very small border accuracy will lead into files that
are difficult to handle by the machine.

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Material Profiles Section

The material profile section will allow the user to edit, manage, and define the profiles that
define a material filament used for building a part.

Name: The user can set the name of the material profile the parameter list corresponds to. This is
extremely useful when it comes to importing/exporting profiles and helps your favorite profiles from
getting overwritten. For example, since the Slicing profile’s layer thickness helps determine certain
printing speeds, you may want to design a Material Profile for every slicing profile: PLA-0.100mm, PLA-
0.150mm, PLA-0.200mm; ABS-0.100mm, ABS-0.150mm; ABS-0.200mm. This makes it fast and easy
to match up slicing profiles with material profiles.

Diameter filament: The user can set the diameter of the filament in this field. All Leapfrog 3D printers
only use 1.75mm filament.

Material density: here the user can set the density of the filament in order to calculate the consumed
material during a print.

Extrusion temperature: here the user can set the temperature the nozzle needs to correctly extrude
filament. Several factors can effect what temperature you need to set this to include size of model,
printing speed, and Slicing layer thickness.

Bed temperature control: Here the user can set the best temperature of the heated bed to help the
extruded material attached to the build platform. With the datapoints you are able to control the
temperature of the bed during the print. By inserting different temperatures for another % of the total
build height.

Print speed: Moving speed of the nozzle when filament is extruded. This is the reference speed for the
other speed settings in Build Strategy and Support Strategy. For example, Print Speed Factor of the
Contours (Build Strategy Profile) is a percentage of this extruder print speed.

Master extrusion factor: This is the amount of filament will be extruded during the print. If this is set as
the default value (i.e. 100%), the print path will be closer to the wirewidth set in Machine Setting. A
smaller value (i.e. <100%) will result in less extrusion and thinner print path, and vice versa if the value
is larger than 100%.

Note: The extrusion factors in other profile settings are all relative values to this master extrusion factor.

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Hopping
Enabled: With this checkbox the user can enable hopping during printing. Hopping is when the print
bed lowers during retraction and raises the same set distance before extruding again.

Distance: Here the user can set the retraction distance when hopping.

Speed: Here the user can set the speed of retraction when hopping.

Threshold: Here the user can set the threshold at which hopping will occur. When a jump is larger than
the threshold hopping will occur when it is lower than the threshold the jump will be executed in the
normal way.

Retraction
Retracting is used to avoid oozing material when not actively extruding, avoiding blobs, especially on
the surface. Pulling back the filament lowers the pressure in the nozzle, pulling in any molten filament.

Retraction Distance: This is the length of filament being retracted. This value should not be too much
for direct drive extruders. Bowden-style extruders need more. Direct drive extruders are extruders where
the filament drive unit is located in the print head (i.e. Creatr models and Xeed model).

Retraction Speed: This is the speed of the retraction.

Prime Distance: This is the length of filament pushed into the nozzle just before resuming printing
(priming). Should be close to the retraction distance for direct drive extruders.

Prime Speed: This is the speed at which the filament will be pushed into the nozzle when priming.

Threshold: Minimum distance to move before engaging retraction.

Idle override
When printing with two nozzles, the idle (non-extruding) nozzle can influence the printed part
by heat or oozing. The idle override feature helps to solve this issue by retracting the filament
and cooling the idle nozzle down to the idle temperature when switching nozzles. The print
head will be parked away from the print until the idle nozzle has cooled down.

Enabled: With this checkbox checked, it will enable the nozzle(s) in the idle state when it is
not being used in dual nozzle printing.

Retraction speed: Here the user can set the speed of retraction when a nozzle goes into idle
state.

Retraction distance: Here the user can set the distance of retraction when the nozzle goes
into idle state. It is recommended that this be a little more distance than the Retraction Distance
found in the Retraction section of this profile. This ensures that if any filament is oozing that it
won’t necessarily leak out of the nozzle.

Idle temperature: This is the temperature a nozzle will be cooled down to when it enters idle
mode. This temperature will be maintained until the nozzle becomes active again. Though this
is useful to prevent oozing, you may want to stay within the recommended temperature settings
for the filament type that you’re using to help prevent possible clogging.

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Cooling strategy

FDM technology has difficulties achieving a smooth surface quality

when working with small areas. This is usually caused by a too fast
print speed that doesn’t allow the previous layer to cool down and
solidify sufficiently. Lowering the printing speed is an option, but will
slow down the whole print. One unique cooling strategy function in
Creatr software is the ability to slow down print speed when the
layer print time is too short. Of course, the software also offers a
fan control setting for printer models that use cooling fans.

Minimum layer printing time: This is the minimum time used to

print a layer. If printing a layer takes less than this threshold, the
printing speed in this layer will be decreased till the minimum
printing time is reached.

Minimum speed: the print speed will never drop under this. When
a layer still takes less than the minimum layer printing time, the
nozzle will wait before starting the next layer.

Fan control: The cooling fan behavior can be finely tuned to the
layer height. Each datapoint marks a change in fan speed. Keep
the fan low for the first few layers.

The deer pictured is printed at

25mm/s, but the antlers were
printed much slower,
automatically.

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Build Strategy Profile Section

Name: Here the user can set the name for the build strategy profile.

Contours

Number of contours: This is the number of boundaries printed each layer. More will make your part
stronger, but slow down the print.
Contour overlap: This fills the potential gap which may occur between the start and end points of a
contour so as to produce a better surface quality. A negative value is allowed.
Contour before infill/Infill first: This is the order in which the contours and infill are printed in every
layer. Usually, the surface quality is better when printing the contours first, but in some cases, e.g. steep
overhangs, reversing this can yield good results.
Offset: This is the distance between the adjacent contours. Contours too close or too far influence
adhesion and print quality. This value is defined as the percentage of the default width of the print path,
and is only applied when more than one contour is printed. If you notice gaps between your contours,
try reducing this.
Hatching order: This setting refers to the contours defines if the contours are printed inside-out or
outside-in. Inside out can sometimes increase print quality.
Print speed factor: This is the nozzle moving speed when the contours are printed. Defined as a relative
value (%) of the print speed in Material settings. Slower usually results in better quality.

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Extrusion factor: This is amount of filament being extruded to print the contours. It is defined as a
relative value (%) of the default. Changing this value can influence the width of the printed path.
Thin walls: when parts of the model are thinner than the wirewidth, a contour is generated anyway.
Double thin walls guarantees that any part of the model has two contours, further reinforcing the thin
parts.
Start point relocation: This defines the starting point of a contour. Use this to reduce ‘stitching’, where
a seam is visible when the start and endpoints consecutive layers align.

A visible seam on the grey object. The yellow was printed with the ‘random’ option.

 Repeat: When this is selected, all the contours will be printed from the same location at each
layer. This can leave a seam on the printed part.
 Sharpest angle: If a part has sharp angels in its geometry, the contours will start to be printed
from the location where the sharp angles are. The seam will not be as notable.
 Random: On the contrary to “Repeat,” this option will randomize the start point of each contour
in a layer. A seam will not form, but little defects will be spread over the surface.

Upskin /Downskin

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The Upskin settings focus on the hatching parameters of the up-facing surfaces.

Number of layers: Number of layers considered upskin. These will be filled in solid (and not printed
with the infill size percentage), in order to improve surface quality. More upskin layers cause the print to
take longer to complete.

Line distance: This is the distance between the hatching vectors of the upskin. It is a relative value (%)
of the default width of the print path. When it is set as 100%, the hatching vectors are printed right next
to each other.

Infill overlap: This parameter defines the overlap % of the inner contour and the infill of the up/downskin.
This ensures that there are no holes in the surface and the part is as strong as it can be.

Angle: This is the initial angle of hatching vectors in the first upskin layer regarding to X-axis.
Angle increment: This rotates angle of the hatching vectors in the current layer comparing to previous
layer. 90° gives usually the best result. If layer 10 has the upskin of that layer printed one direction, layer
11 will print the upskin using a different stroke angle (i.e. 90º) to provide a beter quality top surface:

Print speed factor: This is the nozzle moving speed when upskin vectors are printed. It is a relative
value (%) of the print speed in Material settings. To provide the best surface for most prints, a 80%-90%
value is recommended.
Extrusion factor: This is the amount of filament being extruded to print upskin vectors. It is a relative
value (%) of the default. This setting influences the width of the printpath, so you may not want to stray
too far from 100% here.

Infill

Pattern: The user can set the pattern that will be used for processing the infill area here. There are 3
different patterns that can be used for infill:

 Stripes: This is a line pattern with a fixed space between the lines.
 Stripes Hexagons: This is a hexagon pattern.
 Striper Squares: This is a square wave pattern.

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Size: Here the user can set the size of the infill pattern as a percentage of the default size of the pattern.

Infill overlap: This parameter defines the overlap percentage (%) of the inner contour and the infill. This
ensures that there are no holes in the surface and that the part is as strong as it can be.

Angle: Here the user can set the angle at which the infill pattern will be printed.

Angle increment: Here the user can set the angle increment that will be used when printing consecutive
layers. Though you may have a stripe and square pattern, setting this to a 45º, it will print squares one
layer and diamonds the next. Setting it to a 1º value, will cause a spiral infill effect.

Print speed factor: The user can set the speed at which the infill will be processed as a percentage
(%) of the “Print speed” defined in the Material profile.

Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion as a percentage (%) of the Master
extrusion rate defined in Material profile. If you are experiencing under extrusion when it comes to your
infill, you may want to make this slightly above 100%.

Auxiliary structure
This feature is for dual nozzle modes and will only work when you are printing with 2 nozzles. It primes
each nozzle by printing an auxiliary structure on the side of the platform when the nozzles are switched.
The auxiliary structure is like printed support and meant to be discarded after the print is done. In
addition, the nozzle switching sequence will be automatically optimized when auxiliary structure is
enabled so as to reduce nozzle switching times.

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Auxiliary structure

Size: This determines the size of the auxiliary structure in millimeters. For parts with large layers
between extruder uses, it is recommended to print this around 10.0mm. However, for prints with fast
extruder changes, a smaller size can be used.

Number of contours: This determines the number of contours of the auxiliary structure.

Support Strategy Profile Section

Support strategy focus on printing the necessary filament used to ensure that your model is printed with
the best quality possible. In FDM 3D printing, melted filament need some surface to print on – printing
in air is not an option. Any part of your model that has a certain angular degree of overhang (usually
around 35º-45º) will need support material to be printed. This forms a break-away (or soluble, with some
filament types) “table-top” like surface that the printer creates so that your model will not sag or create
pasta noodle surface quality issues.

Name: Here the user can set the name for the support strategy profile.

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Supports

Enabled: The user can activate the support generation function by checking this box. This will only
create support platforms on your part where they meet the criterial of the Self-supporting angle value
(defined in this section).

Add border: Here the user can activate the generation of a border around the support structure.

Z-offset: The user can set an additional offset on the layer height used to print the support structure.
This makes the support structure not so dense and easier to break each layer of support apart for faster
cleaning.

Line angle: Here the user can set the angle that will be used to draw the support structure lines. Again,
this can be helpful when it comes time to break the support away from the part.

Line distance: Here the user can set the distance between 2 lines of the support structure pattern:

(Top view of support looking down to the print bed.)

XY extension: Here the user can set the offset in X & Y that will be used to generate the support
structure. The support structure will be extended in X&Y away from the part.

Distance to part: This is used to set the X & Y distance the support structure needs to keep from the
part(s) during generation of the support structure. A 0 value will place the support directly next to the
part and could cause a seam to form on the part leading to poor quality after the support is broken away.

Self-supporting angle: Here the user can set the self-supporting angle that will be used to determine
which parts of a model need support and which not during the support generation. All areas that have a
support angle lower than the self-supporting angle will be supported.

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Small area threshold: Small areas under this threshold will not get support. This is useful when support
is difficult to remove. Set this threshold can remove the support generation from the areas smaller than
the threshold. An example is given below. The support generated inside of the tube is different to remove
after the build. With this feature, setting the threshold can remove the support to be built inside of the
tube.

The left image is a g-code view with the small area threshold set to 0; the right image is a g-
code view with the small area threshold set to 50.

Print speed factor: Here the user can set the speed at which the support structure will be processed
as a percentage (%) of the Print speed defined in the Material profile.

Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion that will be used for the support
structure as a percentage (%) of the master extrusion rate defined in Material profile.

Roof
Enabled: Here the user can activate the generation of a roof on top of the support structure to
make an easy removable interface between part and support. The benefit of a roof is that the
majority of the support structure can be printed rather thin and then a fine detailed/thick roof can
create a nice “table-top” like effect to your support so that the overhanging downskins of your
print can have a nice, smooth surface to print on. So think of the Support settings above as like
a table’s legs and the roof as the actual table top surface.

Gap: This is the distance between the last layer of the roof and the first layer of the downskin
area. This setting determines how easy the support generation (including roof) can be removed
from the part after the print. Larger the gap is, it is easier to remove the support generation, but
could lead to lower quality downskins as gravity could cause these areas of the downskin to
sag. In general, gap is multiple of the layer thickness.

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Number of layers: Here the user can set the number of layers that will generated to construct
the roof. More layers will make a more sold table top.

Line distance: Here the user can set the distance between 2 lines of the line infill used to
generate the roof structure. Typically, you want this to be a little less than the Line distance
value in the Support subcategory mentioned above. Otherwise, the roof will not be much
different than the support structure that it is printed on:

Z-offset: Here the user can set an additional offset on the layer height used to print the roof
structure. This too should be a little less than the support (or 0 if you have 0 for your support as
well):

Print speed factor: This is the speed at which the roof support structure will be processed as
a percentage (%) of the Print speed defined in the Material profile.

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Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion that will be used for the roof
support structure as a percentage (%) of the master extrusion rate defined in Material profile.

Skirt

Enabled: here the user can activate the generation of a skirt for priming the nozzles. If you do not have
another method for priming the nozzles (auxiliary structure or manually extruding before starting the
print), we would recommend that you always at least use a skirt for most prints.

Print speed factor: Here the user can set the speed at which the skirt structure will be processed as a
percentage (%) of the Print speed defined in the Material profile.

Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion that will be used for the skirt structure
as a percentage (%) of the master extrusion rate defined in Material profile.

Offset: This is the distance from the part that the skirt outline will be printed. Setting this value to 0, the
skirt will be like a small brim, printed directly adjacent to the part. If you are printing with a model placed
close to the edge of the build volume, the skirt might not print. However, lowering the offset may allow
the skirt to fit.

Adhesion strategy

Raft
A raft is a printed build platform that the actual model is printed upon after the raft is complete. Usually
when parts have a hard time sticking to the print bed due to low surface area, a raft is a good solution.
However, other mechanical factors could be causing the print to not stick to the bed. The raft is not
usually a good substitute for not having an adhesive material (print sticker, spray, etc.) on the print bed.
The bottom side of the part also loses some print quality when using a raft.

Using a raft has been known to help reduce warping in ABS filament prints.

Number of following layers: Here the user can set how many layers will be generated after the base
layer (see the following image).

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Final raft layer temperature: This value sets the extrusion temperature for the final layer of the raft.
This helps the part adhere better to the raft.

Extra to part: This value sets the gap between the raft final layer and the part. This gap helps separate
the raft from the print, but also reduces the quality of the bottom side of the print.

Base layer / Following Layers

Like support was described above as the legs and the roof as the table top, The base layer can
be considered as the legs and the following layers be considered the table top. The legs can be
thinner, but a thick table top creates a better print surface. Conversely, you can set the Base
layer thicker and use the thinning out of the following layers with a smaller Extra to part setting
to also help break the raft away. Each subcategory (Base layer and Following layers) has the
following:

Layer thickness: Here the user can set the layer thickness of the base layer.

Line angle: Here the user can set the line angle of the line infill of the base layer or
following layers.

Line distance: Here the user can set the distance of the line infill of the base layers or
following layers.

Print speed factor: Here the user can set the speed at which the raft structure first
layer or following layers will be processed as a percentage (%) of the Print speed
defined in the Material profile.

Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion that will be used for
the raft structure first layer or following layers as a percentage (%) of the master
extrusion rate defined in Material profile.

Brim
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As a user you can define a brim to ensure that you parts will adhere with the platform. Unlike a skirt
(unless you set the skirt’s offset to 0mm), a brim touches the base of the part; it will later need to be
broken or cut away. Brims are also used in some cases when ABS filament has the tendency to warp.

Number of contours: the number of times it will circle around the part at the first layer. More contours
will result in a better adhesion.

Print speed factor: The print speed factor controls the speed for the brim relative to the print speed
defined in the material profile.

Extrusion factor: Here the user can set the amount of extrusion that will be used for the brim structure
as a % of the master extrusion rate defined in material profile.

Saving Profile Changes – Very Important

Anytime you edit, add, import, or delete, settings/profiles – any changes at all in the Profile Editor
window, it is very important that you click the OK button located in the bottom right corner to save the
changes to your profiles.

Clicking the Cancel button will cause the changes to be discarded. This is even the case if you use
the automatic Update Profile button.

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Visualize

Workplace Visualization Bar

View options

Shading: display the parts with shaded surfaces.

Wireframe: shows edges of the object. The edges are defined by the angle of incidence
between triangles.

Wireframe and shading: this is a combined view state off shading and wireframe.

Triangles: shows the edges of all the triangles in the part. This view visualizes the raw STL
data.

Visualize options

This option is there to change the view state to a ISO view.

Options:
 Default view
 Front view
 Back view
 Left view
 Right view
 Top view
 Bottom view

Visualize STL –errors

In this bar you are able to choose if you would like to visualize the STL-errors or not.

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The button will enable the visualization of flipped triangles, if enabled the flipped triangles will
be displayed in red.

The button will enable the visualization of bad edges, if enabled the bad edges will be
visualized in yellow.

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An 11 Step Walk-Through
Here is a brief walk-through for first time use of the Creatr software.

Note: The title says “11 steps,” but that really is situation dependent; some steps have sub-steps.

STEP 00 (not always done): After installing the software, you should immediately update the latest
profiles:
 Establish an internet connection with the PC; use the Network Settings in the Help menu –
About option if you need to connect using a Proxy Server.
 Select the model of printer under the Printer Selection tab.
 Select the Print tab and click the Edit Profiles button.
 Click the Update Profiles button in the top right corner of the Profile Editor window.
 Once the OEM version is updated, the latest profiles have been added to the list. Click the OK
button in the bottom right corner of the Profile Editor window to save the updated list.

STEP 01: Make sure the correct 3D printer model is selected in the Printer Selection tab.

STEP 02: Click the Import tab/button to import one or more .STL files to the build platform
(“Autoplacement on import” and “Autofixing on import” options can be enabled or disabled from the
Options menu and should be done before importing the part).

STEP 03: Select the Transform tab to move, center, rescale, duplicate, rotate, and lay the model(s)
flat on the build platform. Ensure that your parts are not set outside of the build volume in any of the
axes directions (X, Y, or Z).

STEP 04: Decide which model is going to be printed out of which nozzle of the printer, and indicate
this by toggling the nozzle selection on the parts list:

STEP 05: When everything is placed where you want it, click the Print tab at the top and select the
Edit Profiles button. Most users will spend the majority of their time in this area.

As mentioned earlier, Leapfrog’s profiles are a good starting point for profile settings, but they will
need to be “tweaked” for every model you have. For example, smaller or more complicated models
usually need to be printed at a slower Print speed (Material profile). A smaller Layer thickness (Slicing
profile) also usually needs a slower Print speed. Our advice is to start with a really slow Print Speed
and Jump Speed (Machine Settings) – 50mm/s is usually a good learning speed - until you get a good
feel for the 3D printer model and the settings in Creatr software; you can always increase this in later
prints.

Before making changes to a Leapfrog profile, duplicate and rename it.

Hover the mouse over a setting if you aren’t sure what it does, and if you still aren’t sure, it may be
okay to leave as is for your first test print.

Configure the settings of the 5 profiles you would like to use:

 Machine Settings (usually only one choice)
 Slicing profile
 Material profile
 Build Strategy profile
 Support Strategy profile

STEP 06: When you’re done editing the profiles, note again which ones you want to use and save the
edits by clicking the OK button in the bottom right corner of the Profile Editor.

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STEP 07: In the Print tab, select the Material profile(s) and assign it to the nozzle(s) that you plan on
using. Then assign the print mode that the nozzle will be performing.

STEP 08: Select the Slicing profile, the Build Strategy profile, and the Support Strategy profile in the
appropriate drop-down fields.

STEP 09: Set up your printer with filament rolls loaded in the corresponding extruders according to the
settings you’ve arranged in Creatr software. If you just unboxed your printer and are using it for the
first time, it’s good practice to calibrate the bed (Xeed – Level Bed and Z-Offset calibrations) and make
sure that an adhesive material is applied to the heated bed properly.

STEP 10: Decide if you’re going to print with your PC connected to the software or if you’re going to
generate a .GCODE file, save it, and load it to a Stand-Alone type printer (Creatr HS series, Xeed,
etc.). Therefore, this step splits here:
-Printing connected to the PC-
Note: The Xeed model printer has its own internal PC, so you cannot connect it to the Creatr
software; you will need to generate the .GCODE file (see below).
 Use the Print Preview button to verify that the print should turn out as you planned.
Confirm that your Support Strategy profile options are all present and to your liking.
Then, exit the preview mode by clicking the Exit Print Preview button.
 Connect the printer to the software: Turn on the printer, enable it to connect to the PC,
plug in the USB cable, refresh the COM port list in Creatr software (Print tab), select
the correct COM port, and click the Connect button. You will know that the connection
was successful if the Connect button is replaced with a green Disconnect button.
 Printer Controls: Navigate to the Printer Controls section of the Print tab and set the
following:
o Preheat the nozzle or nozzles that you plan on using.
o Preheat the bed.
o Once temperature is reached, it’s almost always a good habit to prime each
extruder by manually extruding a bit of filament and then wiping them with a
cloth.
o You should ALWAYS home the printer before starting a print.
 Finally, when everything is set and ready, click the Start Printing button found at the
bottom of the Print tab. The .GCODE file will be sliced and ran. The printer may take a
moment to stabilize temperature (or reach the temperatures set in the Material
profile). Then, the print should start. It is always very much recommended that you
stick around for the first layer of your print. If there is any sign of the filament not
sticking to the bed, you should kill the print process by clicking the Cancel button;
prints left overnight when layers are not sticking to bed can seriously damage the
printer.
-Printing in a Stand-Alone Mode-
Note: Creatr series printers will not work in this mode.
 Use the Print Preview button to verify that the print should turn out as you planned.
Confirm that your Support Strategy profile options are all present and to your liking.
Then, exit the preview mode by clicking the Exit Print Preview button.
 Click the Generate GCODE button, select a good save location, and click Save.
 Finally, save the .GCODE file to a USB stick and follow the procedures provided in the
printer model’s User Manual for printing in Stand-Alone/uploading and running
a .GCODE file from a USB memory stick.

STEP 11 (optional): If your print results are favorable, you may want to archive these profiles and the
model layout on the build platform. You can save the model layout as a .BUILDER file by simply selecting
the Save Project option located in the top File menu. You will need to go back into the Profile Editor
(Edit profiles button, located under the Print tab) and Export the profiles that you want into one .BPPROF
file. We recommend also saving these with the .STL and .GCODE file.

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 Creatr 51

System Requirements

MAC
Minimal hardware requirements
Hardware:
 A Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor
 Minimum 2 GB of memory
 About 150 MB of disk space on the boot volume (Macintosh HD) for installation
 Minimum resolution (scaled): 1280 x 800

Software:
OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later

WIN
Minimal hardware requirements
Hardware:
 CPU: Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor
 Minimum 4 GB of memory
 About 150 MB of disk space on the C: drive for installation
 Minimum resolution: 1280 x 800
 ’NVidea GeForce400’ or ‘ATI/AMD Radeon HD 5000’ or higher recommended
 Open GL 2.0 and Direct X 11 compatible graphical card
 At least 1 GB of memory

Software:
 Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
 Windows 8 / 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
 Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)

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