Connect Your Printer

If you own a AstroPrint Compatible 3D Printer — AstroPrint is built specifically for you.

AstroPrint Features:

  • Remotely monitor your printer from anywhere with any device (including via AstroPrint Mobile)
  • Slice and print your designs from the cloud (AstroPrint's cloud slicer uses CURA Engine)
  • Wirelessly manage your 3D Printer (No pesky cables or SD Cards!)
  • Simple, Responsive, Intuitive Interface (beginner and kid friendly!)
  • Manipulate and print your designs using AstroPrint Desktop
  • Cross-device, Cross-platfrom synchronization of ALL your designs and settings
  • Regular, Automatic software updates
  • ...and a LOT more!

How to get started

First, let's make your 3D Printer wireless and connect it to the AstroPrint Cloud.

To take advantage of AstroPrint, you must first make your 3D Printer wireless and cloud connected.

💡 Can I use an AstroPrint OFFLINE? While you CAN use your AstroBox Gateway without connecting your 3D Printer to the AstroPrint Cloud, doing so will severely limit functionality (and cool features like cloud slicing and remote monitoring). Alternatively, you can also use AstroPrint Desktop via USB without needing an AstroBox Gateway.

Since AstroPrint is a CLOUD PLATFORM dedicated to make 3D Printing simple, connecting your 3D Printer to the AstroPrint ecosystem is very important.

In addition to being able to manage and monitor your printer from anywhere around the world with any device, you'll also be able to use things like AstroPrint Desktop and AstroPrint Mobile.

You can connect your 3D Printer to the AstroPrint Cloud with one of the following 2 options:

A. The AstroBox Gateway

By using an AstroBox Gateway — The AstroBox Gateway is a Raspberry Pi based controller that allows you to make your 3D Printer wireless and cloud connected. It runs our free open-source software and allows you to take full advantage of the AstroPrint Cloud. If you are interested in using an Astrobox Gateway to connect your printer to the AstroPrint Cloud, you can build your own AstroBox Gateway (DIY) OR purchase a ready-to-assemble kit directly from us.

👉 I am a beginner and would like to purchase a ready-to-assemble AstroBox Gateway kit.
👉 I am an advanced user and would like to build my own AstroBox Gateway.

B. The AstroBox Touch

By using an AstroBox Touch — The AstroBox Touch is a PREMIUM touchscreen that is wireless, cloud connected, and extensible with apps. The AstroBox Touch is a simple, powerful device that DOES NOT require any assembly. It is 100% plug and play with all compatible printers. (Video of AstroBox Touch) Once you get an AstroBox Touch, your printer will have access to the entire AstroPrint Ecosystem, including the AstroPrint Cloud, Developer API(s), Desktop Apps, and Mobile Apps. Since the AstroBox Touch is premium touchscreen that runs our proprietary software, it must be bought directly from us. Purchase AstroBox Touch) — Alternatively, if you are an advanced user, you can purchase a software-only license and assemble your own Touch. (not recommended if you are a beginner)

👉 I am a beginner and would like to purchase a plug-and-play AstroBox Touch.
👉 I am an advanced user and would like to purchase a software-only license and assemble my own Astrobox Touch.

🤔 My printer is already wireless and connected to the AstroPrint Cloud! — What's next?

1. What can I do with the AstroPrint Cloud?
2. What's the difference between the AstroBox Gateway and the AstroPrint Cloud?
3. How can I manage and monitor my printer from my smartphone with AstroPrint Mobile?
4. How can I Rotate, Resize, Duplicate, and Manipulate designs with AstroPrint Desktop?

If your question was not answered, please ask it on our forums or ping us on twitter.