Overview
This guide explains how to get started with Bambu Studio, from installation through to sending your first print to a Bambu printer such as the A1. It focuses on a simple, repeatable workflow rather than advanced tuning.
Before you start
- A computer running Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, or a supported Linux distribution.
- A working Bambu printer (A1, P1, X1 series) that has been set up and calibrated.
- An internet connection if you want to use cloud or LAN printing.
- At least one spool of filament, ideally PLA for first tests.
If you prefer an offline workflow you can still use Bambu Studio and export files to an SD card. Network access is mainly required for cloud features and direct printing.
Step 1. Download and install Bambu Studio
Download Bambu Studio from the official Bambu Lab website. Install it as a normal desktop application. When installation completes you should see the Bambu Studio icon in your applications list.
Bambu Studio is built on PrusaSlicer, so anyone who has used Prusa’s software will recognise the layout and workflow.
Step 2. Run the first-time setup wizard
On first launch, Bambu Studio opens a setup wizard. This configures the essentials so your workflow is clean from the start.
- Region: choose your real region so account services work correctly.
- Printers: tick your Bambu printer and nozzle size.
- Filaments: enable presets for Bambu PLA, Bambu PETG, Generic PLA, etc.
- Network plugin: install this if you want LAN/cloud printing and remote monitoring.
You can change any of these later in the settings, so you don’t need perfect choices at this point.
Step 3. Connect Bambu Studio to your printer
Bambu Studio can send prints to your Bambu printer over the cloud, over your LAN, or via SD card. For most home setups, LAN/cloud printing is simplest.
- Print plate: slices the plate and uploads it to the printer over the network.
- Send: copies the sliced file to the printer’s SD card over the network.
- Export plate: saves the sliced file for manual SD card transfer.
If the printer doesn’t appear in Bambu Studio, ensure both the printer and your computer are on the same network and that the network plugin is enabled.
Step 4. Learn the interface layout
The interface is divided into clear areas that handle different parts of the workflow.
- Top toolbar: project tools, add model, auto-arrange, orientation tools.
- Left sidebar: printer, plate type, filament presets, quality preset (Process).
- Main build plate view: where your models are arranged.
- Preview panel: visible after slicing for checking layers and print path.
Step 5. Create a project and import a model
Click New project. Give it a useful name such as desk-organiser-v1. This keeps plates, models and settings grouped logically.
To import a model, drag and drop an STL or 3MF file into the window or use File → Import. Bambu Studio will place the model on the build plate automatically.
If your file contains several parts as a single object, right click and choose Split to separate them.
Step 6. Position and orient the model
Good orientation reduces support material, improves strength and avoids unnecessary failures.
- Use Auto orient for a safe starting point.
- Use Lay on face if you want a specific surface on the build plate.
- Use Auto arrange only when you have multiple parts.
- Ensure no part of the model extends outside the build volume.
For most prints, placing the flattest and strongest face down gives the best results.
Step 7. Choose printer, filament and quality presets
The presets in the left sidebar give a predictable starting point for most materials on Bambu printers.
- Printer: choose your Bambu model and the correct nozzle size.
- Plate type: match the plate in use (Textured PEI etc).
- Filament: Bambu PLA or Generic PLA is ideal for first prints.
- Process: use the 0.20 mm Standard preset while learning.
Only enable supports if they are needed. For general prints, 15–20 percent infill is usually enough.
Step 8. Slice and inspect the preview
Click Slice plate. Bambu Studio creates the toolpath and switches to the Preview workspace. Use the layer slider to move up and down the print.
- Check the first layer is full and solid.
- Verify walls and infill look correct.
- Confirm supports touch the underside of any overhangs.
- Review estimated time and material usage.
Step 9. Send the print to the printer
With a correct preview, send the job another way:
- Print plate: upload and start the print immediately.
- Send: upload the file to the printer’s SD card for later.
- Export: save the sliced file to a local SD card.
Always watch the first layer. If the first layer fails, cancel immediately and fix the cause rather than wasting filament.
Starter settings for PLA and PETG
These values work as a starting point for many prints. You can tune them later once you are comfortable.
PLA
- Nozzle: 205–210°C
- Bed: 55–60°C
- Layer height: 0.20 mm
- Cooling: 100 percent after a few layers
- Infill: 15–25 percent
- Walls: 2–3
PETG
- Nozzle: 235–245°C
- Bed: 75–85°C
- Layer height: 0.20–0.24 mm
- Cooling: 40–60 percent
- Infill: 20–35 percent
- Walls: 3+
Basic troubleshooting
- First layer not sticking: clean the plate, check plate type in Studio, add a brim for small models.
- Stringing: lower nozzle temperature; for PETG, reduce cooling and slow print slightly.
- Supports fused to the part: increase support interface distance or raise support threshold angle.
- Missing parts in preview: model may have thin walls or incorrect scale. Check original STL/3MF.
Keep your adjustments small and test one variable at a time. This builds predictable, repeatable results.
Further resources
- Official Bambu Studio documentation
- Independent tutorials and videos
- University makerspace slicing guides
