CHITUBOX

CHITUBOX is a 3D-printing preparation suite, with a free general-purpose slicer and separate paid editions for advanced workflows and dentistry. It suits makers who want to prepare and check models in one application; the free Basic edition is the clearest starting point, while Pro and Dental address more specialized needs.

Overview

CHITUBOX Basic slices and converts 3D mesh files into printable files, importing STL, OBJ and 3MF models. Its cavity, collision, overhang and island detection can flag potential model problems before printing. That is a useful checkpoint, not a guarantee that a model is print-ready.

The editions have distinct audiences. Pro adds model-editing, support and automation tools to the general preparation workflow. Dental is designed for dentistry and offers one-click preparation for dental models. For general makers, Dental’s specialization is a reason to look elsewhere; for dental work, it offers a workflow aimed directly at that task.

Key features

Preparation and model checks

Basic combines mesh import with slicing and file conversion. The detection tools help users review several kinds of potential issues in the same preparation process. Auto supports, printer control, print monitoring and model repair are also identified as capabilities, making CHITUBOX relevant beyond slicing alone.

Pro tools and workflows

Pro adds model splitting, labels, Boolean operations, custom holes and multiple support forms. These tools suit users who need to modify models or tailor supports as part of print preparation, rather than relying on a basic slice-and-convert workflow. ChituAction and Magic Supports extend that work with scripted workflows and automated custom-support creation, which is most useful when repeatability or less manual support setup matters.

Pro also includes Resin Material Alliance: users can download resin material data and upload custom data to a cloud library. Network Sending can move a print over the network, but only with a compatible printer and ChituManager; it is not a universal sending option.

Dental workflow

CHITUBOX Dental is purpose-built for dentistry, with one-click preparation for dental models. That focus may suit dental workflows better than a general slicer, but its license is limited to one computer.

Pricing

PlanPriceTermsCHITUBOX Basic0.00 USDFree 3D printing slicerCHITUBOX Dental 3 Years499.00 USDOnce; 3-year planCHITUBOX Dental Yearly$1,951,229 a yearAuto-renewal yearly; one first-year discount per userCHITUBOX Dental MonthlyCustom pricingAuto-renewal monthly; one first-month discount per userBasic costs nothing and gives general users a no-cost way to slice and convert models. Pro features have a 7-day free trial after account login. The account page offers the trial, so it is a practical way to assess the additional workflow before committing. Pro users can contact technical support at [email protected] or join the Discord User Group.

Dental’s $499, paid once 3-year plan avoids a recurring term, while the yearly plan is $1,951,229 a year with yearly auto-renewal and a one-time first-year discount per user. Monthly Dental pricing is custom pricing; it auto-renews monthly and offers one first-month discount per user. Compare the term and renewal structure carefully when choosing between Dental plans. A personal license key works on up to two computers; a team key works on up to five. Those limits apply to the license key, while Dental itself is restricted to one computer.

Platforms

CHITUBOX runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. Network Sending additionally requires a printer that supports it and ChituManager, so platform support alone does not ensure that a particular printer can receive jobs over the network.

Who it's for

Basic is the strongest fit for general 3D-printing users who want free slicing, common mesh imports and pre-print model checks. Pro is better for users who need model operations, several support forms, scripted workflows or shared resin data in their preparation process. Dental is for dentistry-focused users seeking one-click preparation for dental models, provided its single-computer license and plan terms fit their needs.

CHITUBOX’s privacy statement says users may use the site and software without providing personal information, though some features and notices may require it. That distinction matters to users who want to minimize account details, particularly because accessing the Pro trial requires login.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free Basic supports STL, OBJ and 3MF imports, with several model checks that help flag potential issues before printing.

Pros: Pro brings editing, support, scripting and resin-data tools into one preparation suite, with a 7-day trial for Pro features after login.

Pros: Dental provides a one-click preparation workflow designed for dental models.

Cons: Network Sending depends on both printer support and ChituManager, limiting its usefulness with incompatible setups.

Cons: Dental licensing is limited to one computer, and its monthly price is custom pricing.

Cons: Some features and notices may require personal information, despite the stated option to use the site and software without providing it.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse 3D Slicer Software and 3D Printing Software.

Lychee Slicer is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows; its Lite plan has limited multi-plate support and ads on export.

PrusaSlicer is a free, open-source slicer based on the Slic3r project, for users who prioritize open-source software.

UltiMaker Cura is another free and open-source desktop slicing option.

GrabCAD Print has a free Standard plan with core print-preparation features and Stratasys printer support; choose it if that printer support is the priority.

Orca-Flashforge offers a free desktop plan for supported Flashforge printers, making it a relevant alternative for those devices.

Eiger offers a free cloud-based platform for Markforged devices, while Offline Eiger is a paid standalone option.

KISSlicer has a free plan limited to one selected extruder per print, including on multi-extruder printers.

3D Sprint is a Windows-only alternative whose complimentary Basic license is included with purchases of specific 3D Systems plastic printers.

Verdict

CHITUBOX is a strong starting point for general 3D-print preparation when free slicing and model checks are enough, and a more capable choice for users who will use Pro’s editing, support and automation tools. Choose Dental for dentistry-focused preparation, but account for its one-computer limit and plan terms. Look elsewhere if your printer is not compatible with Network Sending or if another slicer better matches your printer-specific needs.