Common Questions from Desktop Slicer Users
If you’ve been slicing locally for a long time, you’re probably asking some version of these questions. That’s normal.
Here’s how Polar Cloud approaches them.
Is this replacing my desktop slicer?
No.
Polar Cloud doesn’t require you to stop using PrusaSlicer, Cura, Orca, or anything else. Browser-based slicing is an option, not a replacement.
Many users do both: slice in Polar Cloud when convenience matters, and slice locally when they need a specific advanced tool.
Can I still slice locally and upload G-code?
Yes. Fully supported.
Uploading pre-sliced G-code is a first-class workflow in Polar Cloud, not a workaround. You can preview it, send it to printers, track it in history, and manage it like any other job.
Am I losing access to advanced settings?
No, but the experience is different.
Polar Cloud exposes the most commonly used slicing controls and continues to expand advanced options over time. Some tools available in desktop slicers — like pausing at a specific layer height or rich paint-based controls — aren’t available yet.
When you need those, slice locally and upload the finished G-code. Check back soon and we may have that feature by then! This is an active focus for us in 2026 and 2027.
Why does slicing sometimes feel slower than my desktop slicer?
Because it’s running in a browser, using JavaScript.
Large or complex models can take a bit longer to load or process compared to a native desktop application (usually the more powerful C/C++). That’s expected, and something we actively work to improve.
Once loaded, the workflow is designed to stay responsive and predictable.
What happens to my files after I upload them?
Your original files remain unchanged. Go to Objects at any time, and you'll see your original STL.
You'll notice that your printer queue (before printing) or print history (after printing) are where the actual modified files get stored. We keep these in your account so they can be accessed from anywhere, reused, and tied to print history. Printing doesn’t modify your original models.
Does Polar Cloud change my G-code?
No.
If you upload G-code, that exact file is what gets sent to the printer. Polar Cloud does not rewrite, optimize, or inject changes into user-uploaded G-code. It puts it in AWS and then your printer downloads it over an encrypted connection.
How does this work across multiple computers?
That’s one of the main benefits.
There’s nothing to install, update, or sync. Your files, printers, and settings are available wherever you log in. The slicer behaves the same way on every machine.
This is especially helpful when you’re moving between devices or sharing printers with others.
Is this meant for schools, or for serious printing?
Both.
Polar Cloud works well in classrooms, but it’s built around real printing workflows. Many experienced users and organizations rely on it because it reduces friction once you’re managing printers, not just slicing files.
What if I need a feature that isn’t here yet?
Use the workflow that makes sense today.
Slice locally when you need a specific tool. Use Polar Cloud for file management, job control, monitoring, and history. As the slicer continues to evolve, more of that work can happen directly in the browser.
You’re not locked into a single approach.
Why would I choose this over my current setup?
Because it removes overhead.
No installs. No updates. No admin approval. No keeping profiles in sync. No wondering which machine has the latest version.
For many users, once the workflow clicks, slicing becomes just one step in a larger, simpler printing process.