Formlabs PreForm is the free print-preparation software for Formlabs SLA and SLS 3D printers. You import a model, and PreForm orients it, generates supports, lays it out on the build platform and sends the job to the printer. Dental labs and clinics with a Form 4B, Form 4BL or Form 3B use PreForm’s Dental Workspace to print models, surgical guides, splints, dentures and other parts with Formlabs dental resins. If you searched for “Formlabs PreForm download”, the software is free: Formlabs says there are no licences, annual fees or installation limits.
PreForm works only with Formlabs printers. You can install it without a printer, though, and prepare and inspect jobs on any computer.
Formlabs PreForm at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest version | PreForm 3.63.1 (25 September 2026) |
| Licence | Free (no licences, annual fees or installation limits) |
| Platforms | Windows 10 64-bit (version 1809) or later; macOS 13 or later (native Apple silicon build since 3.63.0, and Intel) |
| Developer | Formlabs |
| Official website | formlabs.com (dental: dental.formlabs.com) |
| Best for | Labs and clinics that print with Formlabs printers and dental resins |
What it does
- Automatic orientation, support generation and layout. Formlabs’ newer Supports V2 aim for smoother surfaces, better accuracy and easier removal.
- Validated print settings for Formlabs materials. Advanced users can change exposure, layer height and heating settings.
- Printability checks and real-time estimates of print time and material use.
- The Dental Workspace (PreForm 3.29 or later) has indication-based setups and saved presets for material, layer height, orientation and supports.
- Scan to Model turns an intraoral scan into a solid, printable dental model inside PreForm, with a trim plane, a base and optional hollowing.
- Integrations with dental CAD: 3Shape (through 3Shape Produce), exocad, Medit, Zirkonzahn and others, plus a Formlabs API for automation.
- Automatic 3D packing for Formlabs SLS printers (Fuse series).
How dental teams use it
Turn an intraoral scan into a printed model (Scan to Model)
- Start PreForm and choose the Dental Workspace. Click the tooth icon to open Scan to Model.
- Select your printer (Form 2, Form 3B, Form 3BL, Form 4B or Form 4BL) and a dental model material, then import the scan (STL, OBJ, FORM or 3MF).
- PreForm orients the model automatically. Check that the occlusal surface faces away from the build platform.
- Move the trim plane slider to cut away extra scan data. PreForm suggests a position.
- Set the base height. Tick “Hollow model” to save resin: PreForm then adds a honeycomb interior and drain holes.
- Print directly on the platform, or add supports, and send the job.
Print designed appliances from CAD
Export the design (for example a surgical guide or splint) from your dental CAD as STL, or send it through an integration such as 3Shape Produce. In the Dental Workspace, choose the indication and the matching Formlabs dental resin. PreForm then applies the orientation, support and layout settings for that indication. Formlabs lists diagnostic models, surgical guides, dentures, aligner models, crowns and other intraoral uses.
Recent dental updates
PreForm 3.63.0 updated the 100-micron settings for Denture Base Resin V2 on Form 4B printers. PreForm 3.63.1 added a “Fast Arch” print setting for Fast Model Resin.
Install and first run
- Windows: install PreForm on 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1809) or later.
- macOS: macOS 13 or later is required. Since 3.63.0 there is a native Apple silicon (ARM64) build, which Formlabs added for faster performance.
- On first start, pick a workspace (Dental Workspace for dental work) and your printer model. You can prepare a job without a connected printer and save it as a .form file.
- Keep PreForm updated. New print settings, such as updated dental resin profiles, arrive with PreForm releases.
A common gotcha: Scan to Model and the dental resins only appear for printers that can print biocompatible materials (the “B” models and Form 2). If the tooth icon is missing, check which printer is selected.
Limitations
- It only prints to Formlabs printers. You cannot use it with other brands.
- Scan to Model turns scans into printable models, but it is not a CAD program. Crowns, guides and dentures must still be designed in dental CAD software.
- Dental indications depend on using Formlabs dental resins on a supported printer with the specified post-processing.
- There is no Linux version.
Formlabs PreForm vs alternatives
Asiga Composer is the equivalent for Asiga printers. It can identify dental parts automatically and works with a large open material library. CHITUBOX, with its paid Dental mode, and Lychee Slicer are for third-party LCD resin printers. Clinics that scan with TRIOS can also make printable models in 3Shape Unite with Model Maker, then hand them over to PreForm.
FAQ
Is Formlabs PreForm free?
Yes. Formlabs states that PreForm is free, with no licences, annual fees or installation limits.
Is there a PreForm download for Mac?
Yes. PreForm runs on macOS 13 or later. Since version 3.63.0 there is a native Apple silicon build.
What is PreForm Dental Workspace?
It is a workspace in PreForm 3.29 and later with dental indication presets and the Scan to Model tool. It sets up orientation, supports and layout automatically for dental parts.
Does PreForm work with other 3D printers?
No. PreForm prepares and sends jobs only to Formlabs SLA and SLS printers. For other resin printers, use a general slicer such as CHITUBOX or Lychee Slicer.
How do I update PreForm?
Install the newest version from formlabs.com. The official release notes list each version’s changes, including new dental print settings.
Which printers support Scan to Model?
Scan to Model works with printers that can print biocompatible materials: Form 2, Form 3B, Form 3BL, Form 4B and Form 4BL.
Last checked against official sources: 28 September 2026 (developer website: formlabs.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in a clinic.
