If you have just obtained your 3D printer and have an idea of something to print, you need some essential software tools for 3D printing to bring that idea to life. You might not always create your files from scratch, but you can download them from 3D printing websites like Thingiverse, Myminifactory, Printables, Makerworld, and many others. However, you need to be familiar with a 3D modeling program to create or adjust the files you downloaded.
Also, you need a 3D slicer to convert the 3D model into a G-code that you send to the 3D printer. Various 3D printing software is available, and a good one should have the tools for creating 3D printable models, slicing, editing STL files, or repairing meshes. Below are my favorites, which I use for different purposes.
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