--- title: "OrcaSlicer on Mac with a Bambu Lab Printer ยท Bambu Bar" description: "Get OrcaSlicer for Mac from its official source, connect your Bambu Lab printer, and follow prints from your menu bar with the printers OrcaSlicer saved." url: https://bambubar.app/guides/orcaslicer-mac language: en --- # OrcaSlicer on your Mac OrcaSlicer is a popular open-source slicer that works with Bambu Lab printers. Here's where to get it safely, how it connects, and how to follow your prints after slicing. _Updated 2026-11-03_ ## In short Download OrcaSlicer from its official GitHub releases page: [github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases](https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases), and pick the macOS download. It connects to Bambu Lab printers in cloud mode or LAN Only mode, like Bambu Studio. Once OrcaSlicer knows your printers, [Bambu Bar](https://bambubar.app/) can set them all up at once from its saved settings, and keeps progress in your menu bar while OrcaSlicer is closed. ## Get OrcaSlicer safely OrcaSlicer is free and open source, developed on GitHub. Download it from [the official releases page](https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases), and choose the macOS file for your Mac. Several look-alike websites offer "OrcaSlicer downloads": the GitHub project is the source to trust. Open the download, drag **OrcaSlicer** to **Applications**, and open it. On first launch, pick your Bambu Lab printer models in its setup wizard. ## Connect your Bambu Lab printer OrcaSlicer talks to Bambu Lab printers the way Bambu Studio does. For Bambu Lab printers it uses Bambu Lab's network plug-in, which it offers to install: - **Cloud mode:** sign in with your Bambu Lab account; your bound printers appear on the **Device** tab. - **LAN Only mode:** pick the printer found on your network and enter its **access code**. See [LAN mode explained](https://bambubar.app/guides/bambu-lab-lan-mode) and [where to find the access code](https://bambubar.app/guides/bambu-lab-access-code). The Mac and the printer need to be on the same network, and macOS may ask whether OrcaSlicer may find devices on your local network: click **Allow**. ## OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio? Both slice for Bambu Lab printers and send jobs to them. OrcaSlicer is a community project with extra calibration tools and wider support for other printer brands; Bambu Studio is Bambu Lab's own. Many people keep both. See [Bambu Studio on a Mac](https://bambubar.app/guides/bambu-studio-mac). ## Follow prints after slicing OrcaSlicer's **Device** tab shows a print's progress while OrcaSlicer is open. To keep it in view without the slicer, [Bambu Bar](https://bambubar.app/) puts progress and time left in your menu bar, with the camera, AMS filament, desktop widgets and notifications. Setting it up is quick when OrcaSlicer already knows your printers: - The direct version of Bambu Bar reads the printers' access codes and addresses from OrcaSlicer's settings on this Mac. - The Mac App Store version asks you to choose OrcaSlicer's folder (in `~/Library/Application Support`) once. - With several printers, **Add All** sets them all up in one click. Bambu Bar only reads OrcaSlicer's settings: it never changes them, and it isn't an OrcaSlicer plug-in. See [getting started](https://bambubar.app/support/getting-started). ## Questions, answered ### Where do I download OrcaSlicer for Mac? From its official GitHub releases page: [github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases](https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases). Avoid look-alike download sites. ### Does OrcaSlicer work with Bambu Lab printers? Yes, in cloud mode and in LAN Only mode, using Bambu Lab's network plug-in for the connection. ### Can Bambu Bar use the printers saved in OrcaSlicer? Yes. It reads their access codes and addresses from OrcaSlicer's settings, read only. The Mac App Store version asks you to choose OrcaSlicer's folder once. ## Read next - [Getting started](https://bambubar.app/support/getting-started): From download to your printer in the menu bar: requirements, installing, connecting, and the optional camera, controls and widgets. - [Access code and IP address](https://bambubar.app/guides/bambu-lab-access-code): Where your printer shows its 8-character access code and its IP address, and how to use them to connect from your Mac. - [Bambu Studio on a Mac](https://bambubar.app/guides/bambu-studio-mac): Where to download Bambu Studio for Mac, how to connect your printer, and how to follow prints without keeping it open. --- Bambu Bar is an independent app, not affiliated with or endorsed by Bambu Lab. Bambu Lab is a trademark of its owner.