Export your Orca Slicer settings through the File menu

Open Orca Slicer on the computer where your settings are configured. Go to File in the top menu bar, then select Export or Export Settings (the exact wording depends on your version). The program will ask you where to save the file — choose a location you can find easily, like your Desktop or Documents folder. Orca Slicer will create a single file containing all your printer profiles, material settings, and print quality preferences.

The exported file is typically named something like orca_settings.json or config.json. This is a text file that stores all your customizations in a format other computers can read. You do not need to rename it or change anything about it — just save it and move to the next step.

Key Takeaways

  • Orca Slicer settings export through File > Export, creating a single file you can transfer to another computer.
  • The exported file contains your printer profiles, material settings, and all custom configurations in one place.
  • On the new computer, import the file through File > Import to restore all your settings at once.
  • Exporting settings saves time when you upgrade computers, switch machines, or share a configuration with someone else using the same printer.

Transfer the settings file to your other computer

Once you have exported the file, you need to move it to the computer where you want to use those settings. The easiest way is to email the file to yourself, upload it to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox, or copy it to a USB drive. Any of these methods works — the file is small and transfers quickly.

If you are moving settings between computers on the same network, you can also copy the file directly using file sharing. The important part is that the file arrives on the second computer in a location where you can find it.

Import the settings file into Orca Slicer on the new computer

On the computer where you want to use the settings, open Orca Slicer. Go to File in the top menu, then select Import or Import Settings. A window will open asking you to choose a file. Navigate to wherever you saved the exported settings file and select it.

Orca Slicer will read the file and add all the settings to your installation — your printer profiles, material types, layer heights, nozzle temperatures, and any other customizations you had on the original computer. The import usually completes in a few seconds. You can now close the import window and start using your familiar settings when ready.

What happens if the import does not work

If Orca Slicer does not recognize the settings file, the most common reason is that the file got corrupted during transfer or was edited accidentally. Try exporting the settings again from the original computer and transferring the new file using a different method — for example, if you emailed it the first time, try a USB drive instead.

Another possibility is that the two computers are running different versions of Orca Slicer. Settings exported from a much newer version sometimes do not import into older versions. Check that both computers have the same version number, or update the older installation to match. You can see your version number in Orca Slicer under Help > About.

Backing up your settings regularly

Once you have settings you like, export them and keep a copy somewhere safe — not just on your computer. Store a backup on cloud storage or an external drive. If your computer crashes or you need to reinstall Orca Slicer, you can import your settings back in minutes instead of rebuilding them from scratch.

Many people keep dated backups of their settings files, like orca_settings_january_2025.json and orca_settings_february_2025.json. This way, if you change a setting and later regret it, you can go back to an older version of your configuration.

Sharing settings with other users

If someone else has the same 3D printer and wants to use your settings as a starting point, you can send them your exported settings file. They import it the same way — through File > Import — and they will have all your profiles and preferences. They can then adjust individual settings if their printer needs different temperatures or speeds.

This is useful when multiple people in a workshop or makerspace share the same printer model, or when you want to help a friend get their printer dialed in faster. The settings file is just a text file, so there is no licensing issue or technical barrier to sharing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the settings file in a text editor before importing it?

Yes, the settings file is plain text and can be opened in Notepad or any text editor. However, you need to understand the file structure to edit it safely. If you change something incorrectly, the import may fail. For most users, it is safer to import the file as-is and then adjust individual settings within Orca Slicer itself.

What if I only want to export some settings, not all of them?

The export function typically saves everything at once. If you only need specific printer profiles or material settings, you can import the full file and then delete the profiles you do not need from the new computer. Orca Slicer lets you delete individual profiles through the settings menu.

Will exporting settings include my saved print files?

No, the settings export only includes your configuration — printer profiles, material types, and print quality preferences. Your actual 3D model files and completed print projects are stored separately and must be copied or transferred on their own if you want them on the new computer.

Do I need to uninstall Orca Slicer before importing settings on a new computer?

No, you can import settings into a fresh installation of Orca Slicer. In fact, importing into a new installation is one of the main reasons to export settings — it saves you from having to reconfigure everything by hand.