Tree supports

Unlike FDM supports, which are usually lattice or grid-like, SLA supports are scaffolding tree-like structures with thin tips. When removed, they’re easy to remove and leave little to no traces on the printed object’s surface. This also means that an insufficient number of supports can lead to unwanted effects – e.g., heavy objects can detach during the print.

Starting from PrusaSlicer version 2.9.1, the automatic supports are generated based on the size and type of supported part:

• Small islands are supported by a single point placed at their center of mass.
• Medium islands use the Voronoi diagram to optimally place two or more supports.
• Large islands are divided into thin and thick sections, where supports are placed either along the central axis or around the perimeter for greater stability.
• For detected overhangs, PrusaSlicer adjusts the support density based on Z height and overhang angle, minimizing unnecessary supports and ensuring even distribution.

The supports are identified by colour, distinguishing islands in blue, manual edits in orange, and overhang supports in white.

To generate the supports, select the model, click on the SLA support points icon, and click on Auto-Generate points. The two top icons will allow you to switch the view between showing the tree supports and only showing the support points. The sliding bar will adjust the support points density, which will automatically show in the preview when changed. The standard value should be good for most cases.

Also, remember that removing the supports can leave tiny marks on the surface, so if your object has areas that should be completely flawless (an ornament on a piece of jewelry, the face of an action figure), try to keep the supports away from them.

Manual support editing

If you wish to edit the supports, click on the Manual editing button. This will allow you to add new points by clicking the left mouse button and remove points, including automatically generated ones, by clicking the right mouse button. Selecting a point and dragging it will move the point.

If you have manually added points, the automatic support generator will consider them and adjust the surrounding support density accordingly.

The option "Lock supports under new islands" will lock the blue points, making only the overhangs and added points possible to be edited.

You can tweak the support thickness in manual editing mode by using the Head diameter slider, or you can go to Print settings -> Supports and modify the following parameters to increase the thickness of supports:

• Support head front diameter: 0.6 mm
• Support head penetration: 0.6 mm
• Support pillar diameter: 1.3 mm

Comparison of automatically generated supports and manually edited supports

Useful shortcuts

Left click   Add point

Right click   Remove point

Drag   Move point

Shift + left click   Add point to the selection

Alt + left click   Remove point from selection

Shift + Drag   Select by rectangle

ALT + Drag   Deselect by rectangle

CTRL + A   Select all points

Delete    Remove selected points

CTRL + Mouse wheel    Move clipping plane

R    Reset clipping plane

Enter    Apply changes

Esc    Discard changes

M   Switch to editing mode

A    Auto generate points

Orientation

Supports go hand in hand with object orientation – by rotating the object to an optimal position, you can minimize the need for supports. You can also go to the left side menu and click on the rotate tool. This will show you the option to turn the object to the angle with the least amount of overhangs.

Pad