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The Models panel provides complete control over your 3D models, including import, positioning, rotation, scaling, and organization.

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Importing Models

Mslicer supports two common 3D model formats:

STL Format

Standard Tessellation Language - the most common format for 3D printing

OBJ Format

Wavefront OBJ - widely supported 3D model format

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How to Import

There are three ways to import models:
  1. File Menu: Go to File → Import Model
  2. Drag and Drop: Drag model files directly into the workspace
  3. Test Model: Press Ctrl+T to load the built-in Utah Teapot for testing
When a model is loaded, mslicer automatically builds acceleration structures (BVH and half-edge mesh) in the background for faster operations.

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The Models Panel

Each model in your project is listed in the Models panel on the left side. Click the arrow button next to a model to expand its properties.

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Model Properties

Each model has the following editable properties:
The 3D coordinates of the model’s center point in millimeters.
  • Drag the values to adjust position
  • Use the viewport to visually position models
  • Z=0 is the build plate surface
The size multiplier for each axis.
  • Default scale is 1.0 (original size)
  • Use the link button to maintain proportions
  • Locked scale by default ensures proportional scaling
Implementation: Scale can be locked/unlocked using the link icon, which switches between proportional and independent axis scaling (models.rs:161).
Rotation angles in degrees for each axis.
  • Values displayed in degrees (°)
  • Internally stored as radians
  • Supports full 360° rotation on all axes
The display color for the model in the viewport.
  • Click the color swatch to open the color picker
  • Use ”🎲 Random” to assign a random color
  • Colors are automatically assigned when importing

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Model Actions

Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to a model to access these actions:

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Rename

Change the model’s display name. 
🖊 Rename

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Delete

Remove the model from the project. 
🗑 Delete
Deleting a model cannot be undone. Make sure to save your project before deleting if needed.

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Duplicate

Create a copy of the model with identical properties. 
📋 Duplicate

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Align to Bed

Automatically positions the model so its lowest point sits on the build plate (Z=0). 
⤓ Align to Bed
Implementation (model.rs:128): 
pub fn align_to_bed(&mut self) {
    let (bottom, _) = self.mesh.bounds();
    let pos = self.mesh.position() - Vector3::z() * bottom.z;
    self.mesh.set_position(pos);
}

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Model Visibility

Toggle a model’s visibility using the eye icon:
  • 👁 Visible - Model is shown in viewport and included in slicing
  • 👁‍🗨 Hidden - Model is hidden but not deleted
Hidden models are not included when slicing. Use this to temporarily exclude models without deleting them.

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Model Warnings

Mslicer automatically detects potential issues with your models:

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Non-Manifold Mesh ⚠

This mesh is non-manifold, it may produce unexpected results when sliced.
Consider running it through a mesh repair tool.
Causes:
  • Holes in the mesh
  • Edges shared by more than 2 faces
  • Disconnected geometry
Detection: Checked automatically during the manifold analysis task (models.rs:109).

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Out of Bounds ⚠

This mesh extends beyond the printer volume and will be cut off.
When shown:
  • Model extends beyond X/Y build area
  • Model extends beyond Z (height) limit
  • Model extends below the build plate (Z < 0)
Implementation (model.rs:135): 
pub fn update_oob(&mut self, platform: &Vector3<Milimeters>) {
    let (min, max) = self.mesh.bounds();
    let half = platform.map(|x| x.raw()) / 2.0;
    
    let oob = (min.x < -half.x || min.y < -half.y || min.z < 0.0)
        || (max.x > half.x || max.y > half.y || max.z > platform.z.raw());
    self.warnings.set(MeshWarnings::OutOfBounds, oob);
}
Multiple warnings will show a subscript number (⚠₂) indicating how many issues were detected.

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Transformations

All transformations are tracked in the undo/undo history and can be reverted.

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Position Transform

Models are positioned relative to the center of the build plate:
  • X/Y Origin: Center of build plate
  • Z Origin: Build plate surface
  • Units: Millimeters

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Scale Transform

Proportional Scaling (default):
  • All axes scale together
  • Maintains model proportions
  • Indicated by linked chain icon (🔗)
Independent Scaling:
  • Each axis scales separately
  • Can distort the model
  • Indicated by broken chain icon (⛓️‍💥)
Changing scale or rotation will invalidate cached overhang detection results, requiring recalculation for support generation.

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Rotation Transform

Rotation is applied in the following order:
  1. X-axis rotation
  2. Y-axis rotation
  3. Z-axis rotation
Values are displayed in degrees for convenience but stored as radians internally.

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Viewport Navigation

Navigate the 3D viewport to position your models:
ActionControl
OrbitLeft-click + drag
PanRight-click + drag
ZoomScroll wheel
The camera orbits and pans around a target point. Scrolling moves the camera toward or away from this target.

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Multiple Models

Mslicer supports multiple models in a single project:
  • All visible models are sliced together
  • Models can overlap (depth tracking prevents cavities)
  • Each model maintains its own color and properties
  • Use Duplicate to quickly create copies

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Acceleration Structures

When a model is imported, two acceleration structures are built automatically:

BVH (Bounding Volume Hierarchy)

Used for ray-mesh intersections, support generation, and viewport pickingBuilt in: task/acceleration_structures.rs:28

Half-Edge Mesh

Used for topology queries and overhang detectionBuilt in: task/acceleration_structures.rs:29
These structures are built in background tasks and enable fast operations on complex models.

Slicing

Slice your models into printable layers

Supports

Generate supports for overhanging geometry

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