Bambu Studio: the fastest way to a stable first print
Bambu Studio manages model preparation, material profiles, supports, speed and sending jobs to the Bambu Lab 3D printer.
For beginners, the most important thing is to start with a correct profile for the filament, a good orientation of the model and realistic settings for quality and time.
Related Pages: Bambu Lab 3D printers | filaments | Bambu Lab P2S Combo
From setup in Bambu Studio to real print
Bambu Studio solves only part of the task. For a stable result, combine a correct profile, a suitable Bambu Lab model and a filament that fits the part.
- If you are still choosing a machine, compare the models at Bambu Lab.
- For first prints, start with PLA and go to PETG for stronger parts.
- For an entry-level AMS workflow, compare A1 mini Combo and P1S.
Bambu Studio is strongest with the right Bambu Lab model
Bambu Studio helps with slicer profiles, calibrations and workflow, but the final result also depends on the selected printer. Match the software process with the right machine and material.
- For first AMS workflow see A1 mini Combo or A1 Combo.
- For an enclosed printer, compare P1S with P2S Combo.
- For higher-end automation, see X1 Carbon Combo.
This updated guide is for people starting with a 3D printer from Bambu Lab who want to shorten the learning curve. We'll cover: how to set up Bambu Studio, how to control the printer from a phone with Bambu Handy, how to print without AMS (from an external spool) including manual colour changes, and the most requested — by material whenever door/lid open of the printer and when it is closed. We will use official sources from Bambu Wiki and updated release notes of Bambu Studio 2.3. Bambu Lab offer not only software but also hardware that you can take a look here.
What is Bambu Studio and what's new in 2.3 (2025)
Bambu Studio is the slicer of Bambu Lab, based on PrusaSlicer, with integrated printer/nozzle/platform profiles, AMS multimaterial, material/colour painting tools, and remote device control. Version 2.3.0 adds support for P2S and improves Skip Part so that skipping a part also skips the unnecessary purge cycles when changing colour (less material waste).
Where to follow the changelogs: the official page Release Notes for Bambu Studio, including the previous 2.2.x. Bambu Lab Wiki
Addition from 2.2+: integration with Helio Additive – thermal simulation and G‑code optimisation for less distortion/defects. From August 2025, the integration offers up to 25 free simulations/month (subscription option). If you print larger/demanding parts, this is a powerful helper.
Installation, connection and remote control (computer + phone)
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Install Bambu Studio (Windows/macOS/Linux) and open Quick Start. There are quick steps to add a printer and send a part for 3D printing over a network.
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Control from a computer (Studio): the panel Device allows remote start/stop, monitoring (incl. cameras), temperatures and sending print jobs over the local network or cloud.
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Mobile App – Bambu Handy:
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Download from App Store/Google Play. Through Handy you can see the print live, start jobs and print directly from MakerWorld (Bambu lab site with a large library of ready-to-print models).
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In most startup scenarios, the printer bind to your account via Handy - you scan the QR code from the printer screen.
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Central Hub: Bambu Studio & Handy the wiki page collects the key guides for both applications. Bambu Lab Wiki
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LAN Mode (local, no cloud): activate it from the printer menu and connect Studio via IP + Access/Verification Code. Works for local network printing and monitoring - good option for privacy and offline workstations.
Note: The X1C and P1S do not have an actively heated chamber (sensor/fan only). Active chamber-temperature control is available in the X1E.
Your first 3D print: a short workflow in Bambu Studio
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Import the model (STL/3MF/OBJ).
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Select printer/nozzle/platform (e.g. P1S, 0.4 mm, Textured PEI).
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Filament: start with PLA filament (profile Bambu PLA Basic or Generic PLA).
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Preset: 0.20 Standard is a quality/time balance.
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Slice → Preview: check layers, supports, estimated print time.
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Send → Print: send over Wi‑Fi and monitor camera/telemetry from Device or from Handy.
How to print without AMS (external spool) — single colour and with manual colour changes
Even without AMS, 3D printing with Bambu Lab it's super comfortable.
A) Print from an external spool holder (single‑colour)
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Switch the source: from the Printer/Studio screen select Spool Holder/External. If there is AMS loaded, you can "Unload" and switch to spool holder.
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Load the filament from the external spool holder: heat the nozzle according to the material and follow the steps Loading filament (without AMS).
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You replace the filament from the same place (Replacing filament – spool holder), when the roll ends/you change colour.
B) Multicolored without AMS (manual colour changes)
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Slice the model normally in bambu studio.
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From Preview add "Pause" on the required layer (right click on the vertical slider). When the printer pauses, Unload/Load the new colour and resume the print. This is the standard "colour swap without AMS" trick.
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If the project is multi-coloured and generates prime tower, pause just as the prime-tower layer starts — so any purged filament from the colour change stays on the prime tower, not the model.
Calibrations worth running (without digging into hundreds of parameters)
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Flow Rate Calibration: sets the amount of material for the specific filament; run on new reel/material or if top layers appear "under/overfilled".
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Flow Dynamics (Pressure Advance): compensates pressure lag during accelerations/decelerations → cleaner corners and smoother contours. Useful especially at higher speed.
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If you have X/H series, activate Helio Additive simulation for critical parts (large boards, engineering materials): shows risk areas for deformation/poor adhesion and suggests optimisation before wasting hours and material.
Supports and "Support Painting" - how to target them precisely
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Start with automatic supports, then go to Support Painting to mark enforcer (mandatory zones) and blocker (restricted areas).
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Use the Threshold angle (overhang threshold) — for PLA filament 45–55° is often enough to reduce unnecessary support material. The parted guide is in the wiki.
Multicolor/multi-material 3D printing with AMS (short)
AMS (incl. AMS Lite/AMS 2 Pro) automates filament changes. C Bambu Studio → Multi‑Color Printing you set the colours/materials, painting by face and purge strategy (flush in the infill/supports/separate object). In 2.3 Skip Part saves unnecessary purge cycles when skipping an object/part.
Most importantly: Which material, how is it printed (plate, cooling and whether the door/lid is open)
The table is a synthesis of Bambu Wiki and official guides. When in doubt, always check the specific filament's profile in Studio and its wiki page.
| Material | Chamber (door/lid) | Build plate | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Open (or door slightly ajar/lid raised) to avoid heat creep and blockages. | Cool Plate with glue if needed; Textured PEI also works. | High part cooling; avoid excessive chamber heat. |
| PETG | It is often more stable with door/lid open, especially with PEI, to reduce "spitting" and nozzle deposits. | Engineering/Textured PEI; glue as a "barrier" if it sticks too much (smooth PEI). | Clean the plate often; moderate ventilation. |
| ABS / ASA | Closed — a warm, stable chamber against deformation and cracking is needed. | Engineering Plate + glue; good ventilation of the room. | After printing, leave the door closed until it cools so that the part does not "pull". |
| PC | Closed, stable temperature. | Engineering Plate + glue. | Large panels → higher adhesion and draft protection. |
| PA/PA‑CF/PAHT‑CF (nylon, composites) | Closed, well-dried filament. | Engineering Plate + glue; sometimes a 'brim'/frame. | Keeps moisture under control (drying). Use profiles for engineering materials. |
| TPU (85A–95A) | As a rule open (to avoid softening in the cold zone) and moderate speeds; drying is being done when closed door/lid to hold the temperature. | Engineering/Cool Plate according to the profile; sometimes glue for easy release. | Not through AMS (except for Bambu's hard special TPUs). Feed from an external spool. |
Important: Bambu's official PLA/PETG articles (on combinations and specific profiles) emphasize that door/lid open helps to avoid blockages and thermal "creep" while ABS/ASA/PC/PA‑CF they want closed chamber. If you are not sure, start with the indicated and observe the quality of the first layers.
A detailed table of how to print each material can be found here.
X1E and chamber control: only X1E allows setting/target maintenance of chamber temperature — other models rely on passive chamber heat and airflow.
Plate and adhesive selection (briefly)
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Cool Plate (PLA) – strong adhesion to PLA; apply a thin layer of glue for complex geometry or if you want easier separation.
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Engineering / Textured PEI (PETG, ABS/ASA, PA, PC, TPU) – universal for "engineering" materials; with PETG the glue can serve as release barrier, if it sticks too tightly.
- Textured PEI is also very widely used for PLA.
Safety, humidity and air quality
The engineering materials (ABS/ASA/PA/PC) can release particles and volatile compounds; use suitable ventilation or filtration, especially on long runs. Dry hygroscopic filaments (PA, PETG, TPU) — Bambu Wiki provides specific temp/time recommendations, but if you use Filament drying box, it has built-in settings for each type.
Mini checklist: how to print with a 3D printer (Bambu Studio + Handy)
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Install bambu studio → add the printer → test print through Device.
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Install Bambu Handy to monitor/start from phone; bind the printer with QR.
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If you don't want cloud → activate LAN Mode and connect Studio by IP + code.
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Without AMS: switch to Spool Holder, load filament and print; for two-colour part add Pause at the required layer.
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Run Flow Rate / Flow Dynamics calibrations at new filament/speeds.
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Follow the table for the door/lid according to the material.
