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Overview

While Mslicer is primarily used through the graphical interface, the slicer system can also be used as a standalone command-line application. This allows for automating the slicing of models in bulk or as part of a more complicated build pipeline.
You can download the slicer binary from the latest GitHub release.

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Basic Usage

The basic command structure is: 
slicer [OPTIONS] --mesh <PATH> <OUTPUT>

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Simple Example

Slice a single model: 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl output.goo

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Multiple Meshes

You can add multiple meshes to a single slice by using the --mesh argument more than once: 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl --mesh frog.stl output.goo

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Model Transformations

Model properties like position, rotation, and scale can be modified using flags followed by 3D vectors in x,y,z format. These flags modify the most recently defined mesh.

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Position

Set the location of the bottom center of the model bounding box. The origin is the center of the build plate. 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl --position 0,0,-0.05 output.goo

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Rotation

Rotate the model in degrees using roll, pitch, and yaw: 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl --rotation 0,45,0 output.goo
Rotation values are automatically converted from degrees to radians internally.

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Scale

Scale the model along the X, Y, and Z axes: 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl --scale 2,2,2 output.goo

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Combined Transformations

You can combine multiple transformation flags for a single mesh: 
slicer --mesh teapot.stl \
  --position 0,0,-0.05 \
  --scale 2,2,2 \
  --rotation 0,45,0 \
  output.goo

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Complex Example

Slice multiple meshes with different transformations: 
slicer \
  --mesh teapot.stl \
    --position 0,0,-0.05 \
    --scale 2,2,2 \
  --mesh frog.stl \
    --position 100,0,0 \
  output.goo
In this example:
  • The teapot is positioned at (0, 0, -0.05) and scaled by 2x
  • The frog is positioned at (100, 0, 0) with default scale

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Platform Configuration

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Resolution

Set the resolution of the printer mask display in pixels: 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --platform-resolution 11520,5120 \
  output.goo
Default: 11520, 5120

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Platform Size

Set the size of the printer display/platform in millimeters: 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --platform-size 218.88,122.904,260.0 \
  output.goo
Default: 218.88, 122.904, 260.0

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Layer Height

Set the layer height in millimeters: 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --layer-height 0.05 \
  output.goo
Default: 0.05 mm

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Exposure Configuration

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Regular Layers

slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --exposure-time 3.0 \
  --lift-distance 5.0 \
  --lift-speed 65.0 \
  --retract-speed 150.0 \
  output.goo
FlagDescriptionUnitDefault
--exposure-timeLayer exposure timeseconds3.0
--lift-distancePlatform lift distance after exposuremm5.0
--lift-speedPlatform lift speedmm/min65.0
--retract-speedPlatform retract (down) speedmm/min150.0

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First Layers

First layers use different settings for better bed adhesion: 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --first-layers 3 \
  --first-exposure-time 30.0 \
  --first-lift-distance 5.0 \
  --first-lift-speed 65.0 \
  --first-retract-speed 150.0 \
  output.goo
FlagDescriptionUnitDefault
--first-layersNumber of first layerscount3
--first-exposure-timeFirst layer exposure timeseconds30.0
--first-lift-distancePlatform lift distance for first layersmm5.0
--first-lift-speedPlatform lift speed for first layersmm/min65.0
--first-retract-speedPlatform retract speed for first layersmm/min150.0

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Transition Layers

Transition layers interpolate from first layer settings to regular settings: 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --transition-layers 10 \
  output.goo
Default: 10 layers

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Preview Image

Add a preview image to the output file (will be scaled as needed): 
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --preview thumbnail.png \
  output.goo

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Output Formats

The slicer supports multiple output formats based on the file extension:
  • .goo - Elegoo format
  • .ctb - Chitubox format
  • .nanodlp - NanoDLP format
# Elegoo format
slicer --mesh model.stl output.goo

# Chitubox format
slicer --mesh model.stl output.ctb

# NanoDLP format
slicer --mesh model.stl output.nanodlp

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Progress Output

The CLI displays real-time progress during slicing: 
Loaded `teapot.stl`. { vert: 12960, face: 25920 }
Layer: 4523/5200, 87.0%
Saving 95.2%

Done. Elapsed: 123.4s

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Out of Bounds Warning

If a model extends outside the print volume: 
Loaded `large_model.stl`. { vert: 45000, face: 90000 }
 \ Model extends outside of print volume and will be cut off.

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Complete Example

A production-ready command with all common options: 
slicer \
  --platform-resolution 11520,5120 \
  --platform-size 218.88,122.904,260.0 \
  --layer-height 0.05 \
  --first-layers 5 \
  --transition-layers 10 \
  --exposure-time 2.5 \
  --lift-distance 6.0 \
  --lift-speed 70.0 \
  --retract-speed 150.0 \
  --first-exposure-time 35.0 \
  --first-lift-distance 6.0 \
  --first-lift-speed 70.0 \
  --first-retract-speed 150.0 \
  --preview thumbnail.png \
  --mesh model1.stl --position 50,50,0 --scale 1.5,1.5,1.5 \
  --mesh model2.stl --position -50,-50,0 \
  output.goo

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Supported File Formats

The slicer loads meshes using the mesh_format library and supports:
  • .stl - Stereolithography files
  • .obj - Wavefront OBJ files
The format is detected automatically from the file extension.

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Automation Examples

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Batch Processing

Slice multiple models in a loop: 
#!/bin/bash
for model in models/*.stl; do
  basename=$(basename "$model" .stl)
  slicer --mesh "$model" "output/${basename}.goo"
done

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Build Pipeline Integration

#!/bin/bash
# Download model
wget https://example.com/model.stl

# Slice with custom settings
slicer --mesh model.stl \
  --exposure-time 2.0 \
  --first-exposure-time 25.0 \
  output.goo

# Upload to printer
cp output.goo /mnt/printer-share/
The slicer automatically centers models on the build plate. The position parameter offsets from this centered position.

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