Slicer (3D printing)

The slicer, also called slicing software, is computer software used in the majority of 3D printing processes for the conversion of a 3D object model to specific instructions for the printer. In particular, the conversion from a model in STL format to printer commands in g-code format in fused filament fabrication and other similar processes.
The slicer first divides the object as a stack of flat layers, followed by describing these layers as linear movements of the 3D printer extruder, fixation laser or equivalent. All these movements, together with some specific printer commands like the ones to control the extruder temperature or bed temperature, are finally written in the g-code file, that can afterwards be transferred to the printer.
Additional features of the slicer.
Nearly all slicers have some additional features, like:
List of slicer software.
There's a wide collection of slicer applications, some of them free and open-source. Some of the most used ones are: