Anycubic Photon Workshop

01 Installation and Updates

The Anycubic Photon Workshop software package is stored on a U disk. Please follow the instructions below for installation and updates.

During installation, do not run the old version of the Anycubic Photon Workshop software, as it may affect the installation.

1. Installation

Windows System

Before installation, it is recommended to close or exit antivirus software (e.g., 360 Antivirus) to ensure a smooth installation. Select the corresponding installation package, choose Chinese as the language, and follow the installation wizard's guidance.

Step 1: Select installation language. [Image: Screenshot of the 'Select installation language' dialog with 'Simplified Chinese' highlighted.]

Step 2: Follow the installation wizard. [Image: Screenshot of the 'Welcome to the Anycubic Cloud Workshop Setup Wizard' dialog.]

Mac System

Drag the "Anycubic Cloud Workshop" application to the Applications folder to install.

[Image: Diagram showing drag-and-drop installation for Mac.]

Double-click the installation package and drag Anycubic Photon Workshop to the Applications folder.

Hardware Requirements (Anycubic Cloud Workshop V3.X.X)

Windows

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 6600K or higher
• RAM: ≥ 16GB
• Disk Space: ≥ 2GB
• Display Resolution: 1920*1080, Recommended 2560*1440
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 or higher, AMD Radeon RX480 or higher
• VRAM: ≥ 1GB

Mac OS

• CPU: Intel® 4-core (System version 10.15) or higher, Apple M1 4-core (System version 13.0 or higher)
• RAM: ≥ 16 GB
• Storage: ≥ 64 GB
• Resolution: 2560*1440

2. Switch Language

After software installation, open the slicing software. You can click the menu bar Settings > Preferences > General to set the language to Chinese.

[Image: Screenshot of the menu bar with 'Settings' > 'Preferences' > 'General' highlighted.]

[Image: Screenshot of the Settings window, 'Language' section, showing 'English' and '简体中文' (Simplified Chinese) options.]

3. Update

When a new version is released, a pop-up window will appear when you open the software, asking if you want to update to the latest version.

Click Help > Check for Updates to check if you are currently on the latest version. If you do not want automatic update reminders, you can uncheck "Automatic update detection".

[Image: Screenshot of the Help menu with 'Check for Updates' highlighted.]

[Image: Software update dialog box.]

Note: Anycubic Photon Workshop slicing software and its manual are updated irregularly. The latest version will be updated on the official website https://cn.anycubic.com.

02 Page Introduction

This section provides an overview of the Anycubic Photon Workshop software interface.

[Image: Main UI of the Anycubic Photon Workshop software with numbered callouts.]

UI Element Descriptions:

• 1. File and Editing Functions: Access to file operations and editing tools.
• 2. Model Editing Functions: Tools for manipulating 3D models.
• 3. Support Settings, Add and Delete: Options for generating and managing support structures.
• 4. Machine Configuration Settings: Configure printer and slicing parameters.
• 5. View Mode Switch: Change the display mode (e.g., solid, wireframe).
• 6. Model Position and Size Control: Adjust the placement and dimensions of models.
• 7. Model Preview: Visualize the 3D model.
• 8. Interface View Controls: Navigation and view manipulation tools.
• 9. View Each Layer: Inspect individual layers of the sliced model.
• 10. Model List: Displays all imported models.
• 11. Machine, Resin, Slice Parameter Configuration and Viewing: Detailed settings for printer, material, and slicing.
• 12. Slice Button: Initiates the slicing process.

03 Settings

1. Model Import

Import 3D format models (e.g., .stl, .obj).

[Image: File menu with 'Open' highlighted.]

[Image: File explorer window showing model files. Text: 'Select model file'.]

Repair Model: If errors are detected in the imported model, which may cause printing anomalies, you can choose to repair them.

[Image: 'Repair Model' dialog box asking if you want to repair errors, listing 'Anycubic.stl'.]

[Image: Model imported into the software. Text: 'Model import complete'.]

Note: If you do not need to automatically check model quality upon import, disable this option in Preferences > Preferences Settings > Model Repair.

Model Selection and Manipulation

After importing multiple models, you can select one or more models in the object list to edit; they will be highlighted when selected.

If you need to view the detailed status of a model or operate on a single model among multiple models, you can click the icon next to the other model file names to hide the model. Hidden models cannot have their size or position adjusted, nor can hollow, punch hole, or other functions be used. Hidden models cannot have supports added or be sliced.

[Image: Software view with 'preset_model.stl' hidden. Text: 'Click to hide'.]

[Image: Software view with 'preset_model.stl' visible.]

2. Machine Configuration Management

Machine Settings

Click Machine or Machine > Manage Printer at the bottom right of the interface to enter machine configuration management and select the corresponding machine model. Machine parameters differ for different models. Please select based on the actual machine you are operating to avoid model dimensions exceeding the print range. Do not arbitrarily change the set machine parameters, as it may affect print quality.

[Image: Software showing Machine, Resin, Slice parameters.]

[Image: 'Manage Printer' dialog.]

[Image: 'Machine Configuration Management' window.]

[Image: 'Add Printer' dialog showing various Anycubic printer models. Text: 'Select the corresponding model and add'.]

Resin Settings

By adding resins, you can configure different slicing parameter sets, making it convenient to apply to different materials or models. Follow these steps to add new resin configuration parameters:

[Image: Software showing Machine, Resin, Slice parameters.]

[Image: 'Manage Resin' dialog.]

[Image: 'Edit Resin' dialog for 'default_resin'.]

[Image: 'Edit Resin' dialog for 'custom_1'.]

[Image: 'Edit Resin' dialog showing detailed parameters like Layer Thickness, Normal Exposure Time, etc. Text: 'Set resin and slice parameters, click confirm to complete configuration'.]

Basic Parameter Description

When editing resin, set appropriate slicing parameters based on resin characteristics and model requirements to ensure successful printing. Anycubic 3D printer recommended slicing parameters can be found in the 'Recommended Print Parameters' section of the corresponding machine's electronic manual.

• Layer Thickness: Smaller layer thickness means higher Z-axis precision. Larger layer thickness requires longer exposure time.
• Normal Exposure Time: Normal layer exposure time needs to be set based on material properties, light source energy, and model complexity. Too short time results in failed details; too long time affects model precision.
• Light-off Time: After the print platform stops descending, there is a pause before exposure begins. Extending light-off time allows resin more time to flow back for materials with poor fluidity.
• Bottom Exposure Time: Longer bottom exposure time ensures better adhesion to the build plate.
• Bottom Layers: Bottom layers have longer exposure times than normal layers, fixing the model to the build plate. This may cause the bottom layers to be larger than normal.
• Z-axis Lift Height: The distance the build plate lifts each time. When the platform lifts, the model needs to separate from the release film. Sufficient lift height ensures complete separation.
• Z-axis Lift Speed: The speed at which the build plate lifts. Too fast a speed can cause model cracking or even breakage, leading to print failure.
• Z-axis Retract Speed: The speed at which the build plate descends. Too fast a speed affects print quality.
• Anti-aliasing Level: Larger parameter values improve the effect of smoothing jagged edges. Correspondingly, higher anti-aliasing levels increase slicing time and file size, but do not affect print time.
• Surface Sanding (available on some models): Enables a frosted effect on the model surface. This function can only be enabled when Anti-aliasing Level is 1.

When Anti-aliasing Level is greater than 1, users can adjust grayscale and image blur levels based on actual conditions.

• Grayscale: Higher grayscale levels increase the brightness of anti-aliased edges.

Advanced Control

In Basic Control mode, bottom layer exposure time is longer, but lift speed, lift height, and retract speed are the same as normal layers. To improve print speed and quality, switch to Advanced Control for more detailed Z-axis movement settings.

[Image: Grayscale examples (Grayscale=2, Grayscale=6) and Image Blur examples (Image Blur=2, Image Blur=4). Text: 'Image Blur: Blurs the edges of the image, making transitions more uniform. The image blur level indicates the number of layers of blur on the image edges in the XY plane; higher levels mean greater blur.']

During the actual printing process, adjust anti-aliasing, grayscale, and image blur levels in combination to compensate for pixelation.

[Image: Slicing parameters table showing Basic Control and Advanced Control options.]

Z-axis Movement Control

Bottom Layer Control: Set Z-axis lift speed, lift height, and retract speed during bottom layer printing.

Normal Layer Control: Set Z-axis lift speed, lift height, and retract speed during normal layer printing.

Transition Layers: The number of layers transitioning between bottom and normal layers. More layers mean longer transition time.

Phase 0: Z-axis movement of the build plate towards the build surface. Slower Z-axis lift and retract speeds in this phase help prevent excessive pull force and ensure proper resin flow.

Phase 1: Z-axis movement of the build plate away from the build surface. Faster Z-axis lift and retract speeds in this phase save printing time.

[Image: Diagram of a 3D printer's Z-axis mechanism showing Phase 0 (slower) and Phase 1 (faster). Text: 'Phase 1: Faster speed', 'Phase 0: Slower speed'.]

Note: The sum of the build plate's movement distance in Phase 0 and Phase 1 is the Z-axis lift height for each phase.

3. Anycubic Cloud (Supports Anycubic Photon M3 Plus, Photon M3 Premium, Photon Mono M5, Photon Mono M5s)

If your machine supports Anycubic Cloud, you can save sliced files to the cloud or initiate printing directly after slicing in Anycubic Photon Workshop.

① Log in to your Anycubic Cloud account.

[Image: Software interface showing icons for Text, Face Modeling, Support, Machine, Anycubic Cloud. Text: 'Enter login interface'.]

[Image: Login screen for Anycubic Cloud. Text: 'Account', 'Password', 'Remember me', 'Login', 'Forgot Password?'. Text: 'Fill in account and password, then log in'.]

② Add Printer.

[Image: 'Your Cloud Printers' interface. Text: 'Refresh', '+ Add Printer'. Text: 'Add Printer' dialog. Text: 'Enter Device CN Code'.]

[Image: Instructions for adding a printer. Text: 'Add Cloud Printer'. Steps: 1. Enter printer system menu. 2. Click Services. 3. Enter the 16-digit device CN code shown on the printer. Text: 'Enter device CN* to add printer'.]

*You can view the device CN on the machine's touchscreen. Refer to the user manual of your specific model for details.

04 Function Introduction

1. View Transformation

① View Angle Switching

• Mouse Operation: Scroll the wheel to zoom; hold the left mouse button to move the platform; hold the right mouse button to rotate the platform view.
• Interface Controls: Click to switch to different view angles; hold the right mouse button and drag to rotate the platform view; click the top-left corner of the screen for an isometric view.
• View Toolbar: The view toolbar allows you to access various camera angles.

[Image: Software menu bar with view options like 'Isometric View', 'Top View', 'Bottom View', 'Left View', 'Right View', 'Front View', 'Back View', 'Show All Models', 'Hide All Models'.]

② View Mode Switching

Switch between Solid/Wireframe/Point Cloud views.

[Icons representing: Switch between Solid/Wireframe/Point Cloud views, Enable/Disable cursor pick information, Enable/Disable perspective view, Zoom to fit model size, Display shadows.]

2. Model Editing

• Move: Adjust model position by entering XYZ axis displacement or dragging the model.
• Rotate: Adjust angle in the dialog box or use controls to rotate the model. Click "Rotate by Face" to select a model surface as the base.
• Scale: Adjust model size in the dialog box or using controls. Click "Fit to Scale" to resize the model to its maximum printable size for the current machine.
• Mirror: Mirror the model along the X, Y, or Z axis.
• Layout: Arrange multiple models by setting spacing, order, and position, facilitating batch slicing and optimizing space utilization.
• Model spacing and platform margin affect the number of models that can be placed.
• Selecting a Z-axis rotation step at a certain angle can utilize space better, allowing more models to be placed.
• Based on the model's characteristics, custom placement may be preferred for taller or wider models.

[Image: Models with different spacing (2mm, 3mm) and rotation (45°, no rotation).]

Note: Areas of the model exceeding the print range will appear in red. Ensure models are within the print range during operation.

3. Clone

Set the number of copies and apply.

[Image: 'Clone' dialog with 'Copy Quantity' input field and 'Apply' button.]

[Image: Three identical models arranged on the build plate.]

4. Repair

Check models for errors such as inverted faces, bad edges, holes, or self-intersections. Repair these errors to ensure the accuracy of subsequent hollow, punch hole, support, and slicing operations, thereby improving print success rates.

[Image: Model with errors.]

[Image: 'Model Repair' dialog with 'Basic Repair' and 'Advanced Repair' options.]

Compare Basic and Advanced Repair:

• Basic Repair: Primarily targets inverted faces and holes.
• Advanced Repair: Addresses non-manifold edges and self-intersections.

[Image: Close-up comparison of basic and advanced repair results.]

5. Hollow

Perform a hollow operation on the model to make the interior empty, reducing resin consumption. Lattice-shaped infills are easier for resin to drain compared to other shapes.

[Image: Models showing different wall thicknesses (1mm, 3mm) and infill types (BCC, FCC).]

Example Model Name: MIA. Example Model Author: Fabio Nishikata.

6. Punch Hole

If the model has been hollowed, it is recommended to create holes on the bottom or sides to prevent vacuum sealing inside the model during printing, which could lead to print failure. After printing, excess resin can drain through these small holes to prevent model cracking.

[Image: 'Add Hole' dialog with parameters like Outer Diameter, Inner Diameter, Extension Lengths.]

[Image: Close-up of a model showing where a hole should be placed.]

Set Punch Hole Parameters:

Note: L2 must be greater than the hollow wall thickness.

[Image: 3D view showing a hole being created on a model.]

If there are parts to be retained/removed, edit this model to ensure it can be printed.

Example Model Author: Fabio Nishikata.

7. Cut

If you need to cut a model into two parts, you can set the cutting plane using the following three methods and then perform the cut.

[Image: 'Cut' dialog with Position and Rotation parameters.]

Set cutting line position and angle parameters.

[Image: Model being cut with a visual representation of the cutting plane.]

Adjust cutting line position and angle using controls.

8. Text

Add

Set text, then click "Apply".

[Image: 'Text' dialog with options for Text, Font, Size, Height, Rotation. Text: 'Add', 'Delete', 'Apply'.]

Move to the desired position on the model where the text should be attached and click.

[Image: Text "Anycubic" applied to a 3D model.]

Adjust Text Angle

Confirm and close the dialog box.

[Image: 'Text' dialog showing rotation adjustment.]

Delete

Click to switch to delete mode.

[Image: 'Text' dialog with 'Delete' mode active.]

Select text.

[Image: Text "Anycubic" on a 3D model.]

Remove selected text or remove all text.

[Image: 'Text' dialog with 'Remove Selected' and 'Remove All' buttons.]

Example Model Author: Fabio Nishikata.

9. Face Modeling

This function allows you to reconstruct a 3D model by uploading 2D facial photos.

① Upload suitable facial photos according to the requirements:

• The photo should be well-lit overall, with no obvious shadows obscuring the face, and no overly bright light blurring the facial contours. Lighting should be uniform, avoiding one side being brighter than the other.
• The image background should be solid color, preferably dark (priority: Black > Blue > Red > White).
• Photo specifications: minimum 84 pixels (width) × 112 pixels (height).
• Take a complete headshot, including front, left, and right views. Do not wear hats, glasses, or other accessories that obscure facial contours.
• When taking photos, do not look down; maintain a natural, upright posture, and avoid exaggerated expressions like big smiles.
• Important Note: When taking left and right profile views, ensure the brow is visible for easier subsequent alignment.

[Image: Examples of good and bad facial photo angles and lighting.]

② Align and position according to text instructions and image prompts.

[Image: Front, left, and right profile views of a face with alignment markers.]

[Image: Front view of a face with alignment markers, showing 'Current Alignment' and 'Alignment Complete'.]

Alignment is complete when it turns gray; the current alignment is green.

If you click incorrectly, you can click the green position again to cancel the crosshair.

③ After all images are aligned, click Generate to complete face modeling.

05 Supports

When a model has significant overhangs or a small contact area with the build plate, supports are needed to ensure the model adheres firmly to the platform.

Support scripts have 3 default shapes: Fine, Medium, and Coarse.

• Fine: Small contact area with the model, easy to remove.
• Coarse: Large contact area with the model, provides stability.

For general models, the "Medium" type is recommended, using default parameters. You can also configure custom support scripts as needed.

1. Basic Settings

• Support Angle: The angle between the support surface and the horizontal plane. A larger angle means more supports.
• Anchor Point Spacing: The minimum distance between support points. Smaller spacing results in higher support density, thus more supports.
• Z-axis Lift Height: Lift the model a certain height before adding supports to prevent damage to the bottom when removing the model.

Automatic Supports

[Image: Software showing 'Automatic' and 'Generate Supports from Build Plate' options.]

Supports are added between the platform and the model, or between models.

Supports are placed only between the build plate and the model.

2. Manual Editing

Add:

Click on the model at the position where supports are needed to add them.

[Image: 'Support' dialog showing parameters like Support Script, Support Angle, Anchor Point Spacing, Z-axis Lift Height. Text: 'Manual Edit', 'Remove Supports'.]

Edit: Select an anchor point and drag it to move its position.

[Image: Close-up of a model with support anchor points.]

Delete:

Select anchor points and remove them; or remove all supports directly.

[Image: 'Support' dialog showing 'Remove Selected Anchor Point' and 'Remove All Supports' options.]

Instructions for selecting anchor points:

• Single click to select an anchor point.
• Shift + drag to select anchor points in an area.
• Ctrl + click to select multiple anchor points.
• Alt + drag to deselect anchor points in an area.

Example Model Author: Fabio Nishikata.

3. Support Script Configuration

For more detailed support requirements, you can customize support scripts by setting different parameter groups to meet various needs.

① Configuration Steps

[Image: 'Support' dialog showing 'Support Script' dropdown and parameters.]

[Image: 'Support Script' list showing 'Light', 'Medium', 'Heavy', 'Medium_2'. Text: 'Copy a support script'.]

[Image: 'Support Script' list. Text: 'Modify script name'.]

[Image: 'Support Settings' dialog showing detailed parameters for anchors, contact points, etc.]

After completing settings, exit the settings interface and click 'Generate Automatic Supports'.

[Image: 'Support' dialog showing 'Generate Automatic Supports' button.]

② Support Parameter Description

Anchors

• Support Angle: The angle between the support surface and the horizontal plane. A larger angle means more supports.
• Anchor Point Spacing: The minimum distance between internal support points. Smaller spacing results in higher support density, thus more supports.
• Boundary Anchor Point Spacing: The minimum distance between supports at the model's boundary.
• Boundary Offset: The distance from the support to the boundary of the support area.
• No Support Offset: The minimum distance for generating supports on overhangs. Smaller distances result in more anchor points.
• Reinforce Lowest Area: Increase the number of supports at the model's lowest points.
• Lowest Area Anchor Point Spacing: The minimum distance between supports at the model's lowest points.
• Reinforce Height: The height of supports in reinforced areas.
• Generate Internal Cavity Supports: Generate supports within hollowed areas of the model.

Contact Points

• Insert Model Distance: The depth to which the support contacts the model. A larger insertion distance means the support penetrates deeper into the model, increasing the force the support can withstand. However, a larger insertion distance may leave more noticeable marks when removing supports.
• Top Width: The wider the support top, the larger the contact area with the model.
• Length: The distance from the contact point between the support and the model to the middle of the support, i.e., the length of the support top.
• Tip Type: Choose whether the support top is perpendicular to the contact surface or to the horizontal plane.
• Spherical Contact: Select spherical contact, which shapes the model top like a sphere.
• Ball Diameter: The diameter of the spherical contact. A larger diameter results in a larger top contact area.
• Break Point: Set a break point on the contact point where the support inserts into the model surface, facilitating post-processing of the model.

[Image: Examples of supports with and without break points.]

Support Filtering

• Remove Short Supports: When enabled, supports on the model shorter than a specified length will not be generated.
• Change Support Width: When enabled, supports on the model shorter than a specified length will have their width proportionally changed.

Platform Connection

• Height: Platform height.
• Radius: Forms a platform centered on the support. A larger radius means a larger platform.
• Inclination Angle: The angle of the platform edge.

Support Pillars

• Polygon Sides: Sets the number of sides for the pillar's polygon shape.
• Max Branch Count: The maximum number of branches that can connect to the main support trunk.
• Branch Top Width: The contact width between the branch and the support top.
• Branch Bottom Width: The contact width between the branch and the main trunk.
• Trunk Top Width: The contact width where all branches converge to the main trunk.
• Trunk Bottom Width: The contact width between the main trunk and the platform or base plate.
• Trunk Height:
• Auto: Automatically calculates suitable support height and branch angle to generate supports.
• Max Height: Generates supports based on the set maximum trunk height.
• Max Branch Angle: Generates supports based on the set maximum branch angle.
• Pillar Cross Connection:
• MST Method: Ensures all anchor points are connected with fewer intersections.
• Min2 Method: Connects all anchor points with more intersections.
• Boundary Connection: Connects only boundary support anchor points.

Connection Type

Cross Connection

Start Height: Generates cross connections starting from the specified height.

Connection Rod Width: The width of the cross connection rod. A larger width increases the connection structure's strength.

Connection Rod Angle: The angle between the cross connection and the horizontal plane.

Interval Height: The spacing between cross connection structures.

Alternating Connection

[Image: Two models showing different connection types: Cross Connection and Alternating Connection.]

Base Plate

Adding a base plate helps preserve model bottom details, increases stability, and ensures better adhesion to the platform.

• Base Plate Offset: The minimum distance from the support base to the edge of the base plate. A larger offset means a larger base plate.
• Base Plate Height: The thickness of the base plate.
• Groove Angle: The angle of the base plate edge.

Base Plate Type:

[Images showing different base plate types: Rectangular, Convex, Minimum Area, Projected Area.]

Punch Hole:

Create holes in the base plate to save resin.

• Round Hole Radius: Larger holes require less resin and have a smaller contact area with the platform.
• Round Hole Spacing: Larger spacing means fewer round holes.
• Round Hole Sides: More sides make the holes more circular.

06 Export Sliced File

1. Slicing

After editing slicing parameters, models, and supports, click the "Slice" button to export the sliced file in the format compatible with your machine. Different machines have different file extensions; ensure you select the correct machine model when setting machine parameters to guarantee successful printing.

Before slicing, the software will re-check the model's support status. If it prompts that the model still needs supports, it is recommended to re-check if supports need further refinement. If you wish to disable the automatic support detection function, go to Preferences > Preferences Settings > Slicing and uncheck the option to display model support prompts.

[Image: Software showing machine, resin, and slice parameters. Text: 'Slice' button.]

[Image: 'Support Model' dialog box warning about unsupported overhangs. Text: 'Confirm support status'.]

2. Slice Preview

In the slice file preview interface, you can view relevant parameter settings and modify slicing parameters.

[Image: Software showing machine details and slice parameters. Text: 'Click to enter edit dialog'.]

[Image: 'Edit Resin' dialog showing parameters. Text: 'Modify parameters and click confirm to save'.]

3. Export

• Return: If further modifications are needed, click to return to the editing interface to adjust models or supports.
• Remote Print: Directly transfer the sliced file to a cloud-bound printer and start printing. Remote printing tasks can be managed via the APP.
• Save Sliced File:
• Save to Local: Confirm slicing settings and save the sliced file to your PC.
• Save to Cloud: Log in to your Anycubic Cloud account to save the sliced file to the cloud.

[Image: Options for 'Return', 'Remote Print', 'Save Sliced File' (with sub-options 'Save to Local', 'Save to Cloud').]