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Understanding the Klipper Web Interface

Your printer runs Klipper firmware, which means you control it through a powerful web interface like Mainsail or Fluidd. This interface is your primary control center for all printing operations. This guide covers the main sections.

Klipper Web Interface Dashboard   Klipper Web Interface Dashboard  

An overview of a typical Klipper web interface (Mainsail shown).

Main Dashboard Sections

  • Temperature Graphs: This is one of the most important sections. It shows the real-time and target temperatures for your hotend (extruder) and heater_bed. You can use this to monitor if the printer is heating up correctly and maintaining a stable temperature during printing.
  • Console: This is a direct command line to your printer. You can type in G-code commands (like G28 to home) and Klipper commands (like PID_CALIBRATE). The console also displays important status updates and error messages.
  • Temperature Control: This area allows you to manually set target temperatures for your hotend and bed. You can preheat the printer from here before starting a print.
  • Axis Controls: These buttons allow you to perform basic machine movements.
    • Homing: Buttons to home all axes (Home All) or individual axes.
    • Movement: Buttons to move the X, Y, and Z axes by set amounts. Note: You must home the printer before these buttons will work.
  • G-Code Files: This panel shows a list of all the .gcode files you have uploaded to the printer. This is where you will select a file to print.
  • Extruder Controls: Here you can control the extruder motor to load (Extrude) or unload (Retract) filament. The hotend must be heated to the material's printing temperature before these controls will work.

How to Start a Print

  1. Upload G-Code: Drag and drop your sliced .gcode file into the "G-Code Files" panel.
  2. Preheat (Optional but Recommended): Manually set the hotend and bed temperatures and wait for them to stabilize.
  3. Select and Print: Click on the file you just uploaded and then click the "Print" button.