Getting Started

This guide will help you set up your first printer and start using Bambuddy.

Prerequisites

Before adding a printer, ensure:

• Bambuddy is running (see Installation)
• Your printer is powered on and connected to your network
• You have access to your printer's settings

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Enabling LAN Mode on Your Printer

Bambuddy connects to printers via LAN Mode. Here's how to enable it:

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode (if required)

Some printer models require Developer Mode to be enabled first:

1. On your printer's touchscreen, go to Settings
2. Navigate to General or About
3. Look for Developer Mode and enable it

Step 2: Enable LAN Mode

1. Go to Settings > Network > LAN Mode
2. Toggle LAN Mode to ON
3. Note down the Access Code displayed (8 characters)

Step 3: Find Your Printer's Information

You'll need these details:

• IP Address: Found in Settings > Network
• Serial Number: Found in Settings > Device Info
• Access Code: Shown when LAN Mode is enabled

Tip: The access code changes every time you toggle LAN Mode off and on.

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Adding Your First Printer

1. Open Bambuddy in your browser (default: http://localhost:8000)
2. Go to the Printers page
3. Click Add Printer
4. Enter the following information:
   • Name: A friendly name (e.g., "Workshop X1C")
   • IP Address: Your printer's local IP
   • Access Code: The 8-character code from LAN Mode
   • Serial Number: Your printer's serial number
5. Click Save

The printer should connect automatically. You'll see:

• A green indicator when connected
• Real-time status updates (temperatures, print progress, etc.)

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Understanding the Interface

Printers Page

• Printer Cards: Show real-time status for each printer
• HMS Status: Health Management System indicator (green = OK)
• Temperature Readouts: Nozzle, bed, and chamber temperatures
• Print Progress: Current layer, time remaining, filament usage

Archives Page

• Archive Cards: All completed prints with thumbnails
• Filters: Sort by printer, date, status, collections
• Search: Find prints by name
• Context Menu: Right-click for actions (re-print, delete, etc.)

Statistics Page

• Drag-and-drop Widgets: Customize your dashboard
• Print Success Rate: Track reliability
• Filament Usage: Monitor material consumption
• Cost Tracking: Calculate printing costs

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Your First Archived Print

Once your printer is connected, Bambuddy automatically archives completed prints:

1. Start a print on your Bambu Lab printer (via Bambu Studio, Handy, or the printer itself)
2. Bambuddy detects the print and monitors progress
3. When the print completes:
   • The 3MF file is downloaded via FTP
   • Metadata is extracted (layers, filament, temperatures, etc.)
   • A thumbnail is generated
   • The print appears in your Archives

What Gets Archived

• 3MF File: The complete print file
• Thumbnail: Preview image from the slicer
• Metadata: Print time, filament usage, layer count, temperatures
• Finish Photo: Automatic camera capture (if enabled)
• Print Result: Success, failed, or stopped status

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigate quickly with keyboard shortcuts:

Key	Action
1	Go to Printers
2	Go to Archives
3	Go to Statistics
4	Go to Cloud Profiles
5	Go to Settings
?	Show keyboard shortcuts

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Mobile Access

Bambuddy works on phones and tablets:

• Hamburger Menu: Tap the menu icon to open navigation
• Touch-Friendly: All controls are sized for easy tapping
• Responsive Layout: Pages adapt to smaller screens
• Context Menus: Tap the three-dot icon on cards for actions

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Next Steps

Now that you're set up, explore these features:

• Print Queue & Scheduling - Schedule prints for later
• Smart Plug Integration - Automate power control
• Push Notifications - Get alerts on your phone
• Spoolman Integration - Track filament inventory

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Having Issues?

• Printer won't connect? See Troubleshooting
• Prints not archiving? See Troubleshooting
• Need help? Open an issue on GitHub