Settings Reference

Infill Pattern Guide

Choose an internal pattern that fits the job. The best choice depends on whether you value strength, speed, low filament use, or support beneath top surfaces.

All lessonsWhat is infill?Filament chartLayer height
Quick Starting Points

Match the pattern to the job

Pattern examplesComparative ratings

Everyday printing

Gyroid is a dependable all-direction starting point for general models and functional parts.

Fast display model

Lightning uses very little internal filament and mainly supports the top surfaces.

Functional part

Cubic or Adaptive Cubic provides useful three-direction support.

Flat part under load

Grid or Triangles can suit a part mainly loaded from above.

How the ratings workFive stars means more of that benefit. For Filament Efficiency, more stars means less filament. These are practical comparisons—not laboratory strength results. Walls, orientation, layer bonding, filament type, density, and the shape of the part can matter more than the infill pattern.
Common Sparse Infill Patterns

Pattern comparison

PatternDescription and best usesStrengthSpeedFilament efficiencyKeep in mind
LinesParallel lines that change direction by layer. Useful for quick drafts and simple prototypes.★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★Fast, but strength is more directional.
RectilinearStraight lines that alternate direction. A simple, fast choice for everyday prints.★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★★★Good baseline when the part is not heavily loaded.
GridTwo crossing line directions on each layer. Useful for flat parts and loads pressing down from above.★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★☆Crossing paths can create nozzle contact on some prints.
TrianglesOverlapping triangular cells. Useful when stiffness in the flat X–Y directions is important.★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆More intersections usually mean more time and filament.
CubicA repeating three-dimensional structure. A strong choice for functional parts loaded from several directions.★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆A balanced functional pattern, but not the fastest.
Adaptive CubicCubic cells become smaller near model surfaces and larger inside. Useful for large functional parts.★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆Efficient on larger models; small parts may see less benefit.
Support CubicBecomes denser only where internal support is needed beneath upper surfaces. Useful for display models.★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★Supports top layers but is not intended for loaded parts.
GyroidA continuous curved structure without same-layer crossings. A reliable all-direction choice for general and functional prints.★★★★★★★★☆☆★★★★☆A strong default; curved toolpaths may print slower than lines.
HoneycombFlat hexagonal cells. Useful when a stiff, traditional cellular structure is desired.★★★★☆★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆Strong, but usually costs more time and filament.
3D HoneycombA three-dimensional honeycomb-like structure. Useful when multi-direction stiffness matters more than speed.★★★★★★☆☆☆☆★★☆☆☆One of the slower, more complex choices.
LightningBranching paths appear only where needed to support top surfaces. Best for decorative models and fast drafts.★☆☆☆☆★★★★★★★★★★Provides almost no useful internal structural strength.

Practical starting point: 10–15% can suit decorative models, while 15–25% is a common range for everyday parts. For additional strength, extra walls often help more than simply raising infill. Always check the sliced preview before printing.

Linked Pattern Details

Pattern examples, strengths, and weaknesses

Select an underlined pattern in the chart above—or open a description below. The drawings are simplified top-view examples; always use the slicer preview to inspect the actual toolpaths.

LinesParallel paths

Strengths

  • Very fast to print
  • Uses little filament
  • Good for drafts and display models

Weaknesses

  • Directional strength
  • Limited resistance to side loads
  • Less internal support than denser patterns
RectilinearAlternating straight paths

Strengths

  • Fast and filament-efficient
  • Simple, predictable toolpaths
  • Useful everyday baseline

Weaknesses

  • Strength changes by layer direction
  • Not ideal for multi-direction loads
  • Less stiff than cellular patterns
GridCrossing straight paths

Strengths

  • Good support beneath top layers
  • Stiff in two flat directions
  • Quick general-purpose option

Weaknesses

  • Same-layer crossings can build up
  • Possible nozzle contact at intersections
  • Weaker through the layer direction
TrianglesThree-direction cells

Strengths

  • High stiffness in the X–Y plane
  • Supports broad top surfaces
  • Useful for flat functional parts

Weaknesses

  • More filament and print time
  • Many path intersections
  • May be more than a display model needs
CubicThree-dimensional cells

Strengths

  • Supports loads from several directions
  • Good functional-part balance
  • Uniform internal structure

Weaknesses

  • Slower than straight-line patterns
  • Uses more filament than lightweight options
  • Complex path may add vibration
Adaptive CubicVariable-size cubic cells

Strengths

  • Places density near model surfaces
  • Saves time on large parts
  • Good strength-to-filament balance

Weaknesses

  • Little benefit on very small parts
  • Internal structure is less uniform
  • More complex to evaluate visually
Support CubicDenser near upper surfaces

Strengths

  • Excellent filament savings
  • Fast for decorative models
  • Supports top layers where needed

Weaknesses

  • Not intended for structural loads
  • Weak lower interior
  • Less suitable for screws or fasteners
GyroidContinuous curved network

Strengths

  • Balanced strength in several directions
  • No same-layer path crossings
  • Good general functional choice

Weaknesses

  • Curved paths can print slower
  • Slicing may take longer
  • Not always necessary for simple display parts
HoneycombFlat hexagonal cells

Strengths

  • Stiff cellular structure
  • Good flat-direction strength
  • Supports top surfaces well

Weaknesses

  • Slow directional changes
  • Higher filament use
  • Often inefficient for routine prints
3D HoneycombLayer-changing cellular structure

Strengths

  • Strong in multiple directions
  • High internal stiffness
  • Useful where structure matters most

Weaknesses

  • One of the slowest patterns
  • High filament use
  • Complex motion can limit speed
LightningBranching top support

Strengths

  • Fastest and lightest option
  • Very low filament use
  • Ideal for display models

Weaknesses

  • Almost no structural strength
  • Poor for fasteners or loaded parts
  • Not uniform beneath every surface
Reference Basis

How this chart was prepared

The pattern names and behavior are based on the current OrcaSlicer infill documentation. SnapCentral’s ratings summarize practical tradeoffs for choosing a starting point; they are not certified engineering values.

Read the OrcaSlicer infill documentation on GitHub →