When comparing ideaMaker vs Cura, the Slant community recommends ideaMaker for most people. In the question“What are the best free 3d printing slicers (slicing software)?” ideaMaker is ranked 1st while Cura is ranked 2nd.
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Pros
Pro Free
Cura is free to use and download.
Pro Many presets
Cura makes it easier for beginners by filling in presets for most printers/materials/print qualities.
Pro User friendly
Simple interface, defaults work well. Provides simple tools for anyone who wants to dig in a little further.
Pro Cross platform
Can run on all three main platforms.
Cons
Con No immediate gcode preview
you must wait till you have completely prepared and sliced your model, open a preview window, and set it to gcode preview, before you can preview the gcode. If you want to change anything, you must then close this, and repeat the whole process.
Con No custom supports
You just have to trust cura will place supports at the right place.