Bed Levelling Guide

The maker’s field guide

Get on the level. Stick the landing.

Find your first-layer sweet spot. Compare your print with the examples below.


Much Too Close

✘
First-layer example with the nozzle much too close to the bed.

Filament extrudes thin or not at all in some places, often bulging out in others. Extruder motor might slip / click.

A Little Too Close

✘
First-layer example with the nozzle a little too close to the bed.

Filament bulges out of the sides of the nozzle which squishes into other lines, sometimes causing a pattern.

Your reference layer

✓

Perfect

Filament is flattened, adheres well to nearby lines, no gaps or peaks between lines.

First-layer example with the correct nozzle distance from the bed.

A Little Too Far

✘
First-layer example with the nozzle a little too far from the bed.

Filament appears rounded, connection between lines is loose, gaps may appear.

Much Too Far

✘
First-layer example with the nozzle much too far from the bed.

Filament is totally rounded, little to no connection between lines, doesn't stick to bed.

A little guidance. A lot of possibilities.

Learn. Make. Repeat.