The Open Filament Database: contributing and using preset data
Written By Albert Møller Nielsen
Last updated About 6 hours ago
The Open Filament Database: contributing and using preset data
When you add filament in SimplyPrint, you'll notice brand presets with pre-filled temperatures, densities, colors, and spool weights. This data comes from the Open Filament Database - an open source, community-maintained collection of filament information.
What is the Open Filament Database?
The Open Filament Database is a collaborative project hosted by the Open Filament Collective. It contains detailed information about filament brands, their material lines, colors, and technical specifications.
When you select a known brand and product in SimplyPrint's Filament Manager, all this data is automatically filled in:
- Brand name and logo
- Material type (PLA, PETG, ABS, etc.)
- Color name and hex code
- Nozzle and bed temperatures
- Material density (for accurate weight calculations)
- Spool weight (empty spool weight for weighing)
This saves you from manually entering specifications and ensures accurate filament tracking.
Using the database in SimplyPrint
The database is built into SimplyPrint - you don't need to do anything special to use it.
When adding a new spool:
- Start typing a brand name in the Brand field
- Select from the autocomplete suggestions
- Choose the Material line (e.g., "PolyLite", "Galaxy", "Matte")
- Select the Color
- All technical specifications are filled in automatically
If a brand or material isn't in the database, you can still add it manually - your custom entries are saved for future use.
Contributing to the database
Missing your favorite brand? Found incorrect data? The database is open source and welcomes contributions from the community - whether you're a hobbyist, run a print farm, or represent a filament brand.
You can contribute:
- New brands - Add manufacturers not yet in the database
- New materials - Add product lines for existing brands
- New colors - Expand color options for existing materials
- Corrections - Fix incorrect temperatures, densities, or other data
- Logos - Add or improve brand logos
To contribute, visit the GitHub repository:
github.com/OpenFilamentCollective/open-filament-database
The repository README contains full instructions for adding and editing entries. After your contribution is reviewed and merged, it automatically appears in SimplyPrint.