How to install Cura 5.6.0 on a Chromebook in 2025

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Cura 5.6.0 on your Chromebook. Cura is a powerful 3D printing slicing software that prepares your 3D models for printing. By following these steps, you'll be able to use this professional-grade tool on your Chromebook, opening up new possibilities for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Before You Begin

This tutorial is specifically designed for Chromebooks with Intel or AMD processors that support Linux Apps. Unfortunately, Chromebooks with ARM64 architecture CPUs are not compatible with this method. If you're unsure about your Chromebook's specifications, you can check our comprehensive lists of:

Video Tutorial

We recommend following along with the video tutorial above for a visual guide to the installation process. The commands used in the video are provided below for your convenience.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Enable Linux Apps

If you haven't already enabled Linux Apps on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Chromebook's Settings
  2. Click on the "About Chrome OS" section in the left panel
  3. Under the Developer section, choose "Set up Linux"
  4. Follow the prompts to turn on Linux

2. Update Repositories and Install Required Packages

Open a terminal from your app menu and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install fuse libnss3 kmenuedit nemo

These commands update your system's package lists and install necessary dependencies for Cura.

3. Download Cura

Next, we'll download the Cura AppImage file:

wget https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/releases/download/5.6.0/UltiMaker-Cura-5.6.0-linux-X64.AppImage

4. Make the AppImage Executable

Change the permissions of the downloaded file to make it executable:

chmod 755 UltiMaker-Cura-5.6.0-linux-X64.AppImage

5. Launch Cura

You can now launch Cura using the following command:

./UltiMaker-Cura-5.6.0-linux-X64.AppImage

6. Add Cura to Your Application Menu

To make Cura easily accessible, we'll add it to your application menu:

  1. Run the command: kmenuedit
  2. Choose a category for Cura
  3. Click on "New Item"
  4. Choose a name for the desktop entry (e.g., "Cura")
  5. For the command, enter the full path to the AppImage file
  6. Save the launcher

Important Notes

Remember that any content you want to use with Cura must be stored in your Linux files directory in your Chromebook's file manager. This ensures that Cura can access your 3D models and other necessary files.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, try the following:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's software is up to date
  • Restart your Chromebook and try the process again
  • Check that you have sufficient storage space in your Linux container
  • If Cura fails to launch, try running it from the terminal to see any error messages

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Cura 5.6.0 on your Chromebook. This powerful 3D printing software will allow you to prepare your 3D models for printing with precision and ease. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, Cura provides the tools you need to bring your 3D designs to life.

For more information about Cura and its features, visit the official Ultimaker Cura website.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to leave a comment on our YouTube video. We're here to help you make the most of your 3D printing journey on your Chromebook!

For more Chromebook tips and tutorials, check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide.

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