How to Install Marlin Firmware on Ender 3  (2024)

Marlin is a very popular firmware for 3D printers and many Ender 3 users wonder how to properly install it.

To install Marlin on the Ender 3, you will need to download it from its GitHub repository and download and install an IDE software to help you compile the firmware. Then, you will need to configure Marlin and compile the firmware using the IDE software before connecting your printer to upload the firmware.

Keep reading for more information on how to install Marlin on an Ender 3.

These are the steps in order to correctly install Marlin on the Ender 3:

• Download Marlin
• Download and install IDE software
• Open and configure Marlin in the IDE software
• Compile the firmware and connect your printer
• Upload the firmware and power on your Ender 3

1. Download Marlin

The first step is to download a version of Marlin firmware for the Ender 3 from the Marlin GitHub repository.

Marlin is an open-source firmware that is constantly being updated with bug fixes and new features.

Make sure to download the version that is compatible with your Ender 3. To find out which version of Marlin firmware is compatible with your Ender 3, you need to know the mainboard that is installed on your printer.

There are two mainboard versions commonly used in the Ender 3:

• V1.1.4 or earlier: Uses the Melzi board, which has an 8-bit processor.
• V1.1.5 or later: Uses the Creality 4.2.2 board, which has a 32-bit processor.

One user recommends tipping over the machine, unscrewing the plate, and looking at the board to see the mainboard name and version number printed on it. Another user suggests writing it down on a label and sticking it to the printer so you won’t forget it in a few years.

Once you know which mainboard your Ender 3 has, you can check the Marlin firmware documentation to find the corresponding version that is compatible with your board.

Check out the video below for more information on how to check which board is in your Ender 3.

2. Install IDE Software on Your Computer

To edit and upload the Marlin firmware to your Ender 3, you will need to install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) on your computer.

An IDE is a software application that provides a complete environment for software development, including editing, compiling, and debugging code.

These programs are designed to streamline the development process by providing tools that make it easier to write and test code. Each IDE has its own set of features and advantages, and users may choose the one that suits their needs and preferences the best.

For example, the Arduino IDE is a simple and user-friendly tool that is easy to learn and use for beginners, while Visual Studio Code is a more advanced and powerful editor with features such as code highlighting and debugging.

Just be aware that to fully compile and install Marlin using Visual Studio Code you will need an extension named PlatformIO which can be downloaded for free.

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to install the Arduino IDE on Windows 10.

3. Open and Configure the Marlin Firmware in the IDE Software

After installing your preferred IDE, you can open the Marlin firmware in the software. To do this, navigate to the folder where you downloaded the Marlin firmware and double-click the Marlin.ino file. This will open the firmware in the IDE software.

The next step is to configure the Marlin firmware according to your specific Ender 3 setup. This involves editing the Configuration.h and Configuration_adv.h files to enable or disable certain features and adjust various settings.

Some of the settings you may need to configure include:

• Printer size
• Stepper motor settings
• Extruder settings
• Bed leveling settings
• Display settings

The Marlin firmware comes with detailed instructions on how to configure the firmware for your specific setup.You can find these instructions in the Configuration.h and Configuration_adv.h files, as well as on the Marlin GitHub repository.

One user suggests following the instruction on the configuration file as there are comments for every section explaining how to properly configure it.

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to configure Marlin in Arduino IDE.

4. Compile the Firmware and Connect your Printer

Before uploading the firmware to your Ender 3, you need to compile it to check for any errors or issues. In the IDE software, you can just click the “verify” button to compile the firmware.

If there are any errors, review the error messages and make any necessary corrections to the firmware configuration before attempting to upload it to your Ender 3.

After compiling the firmware, the next step is to connect your Ender 3 to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that your Ender 3 is turned off before connecting it.

5. Upload the Firmware and Power on Your Ender 3

Once the firmware has been successfully compiled without any errors, you can proceed to upload it to your Ender 3. Click the Upload button in the IDE software to begin the firmware upload process.

The firmware upload process may take a few minutes, so be patient. You can monitor the progress of the upload in the console at the bottom of the screen.

After the firmware upload is complete, disconnect the USB cable from your Ender 3 and power it on. Your Ender 3 should now be running the Marlin firmware.

Users recommend always updating your Marlin firmware to get new safety features along with many years of bug fixes and updates.

Check out the video below with detailed instructions on how to install Marlin using the VS Code IDE software.