First Layer Settings: Speed, Temperature, and Height Explained
Getting the first layer right is the single most important factor in print success. Here are the optimal first layer settings for speed, temperature, line width, and height across all common materials.
The first layer has a different job than every other layer: it needs to bond permanently to the bed surface while also supporting everything built on top of it. A slower, hotter, wider first layer maximizes adhesion. Get these settings right and most adhesion problems disappear.
First Layer Height
First layer height controls how squished the layer is into the bed.
Recommended: 0.2–0.3mm (regardless of your normal layer height)
A slightly thicker first layer:
- Compensates for minor bed leveling irregularities
- Gives more surface area bonded to the bed
- Easier to remove after printing
Don't go below 0.15mm for first layer — too thin and any bed imperfection causes lifting.
First Layer Width (Line Width)
Increasing first layer line width pushes more material into the bed, improving adhesion.
Recommended: 120–150% of your nozzle diameter
For a 0.4mm nozzle:
- Normal lines: 0.4–0.45mm
- First layer lines: 0.48–0.60mm
In Cura: Initial Layer Line Width In PrusaSlicer: First Layer Extrusion Width
First Layer Speed
Slow down significantly for the first layer. This gives the filament more time to bond to the bed surface.
Recommended: 15–25mm/s
| Material | First Layer Speed |
|---|---|
| PLA | 20–25mm/s |
| PETG | 15–20mm/s |
| ABS | 20–25mm/s |
| TPU | 15–20mm/s |
Some users go as slow as 10mm/s for tricky materials on difficult surfaces.
First Layer Temperature
Many slicers allow a higher first layer temperature to improve bed adhesion.
Recommended boost: +5°C above normal print temp
| Material | Normal Temp | First Layer Temp |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | 210°C | 215–220°C |
| PETG | 240°C | 245°C |
| ABS | 245°C | 250°C |
After the first 1–2 layers, the slicer automatically returns to normal temperature.
First Layer Fan Speed
Less cooling on the first layer helps it bond to the bed.
Recommended: 0% on layer 1, ramp up from layer 2–4
| Material | Layer 1 Fan | Layer 2+ Fan |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | 0% | 80–100% |
| PETG | 0% | 20–40% |
| ABS | 0% | 0% |
| ASA | 0% | 0–10% |
How to Know Your Z Offset Is Right
The visual test:
- Too high: Lines are round (not squished), gaps between lines, no bonding
- Just right: Lines slightly oval, adjacent lines just touching, smooth surface
- Too low: Lines smash flat into a mirror-smooth sheet, nozzle scraping sounds, clogging risk
Elephant Foot
"Elephant foot" is when the first layer spreads wider than the layers above it, making the bottom of the print flare out like an elephant's foot.
Causes: Z offset too low, first layer temperature too high, first layer line width too wide
Fix:
- Raise Z offset slightly
- Reduce first layer temperature
- Enable "Elephant Foot Compensation" in PrusaSlicer / OrcaSlicer (typically 0.1–0.2mm)
- In Cura: Enable "Initial Layer Horizontal Expansion" → set to -0.1mm
Settings Cheat Sheet
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| First layer height | 0.25–0.3mm |
| First layer width | 120–150% of nozzle |
| First layer speed | 20mm/s |
| First layer temp | +5°C above normal |
| First layer fan | 0% |
| Layers to ramp fan | 2–4 |