Bed leveling is one of the most crucial factors for achieving consistent, high-quality 3D prints in FDM printing. Properly leveling the print bed ensures that the first layer adheres well, which is key to preventing warping, failed prints, and poor adhesion. This blog post will explore the differences between manual and automatic bed leveling, explain how each works, and provide real-world examples of when to use each method.

1. What is Bed Leveling in 3D Printing?
Bed leveling refers to the process of adjusting the distance between the print bed and the nozzle at different points on the bed. If the bed is not level, filament may not adhere properly, leading to failed prints. In manual leveling, you adjust the bed screws to achieve the right distance, while automatic leveling uses sensors to account for any surface imperfections or inconsistencies.
2. Why is Bed Leveling Important?
Proper bed leveling ensures that the nozzle is at a consistent height across the entire surface of the print bed. This consistency is critical for the first layer of your print, which forms the foundation for the rest of the object. A poorly leveled bed can result in poor adhesion, warping, or even print failure, especially when printing large or complex parts.

3. Manual Bed Leveling

Pros and Cons of Manual Bed Leveling
Pros:
- Simple and affordable—doesn’t require any extra equipment
- Greater control over bed adjustments
- Effective for small or straightforward prints with limited areas to adjust
Cons:
- Time-consuming and requires frequent re-leveling, especially after moving or recalibrating the printer
- Inconsistent results depending on user experience and attention to detail
- May not account for slight imperfections in the print bed’s surface
Use Case:
Manual bed leveling is suitable for beginners or those working with smaller printers where the print bed surface is relatively consistent and flat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Leveling Your Print Bed
- Turn off the printer and ensure the bed and nozzle are cool to the touch.
- Home the printer to move the nozzle to its default starting position.
- Place a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed. Adjust the bed’s screws at each corner, lowering or raising the bed until the paper moves with slight resistance under the nozzle.
- Repeat this process for all four corners and the center of the bed.
- Test print a calibration model to verify that the leveling is accurate.
4. Automatic Bed Leveling

Types of Automatic Bed Leveling
Automatic bed leveling uses sensors to detect the surface height of the bed and make minor adjustments during the print. Common types of sensors include:
- Inductive Sensors: Detect metallic surfaces but may struggle with non-metallic beds (e.g., glass).
- BLTouch: A mechanical probe that physically touches the bed to determine its height, making it compatible with almost any bed surface.
- Capacitive Sensors: Detect proximity to any type of surface, but are sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.
Pros and Cons of Automatic Bed Leveling
Pros:
- Saves time by automating the leveling process
- More accurate for uneven or warped bed surfaces
- Provides consistent results across different prints, even after bed movement or material changes
Cons:
- Requires additional hardware and configuration, increasing setup complexity and cost
- Sensors may malfunction or require recalibration over time
- In some cases, manual tweaking is still needed to fine-tune the print
Use Case:
Automatic bed leveling is best for users printing larger or more complex objects, where minor inconsistencies in bed height could ruin the print. It’s also ideal for those seeking a more hands-off printing experience.
How to Set Up Automatic Bed Leveling

- Install the sensor (e.g., BLTouch or inductive sensor) on your printer. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
- Connect the sensor to your printer’s control board, ensuring proper wiring.
- Update the printer firmware to support bed leveling, typically through Marlin firmware or similar.
- Calibrate the sensor by running a bed leveling test. The printer will probe multiple points on the bed and create a mesh map of the bed’s surface.
- Test print a calibration model to ensure proper adhesion and leveling.
5. Real-World Examples of Manual vs. Automatic Bed Leveling
Case Study 1: Large-Scale Print with Manual Bed Leveling
A hobbyist working on a large cosplay prop used manual bed leveling for their 300mm x 300mm printer. Despite careful adjustments, they struggled with warping due to inconsistent bed height across the surface. After several failed prints, they switched to a smaller print area to improve adhesion but still encountered challenges.
Case Study 2: Complex Print with Automatic Bed Leveling

A designer printing a complex architectural model used a BLTouch sensor for automatic bed leveling on their glass bed. The sensor compensated for minor imperfections, ensuring perfect adhesion for all parts of the model. The automatic leveling significantly reduced print failures and improved the overall print quality.
6. Best Practices for Consistent Bed Leveling
- Regularly check bed leveling: Even with automatic leveling, it’s a good practice to check the leveling between prints to ensure consistent performance.
- Use a calibration model: Start every print session by printing a simple calibration model to test bed adhesion and leveling.
- Keep the bed clean: Dust and residue on the print bed can impact leveling accuracy. Wipe down the bed with isopropyl alcohol or a suitable cleaner before printing.
- Monitor temperature fluctuations: Heated beds can expand or warp slightly, so ensure you level the bed at operating temperature.
7. Conclusion
Whether you choose manual or automatic bed leveling depends on your 3D printing needs, experience level, and the types of objects you’re printing. Manual bed leveling is cost-effective and gives users full control, while automatic bed leveling offers convenience and precision, especially for complex or large-scale projects. Both methods have their strengths, and understanding how to optimize bed leveling will significantly improve your 3D printing success.
References:
- Manual vs Automatic Bed Leveling Explained
- How BLTouch Sensors Improve Bed Leveling
- Step-by-Step Guide to Manual Bed Leveling
- Best Practices for Automatic Bed Leveling in 3D Printing