PrusaSlicer: Batch Print Queue With Folders Feature

Hey Prusa community! Let's dive into a feature request that could seriously level up our 3D printing workflow, especially for those of us tackling large, multi-part projects. Imagine dealing with a complex CNC build, like the one I recently started, which involves a ton of different parts spread across numerous print beds – in my case, around 18! Keeping track of all those files, ensuring they're loaded in the correct order, and managing different versions can quickly become a headache. That's why I'm proposing a feature that introduces folders and batch processing to PrusaSlicer's print queue.

The Challenge: Managing Complex 3D Printing Projects

For projects like my CNC build, the sheer number of parts can be overwhelming. Each part has a specific file, and there might be multiple versions to choose from depending on the assembly order or design iterations. Manually adding each file to the print queue, one by one, is not only time-consuming but also introduces a significant risk of error. Imagine accidentally loading the wrong version of a file or placing parts in the queue out of order – it could lead to wasted filament, failed prints, and a whole lot of frustration. We need a way to streamline this process and ensure that complex projects can be managed efficiently and accurately.

The current workflow in PrusaSlicer requires us to individually add each file to the print queue. This is fine for small projects with only a few parts, but it quickly becomes cumbersome for larger builds. We have to navigate through folders, select files, and manually arrange them in the desired printing order. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. A more efficient solution would allow us to group related files together and add them to the queue as a single batch, maintaining the order we've specified. This would significantly reduce the risk of mistakes and save us valuable time.

Let's talk about the impact of errors in this manual process. A simple mistake, such as loading the wrong file or misplacing a part in the queue, can have cascading consequences. It can lead to a failed print, which means wasted filament and time. It can also disrupt the assembly process, as parts may not fit together correctly if they're printed in the wrong order. In the worst-case scenario, a series of errors can lead to a complete project failure, requiring us to start from scratch. This is why a more robust and error-proof system for managing complex print queues is essential.

The Solution: Folders and Batch Queueing

My proposal is to implement a feature that allows us to create folders within PrusaSlicer that can be added to the print queue as a single entity. Think of it like creating a playlist for your 3D prints. You could create a folder for each stage of your project, each component, or any other logical grouping that makes sense for your workflow. Inside these folders, you'd arrange the individual print files in the exact order you want them printed. Then, with a single click, you could add the entire folder to the print queue, ensuring that all files are loaded in the correct sequence.

This folder-based system would offer several key advantages. First, it would significantly reduce the time and effort required to manage complex print queues. Instead of adding files individually, you could add entire folders at once. Second, it would minimize the risk of errors by ensuring that files are loaded in the correct order. The order you specify within the folder would be preserved when the files are added to the queue. Third, it would provide a more organized and intuitive way to manage large projects. You could easily see which files belong together and how they relate to each other. Finally, it would allow for easier version control. You could create separate folders for different versions of the same part, making it easier to track changes and ensure that you're printing the correct files.

Another way to think about this feature is as a **