Not All Supports Are Created Equal

Tree supports and normal (or linear) supports represent two distinct types of support structures used in 3D printing to handle overhangs and complex geometries, each with their own pros and cons. Tree supports grow organically around the model, starting with a thick base on the build plate and branching out to support overhangs only where necessary. This tapered, hollow design uses less filament and typically reduces print time compared to normal supports. Because tree supports touch the model at fewer points—often just at the tips of their branches—they generally cause less surface damage and are easier to remove. Additionally, since tree supports primarily attach to the build plate rather than the print itself, there is a lower chance that support material will be deposited directly atop the model, improving the final surface finish on supported areas. However, tree supports have less surface area to support overhangs, which can sometimes result in weaker support for delicate features or a worse looking underside of your print. They are also more prone to being knocked off the build plate during printing, especially if the base is narrow or the print is tall and wobbly.

Normal supports, on the other hand, consist of vertical structures printed straight up from the build plate directly underneath overhangs. These supports provide a larger contact surface area with the underside of overhangs, often leading to better overhang quality by offering solid, stable backing during printing. They are less likely to detach from the build plate mid-print, providing more reliable support for heavy or extensive overhang areas. The downside is that normal supports consume more filament and typically lengthen print times due to their denser, solid design. Moreover, normal supports often touch the print’s upper surfaces, which can leave marks or require more post-processing to achieve a smooth finish.

Many modern slicers offer a hybrid support option that combines the benefits of both systems. In hybrid mode, the slicer generates tree-like supports farther from the model to save material and reduce print time, and gradually transitions to normal supports as it approaches the model surface to provide a sturdier, larger contact area for better overhang support and easier removal. This approach captures most of the advantages of both support types—minimizing filament usage and print time like tree supports while maintaining the stronger, more reliable interface with the print that normal supports provide. Hybrid supports therefore offer a versatile solution for complex prints requiring careful balance between material efficiency and surface quality.