Bed leveling is the single most important skill for a beginner 3D printer user. Get it right, and your prints will stick perfectly. Get it wrong, and nothing will work. Here's how to do it.
Why Bed Leveling Matters
The first layer of your print needs to be pressed slightly into the bed surface to adhere properly. If the nozzle is too far away, the filament won't stick. Too close, and it will scrape or clog. A level bed ensures consistent distance across the entire surface.
Signs Your Bed Needs Leveling
- Prints not sticking to the bed
- First layer looks uneven or inconsistent
- Filament curling up as it's deposited
- One corner sticks but another doesn't
How to Level Your Bed — Step by Step
- Heat up the printer — level at printing temperature, not cold
- Home all axes — move the nozzle to the home position
- Use a piece of paper — slide it between the nozzle and bed. You should feel slight resistance
- Adjust each corner — turn the leveling knobs until the paper resistance feels the same at all four corners and the center
- Test with a first layer print — print a single-layer square and check adhesion across the whole surface
Tips for Better Results
- Re-level after moving the printer or changing the build plate
- Level every 10–20 prints as a habit
- Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol before each print for better adhesion
The EasyThreed K7 and K9 have a simple manual leveling system that beginners can master in minutes. Once you've leveled it a few times, it becomes second nature.
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