Getting Started

Interface Overview

iOS and iPadOS

The app uses a three-column layout:

1. Sidebar (left): Lists all your filaments, grouped by polymer type
2. Detail view (center): Shows information about the selected filament
3. Usage logs (right): Displays the usage history for the selected filament

On iPhone in portrait mode, these views stack, and you navigate between them.

macOS

The Mac app mirrors the three-column layout with:

• Sidebar: Filament list with search
• Detail view: Selected filament information
• Usage logs: Complete usage history

Keyboard shortcuts:

• ⌘N - Add new filament
• ⌘T - Open new window
• ⌘F - Focus search field

Adding Your First Filament

Step 1: Open the Add Filament Form

On iPhone/iPad: Tap the + button in the top-right corner

On Mac: Click the + button in the toolbar, or press ⌘N

Step 2: Fill in Basic Information

Brand (Required)

Tap "Select Brand" to choose from common manufacturers or add your own:

• Prusament
• Bambu Lab
• eSUN
• Polymaker
• Hatchbox
• And many more...

You can also type a custom brand name if yours isn't listed.

Material (Required)

Select the polymer type from the dropdown. Materials are organized by category:

Common materials:

• PLA, PLA+ - General purpose, easy to print
• PETG - Strong, slightly flexible
• ABS, ABS+ - High temperature resistance
• TPU, TPE - Flexible materials
• ASA - Weather resistant

Engineering materials:

• PA6, PA12, PA66 (Nylon) - Strong, durable
• PC (Polycarbonate) - Impact resistant
• PP (Polypropylene) - Chemical resistant

Industrial materials:

• PEEK, PEKK - High performance
• PEI (Ultem) - Aerospace grade

Step 3: Define Color

Color Name (Required)

Enter a descriptive name for the color (e.g., "Galaxy Black", "Ocean Blue", "Forest Green").

Auto-detect color: Tap the sparkle icon (✨) to automatically generate a color name based on your hex codes.

Hex Codes (Required)

Add one or more hex color codes:

1. Use the color picker to visually select a color
2. Or manually enter a hex code (e.g., #FF5733)
3. Tap "Add Color" to create gradients or multi-color filaments

Gradient filaments: Add multiple hex codes to represent gradient or multi-color spools.

Step 4: Add Modifiers (Optional)

Modifiers help you track special properties of your filament. Tap "Add Modifier" to select from three categories:

Filler Modifiers

Materials that modify structural properties:

• Carbon Fiber (CF)
• Glass Fiber (GF)
• Metal, Wood, Stone fills
• Conductive, ESD

Visual Modifiers

Surface finish and appearance:

• Matte, Silk, Glossy
• Metallic, Pearl, Sparkle
• Glow in the Dark
• Color Changing (Thermochromic)
• Translucent, Transparent

Hardness (for TPU)

Shore hardness ratings:

• 60A to 98A (softer to harder)
• 40D to 64D (very hard)

Step 5: Set Weight Information (Optional)

Diameter

Choose between:

• 1.75mm (most common)
• 2.85mm (also called 3mm)

Spool Weight

The nominal capacity of the spool in grams (e.g., 1000g for a 1kg spool).

Remaining Weight

The current amount of filament left on the spool in grams.

Tip: If you're adding a new, unopened spool, set both values to the same amount (e.g., 1000g).

Part Number (Optional)

Add a manufacturer part number or SKU for reference (e.g., "PLA-GBK-1.75-1000").

Step 6: Save

Tap "Done" (iOS) or "Add" (Mac) to save your filament. It will appear in the sidebar, grouped by polymer type.

Navigating Your Filaments

Sidebar Organization

Filaments are automatically grouped by polymer type and sorted by category:

1. Common polymers (PLA, PETG, etc.)
2. Engineering polymers (PA, PC, etc.)
3. Industrial polymers (PEEK, PEI, etc.)

Within each group, filaments are sorted alphabetically by name.

Filament Names

Spool Buddy automatically generates display names following this format:

Polymer[-Filler] [Hardness] [Visual] Color

Examples:

• PLA-CF Matte Black - PLA with Carbon Fiber and Matte finish
• PETG Blue - Basic PETG
• TPU 95A Transparent - TPU with 95A hardness, transparent
• PLA Rainbow Galaxy - PLA with Rainbow modifier

Search and Filter

Search: Use the search bar to find filaments by:

• Color name
• Brand name
• Polymer type
• Modifier names

Filter: Tap the filter button to narrow down by:

• Polymer type
• Brand
• Modifiers
• Diameter (1.75mm or 2.85mm)

Viewing Filament Details

Select a filament to view:

• Material information (polymer, modifiers)
• Color preview
• Weight information and remaining percentage
• Part number and diameter
• Latest drying log (if any)

What's Next?

Now that you've added your first filament, learn how to:

• Track usage and log prints
• Record drying sessions
• Edit and duplicate filaments
• Set up iCloud sync