Documentation

How to Install MakerWare for Ubuntu

MakerWare for Linux is currently available for Ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot), Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) and Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal). The steps below will describe how to install MakerWare for the first time.

If you are using MakerWare 1.1.2 or earlier and updating to MakerWare 2.0 or later, you will also need to follow these steps to update the repository URL. This is a one time change. For future updates to a previously installed version of MakerWare, just run the following two commands:

MakerWare updates should also appear in your Update Manager.

Step 1: Add the MakerBot repository

First, you’ll need to tell Ubuntu about the MakerBot repository where MakerWare and other tools are stored. Open a command-line terminal by pressing “Ctrl-Alt-T” or from your applications menu. Which repository details you provide will depend on which release of Ubuntu you’re using. If you’re not sure which release you’re running, type:

at the prompt. It will respond with the name of the release you’re currently using.

Once you know which release you’re on, enter one of the following commands.

• For “quantal” (Ubuntu 12.10):

• For “precise” (Ubuntu 12.04 LTS):

• For “oneiric” (Ubuntu 11.10):

You will be asked for your password. Once you enter it, MakerBot’s repository will be added to the list of repositories.

Step 2: Add the MakerBot signing key

This step is optional, but recommended. By adding the MakerBot signing key, you are telling Ubuntu to trust software signed by MakerBot. If you don’t install this key, you can still install and update MakerBot software. However, every time you do, you will be prompted to confirm the installation or upgrade, and automatic updating tools may not work correctly.

To install the key, first download the public key from our website. You can do this with the following command:

Once you’ve downloaded the key, add it to your keyring with the command:

Step 3: Update software sources

Next, tell Ubuntu to update its list of packages with the apt-get command:

Step 4: Install MakerWare

Now that Ubuntu knows what packages are available, you can install the MakerWare software suite. Type:

If you prefer, you should also be able to install MakerWare from the Ubuntu Software Center.

Step 5: Start MakerWare!

You’re good to go! Start MakerWare from your desktop menu or from the command line by running this command:

You also have the option of installing the debian packages manually. You can find the oneiric files here, the precise files here and the quantal files here.

To learn more about using MakerWare, or if you're having trouble with anything, get in touch with MakerBot Support.