I’ve seen several posts in my searching that are asking about it, but none of them really made a solid argument for WHY there should be compatibility with Linux, so here goes.
Linux, both as an OS and the community of users, has always been pretty niche. But, they (we) are growing in numbers.
Apple sells overpriced hardware and software with minimal customization options. What they do, they do great, but there’s not much that they can do. There are many people who cannot stand apple products, and their user base is shrinking. More people are switching to Windows or third party OS software, because they’re sick of the limitations imposed by Apple.
Windows has different issues. Windows is taking notes from EA and is starting to make everything either a micro transaction, or subscription service. Many people (such as myself) have switched to Linux either as primary, or exclusive OS as a result.
Personally, I have two Linux devices, a Windows device, and an iPad.
My laptop and Steam Deck both use Linux, I have Arch Manjaro on the laptop, and the Steam OS also uses Arch for the infrastructure, and the KDE Plasma desktop environment. My PC is running Windows 10, only because I need Windows for certain programs, and my iPad is used exclusively for Shapr3D.
For 3D printing, my process looks like this. I export the model from Shapr3D to OneDrive usingmy iPad, go to my PC, download and slice it, then to my 3D printer to print.
I could use Cura to slice on my laptop or Steam Deck, but I’d still have to use two different devices for modeling and slicing. My PC is not powerful enough to run any modeling software, and struggles with slicers as well.
I’ve always seen Shapr3D as a more user friendly, cheaper, more portable alternative to the bigger CAD software, such as Fusion360 or SolidWorks.
Many new Linux users switched because they get the best bang for their buck. Shapr3D is already the best value for the dollar compared to any other CAD software I’ve used or considered using, so there’s already a market. Because if I have to have Windows for software anyway, I might as well stick to what I’m used to.
Those same users, if they no longer have to keep a Windows device for this software, would see that move as being user friendly.
Now to portability. As stated, one of my Linux devices is a Steam Deck. Steam Decks are portable gaming PCs, which are just a little bigger than a full size Nintendo Switch. A similarly spec’d full size PC would be in the ballpark of $1200, whereas the most expensive Steam Deck (1TB OLED) Is just over $700 after taxes. Most Steam Deck users are into many other “high tech” hobbies, especially 3D printing (as observed from various 3D printing and Steam Deck groups I’m in)
Many Steam Deck users have also switched their Steam Deck to being their primary computer. Some of whom have dual booted it with Windows specifically because of software that is simply not compatible with Linux.
I feel that, as a company, it would be very profitable to make a Linux compatible version of the software. Because chances are, if you’re using Linux, you probably also have a 3D printer.