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C0co edited this page Feb 4, 2026 · 15 revisions

Welcome to FreeDi - Open Mainline Klipper for QIDI Printers

Overview

FreeDi is a complete 3D printer firmware solution built on official, unmodified mainline Klipper for QIDI printers. The foundation runs on an open operating system (Armbian) with transparent, community-driven Klipper at its core.

Originally developed for the QIDI X3 series (X-Max 3, X-Plus 3, X-Smart 3), FreeDi now supports additional models including the Q1 Pro and Plus4.

What Makes FreeDi Different

FreeDi is more than just a firmware update - it's a complete ecosystem that makes your printer better, faster, and safer:

  • Open Klipper Foundation: Built on Armbian OS with official mainline Klipper - no proprietary forks, staying current with community developments
  • Production-Ready Display: Custom LCD firmware with a responsive UI designed for daily use, noticeably faster than stock
  • Enhanced Performance: Numerous improvements that deliver better print quality, faster operation, and increased reliability
  • Security First: Passes security audits that stock firmware fails - critical for users in security-sensitive environments
  • Optimized Integration: Dedicated communication layer ensures smooth, reliable interaction between Klipper and the display
  • Always Current: The Klipper core stays up-to-date with the latest upstream developments

Key Features

  • One-Click Updates: OTA update mechanism keeps everything current with minimal effort
  • Intuitive Interface: Clean, responsive UI with clear component naming and logical navigation
  • Comprehensive Control: Temperature management, fan control, print monitoring, filament handling, and more
  • Safety Built-In: Emergency stop on every screen, cold extrusion prevention, unhomed move protection
  • Thumbnail Preview: View your print job thumbnails directly on the display - yes, it actually works :)
  • Pure Klipper Compatibility: Works with official Klipper firmware - no modifications to the core required

Why Users Choose FreeDi

Many users switch to FreeDi not just for the features, but because:

  • Full access to the Klipper ecosystem - use modern plugins like Cartographer, Beacon, Shake&Tune, Spoolman, and more without compatibility issues (stock systems run OS and Klipper versions up to 4 years old, making updates nearly impossible without expert knowledge)
  • More storage space for your prints - FreeDi provides ~2.6GB of free space on an 8GB eMMC compared to stock's ~500MB, eliminating the frustration of running out of room for your gcode files
  • Stock firmware cannot pass security tests required in professional or security-critical environments
  • The open Klipper foundation provides transparency and community support
  • System updates keep pace with the latest Klipper improvements
  • The responsive display and refined UI make daily printing more enjoyable

Getting Started

Ready to upgrade your printer? Follow the Installation Guide to set up FreeDi on your QIDI printer.

For detailed information about what FreeDi can do, check out the Features page.

Support and Contributions

Found a bug or have an idea? Visit the Issues page to report problems or start discussions.


Thank you for choosing FreeDi to enhance your 3D printing experience!
If you appreciate what I've built here, I'd be grateful for your support.

ko-fi

📖 FREEDI WIKI
      🏠 Home

      ⭐ <- indicates recommended pages


🎬 VIDEO GUIDES
      German install guide from Chris
      Video Installation Guide
      X-Smart 3 Additional Guide


⚙️ INSTALLATION

Before You Start
      Introduction
Hardware Variations & Why Backups Matter
Creating a Backup
      Preserving Print History

⭐ Tour #1: Fresh Installation (Recommended)
      Step 1: Requirements
      Step 2: Installing FreeDi
      Q1 Pro: Flash Toolhead
      Plus4: Flash Toolhead

Tour #2: Add to Existing System (Advanced)
      Step 1: Requirements
      Step 2: Adjust Config
      Step 3: Install FreeDi


🎯 CALIBRATION

      Calibration Overview
Manual Bed Leveling
Z-Offset (Coarse)
Z-Offset Fine-Tuning
Input Shaping
Nozzle PID Tuning
Bed PID Tuning


🖨️ SLICER SETUP

General Slicer Setup
      OrcaSlicer
      QIDI Slicer


🔧 CONFIGURATION & UPDATES

      Beginner: Config Basics
Configuration Files Overview
      Advanced Configuration
Updating FreeDi
      Updating Klipper
      Mainsail Notifications


✨ POST-SETUP & ADDONS

      Enable WiFi
      Expand Filesystem
      Install Camera
      Time Lapse
      Static mesh
      Install Cartographer
      Change System Time
      Post Install & Config Section (Outdated)


❓ SUPPORT

      FAQ
      Community
      How to Report Bugs
      Menu Guide
      Features Overview


📚 KNOWLEDGE BASE

      How Software & Display Interact
      Menu Guide
      Features Overview
      Future Features


⚠️ ADVANCED / DANGER ZONE

      Flash EMMC via USB (No Reader)
      Restore Stock Firmware (Plus4)


📦 ARCHIVE (Old Versions)

v1.xx Installation Guide

Introduction
Requirements
Creating Backups
Stock Systems
Open Armbian Systems

≤ v1.03 (Archived)
Fresh Systems
Existing Systems
Display Flashing
Screen Firmware Selection

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