When in the market for bed leveling G-code options, there are a few things you might want to think about.

Leveling Scripts

First of all, you want to first make sure that a script is compatible with the Ender 3 (Pro and V2) and will actually fit the printer’s build space. All three versions of the Ender 3 have the same bed dimensions, so you can always use a script meant for an Ender 3 model other than what you have.

Next, it’s best if the script moves your printhead to at least four points, one for each corner of the bed. The more points, the better the levelness. A script with around 5-10 points is best because, hopefully, this will cover at least the four corners of the bed and the center and possibly have two passes at each point. (Naturally, more points also means more time.)

Lastly, make sure that the script heats the print bed. Materials expand when heated – especially the Ender 3 V2’s glass – so you should level your bed with near the same temperature that you’ll use for printing.

Printable Tests

Like a leveling script, your test print will need to be compatible with the Ender 3. Make sure that the model will fit inside the printer’s 235 x 235 mm build space and isn’t offset. Otherwise, the model might print outside the bed area.

Next, you should ensure that the model has good coverage, preferably extending to near the bed’s edges. Hitting the center of the bed isn’t super necessary if the model reaches the outskirts because, if the bed is level in those areas, the center should also be level (unless your build plate is warped or deformed).

Next, a test print should minimize material consumption and print time. Leveling should be quick, and if you need to do it multiple times, you especially don’t want to waste material or minutes.

Lastly, make sure your test print isn’t too simple. For a test to work reliably, you want the model to have corners, curves, and direction changes, as this further displays if your bed is perfectly level.

Now, let’s get into the leveling G-code selections!

To begin with, this leveling script and print test options look to confirm not only that your bed is level, but also, as the creator explains, that the bed is calibrated by checking its center as well as its corners.

Very responsive in the comments section, the maker also explains that, if the process is too slow, the G-code can be modified to increase the travel speed between the different points by altering the linear moves’ parameters.

The YouTube guide also shows how both processes work, and the test print doesn’t consume that much filament and should be straightforward if the printer’s tuned.

• Where to find it: Thingiverse
• Leveling points: Nine (four corners, then center, then follows the order as stated in the project page)
• Speed: Slow
• Shape: A circle in a square
• Creator: Ingenioso3D

This selection comes from popular 3D printing YouTuber CHEP who is known for his video series Filament Friday. It contains both a leveling script and a test print of concentric squares to help you level your bed. As you can see in Thingiverse, the project is a Remix of the previous G-code leveling script.

The script starts at the corner closest to the home position and only advances when you click the knob. After hitting the corners and the center, it goes to the corners again.

The test prints a few concentric squares that allow you to visualize and physically test the bed adhesion. CHEP recommends gently moving your finger back and forth over the edges as your Ender 3 prints the test. If you rub the lines and they come loose, you need to raise the bed. If the lines are faded, you need to lower it.

While this test may not reach the edges of your print bed, it ensures that the center of your bed, where most 3D prints probably take place, is very level. Also, the test consumes very little material and should be super quick to print.

• Where to find it: Thingiverse
• Leveling points: 10 (four corners, then center, then repeat)
• Speed: Moderate
• Shape: Concentric squares
• Creator: Elproducts

This project contains a script and a print made by another popular 3D printing YouTuber, Make With Tech (MakeWithTech).

The script will first heat your print bed to 40 °C, but you can change this via your printer’s LCD if you have a particular temperature in mind. Once heated, the printer will move to its first leveling position and will beep, signaling that it’s time for you to level the bed manually.

The printer will then go through its leveling sequence, covering four points located at the bed leveling screws, then finally move to the center for the final leveling point. This leveling sequence should be pretty quick, but in the video, it’s apparent that the printhead moves very slowly to each point, so it may take longer than you expect.

The test prints a perimeter, four internal squares, and the text “DR VAX” (the channel’s former name). All the necessary points are covered, and the printing of fine detail is also tested. The test print, however, does take more time.

• Where to find it: Thingiverse
• Leveling points: Five (four corners then center)
• Speed: Slow to moderate
• Shape: Squares, a square perimeter, and “DR VAX”
• Creator: irvshapiro

This next duo are the quickest of all of the options on the list.

Like the other scripts, you have to click the LCD knob to move to the next leveling point. Based on the demo video (which focuses on the Ender 2, but the creator explains that the concept is the same), the script covers three different points, visiting them two times each.

The test print is super quick and has just one square perimeter around the build plate. The perimeter line should stick well to the bed, and you can test this by gently rubbing your finger over the line to see if it comes loose.

Note that the perimeter is wider than the 0.4-mm diameter of the Ender 3’s stock nozzle, so the printhead will take multiple passes to print the design. This can be nice, as it gives you the opportunity to double-check any on-the-fly adjustments. Importantly, the perimeter reaches the outskirts of the print bed.

• Where to find it: Thingiverse
• Leveling points: Six (three points with two cycles)
• Speed: Fast
• Shape: One square perimeter
• Creator: Jfearnside

Lastly, we have a project that also contains both a leveling script and a test print, with the latter featuring five circles and a curved perimeter that goes around the circles.

According to the creator, the script will move your printhead to its home position, where you can use a piece of paper and the leveling knobs to level the bed. Then, you can click the LCD knob, and the print will move to another corner of the bed. In total, the script takes the printhead to all four corners of the bed three times. That means that there are 12 different leveling points, which may take a while.

The test print’s shape and design allow you to check how level your bed is near the four corners as well as the center where most prints will probably be located. This test is a good mix of leveling locations, material consumption, and printing time.

Note that the test doesn’t feature any corners, so you could be surprised if your design has any sudden direction changes. Also, while the five filled circles will showcase how optimal the distance is between nozzle and bed, they’ll also take longer to print.

• Where to find it: Thingiverse
• Leveling points: 12 (four corners with three cycles)
• Speed: Slow
• Shape: Four circles and a curved perimeter
• Creator: adamsiem