Klipper Timelapse: Setting Up Beautiful Print Videos

Logan F.

Document Your Prints Beautifully

Timelapse videos of 3D prints consistently rank among the most engaging content in the maker community, as they show a complex object emerging from the build plate layer by layer over a few seconds of video. A well made timelapse is visually mesmerising, demonstrates your printer's capability, and documents the build process in a way that static photos can't capture. Klipper enables a more sophisticated approach than standard webcam timelapses: each frame is captured with the toolhead parked at a consistent position, producing professional looking footage where the print grows cleanly without obstructing objects.

The Moonraker Timelapse Plugin

The Moonraker Timelapse plugin integrates with the Moonraker API server that backs Mainsail and Fluidd web interfaces. When enabled, it inserts a TIMELAPSE_TAKE_FRAME G-code call after each layer; this moves the toolhead to a "park" position (defined in the plugin configuration), triggers the camera shutter, and resumes printing. The result: a perfectly consistent camera angle for every frame, with no toolhead obstruction. The plugin automatically assembles the frames into a video file at the end of the print, with configurable frame rate and output format.

Installation: Add the Moonraker Timelapse plugin via KIAUH or manual installation. Configure the park position in the plugin settings (typically a far corner of the build plate at a safe Z height). Set up your camera, using either a Raspberry Pi camera module or USB webcam; both work. Define the timelapse resolution and frame rate (24fps produces smooth video for most prints; slower prints may benefit from 30fps). Enable in your PRINT_START macro: add TIMELAPSE_RENDER_START. Add TIMELAPSE_RENDER at the end of PRINT_END to trigger final video assembly.

Camera Hardware for Best Results

Resolution is relevant for timelapse quality. A 4K-capable USB webcam or a Pi Camera Module HQ with a quality lens produces footage that compresses well and looks professional on social media. Mount the camera outside the enclosure on an adjustable arm; mounting it inside the enclosure is possible but leads to condensation and fume residue on the lens, which degrades image quality over time. Frame your shot with the print centred, some space around all sides, and good, even lighting; LED strips inside the enclosure or a ring light provides consistent illumination that doesn't shift as the print grows taller.

Sharing and Community Engagement

Compelling timelapse subjects include large, complex models with interesting geometry; multicolour prints with AMS or MMU colour changes; materials with distinctive visual characteristics, like silk PLA that catches light dramatically; or long prints that compress 12+ hours into a 30-second video. Post to r/3Dprinting or r/3dprintingaustralia with your printer and filament details; the community loves seeing what machines and materials can achieve. Tag @OzFDM on social media if you're printing with our filament; we regularly feature community member timelapses. See our community guide for where the Australian maker community is most active online.