How to Set Z Hop (Lift Z) in PrusaSlicer

Z hop in PrusaSlicer is the Lift Z setting, under Printer Settings > Extruder 1 > Retraction. Set Lift Z to a small value, around 0.2 to 0.4 mm, to raise the nozzle on retraction so it clears the print during travel moves. PrusaSlicer names it Lift Z rather than Z hop, which is why it is easy to miss.

Where to set it

1. Open the Printer Settings tab.
2. Select Extruder 1.
3. Under Retraction, set Lift Z.

Lift Z takes effect together with retraction, so it raises the nozzle each time the filament retracts for a travel move.

How much to use

Use the smallest value that fixes the problem. 0.2 to 0.4 mm clears most prints. Going higher adds vertical travel moves that lengthen the print and give filament more time to ooze, which can introduce stringing. If enabling Lift Z brings on strings, pair it with slightly more retraction or a couple of degrees lower nozzle temperature.

When to use it

• The nozzle knocks into or scars the print during travel.
• Tall, thin features are being dislodged mid-print.
• Delicate top surfaces need protecting from travel drag.

If prints are clean without Lift Z, leave it off. It is a fix for a specific problem, not a default.

Why this matters for a print farm

Z hop is a per-printer travel behavior, so the right setting depends on the machine and what it prints. Set it in the printer profile once and it applies to every job on that machine.

Printago keeps travel settings like Z hop in each machine's profile and applies them per printer automatically, so the right behavior follows the hardware rather than the operator who happened to slice the job. See cloud slicing and the PrusaSlicer overview.