octoprint api file metadata

2 min read 09-09-2024

OctoPrint is an essential tool for 3D printing enthusiasts, allowing them to monitor and manage their 3D printers remotely. One of the most powerful features of OctoPrint is its API, which provides programmatic access to various functions and information. This article focuses on using the OctoPrint API to retrieve and manipulate file metadata, enhancing your control over print jobs.

What is File Metadata in OctoPrint?

File metadata refers to the information associated with 3D model files uploaded to OctoPrint. This information can include the file name, size, dimensions, and print settings. Accessing file metadata through the OctoPrint API can be beneficial for automating processes, managing prints, or integrating with other software tools.

Accessing File Metadata via OctoPrint API

To interact with the OctoPrint API, you need to be familiar with its endpoints. Below are some key endpoints related to file metadata.

How Can I Retrieve File Metadata?

You can retrieve file metadata using the following API endpoint:

GET /api/files/{folder}/{file}

Example

If you want to get the metadata for a file named model.gcode located in the local directory, you would send a GET request to:

http://<octoprint-ip>/api/files/local/model.gcode

Sample Response

A successful API call will return a JSON response with various attributes:

{
  "name": "model.gcode",
  "path": "local/model.gcode",
  "type": "local",
  "size": 123456,
  "last_modified": "2023-10-01T12:34:56Z",
  "origin": "local",
  "gcode": {
    "estimatedPrintTime": 7200,
    "filament": {
      "length": 1000,
      "volume": 50
    },
    "printability": "Good"
  }
}

How to Use File Metadata Effectively

Automate Print Scheduling

You can use the file metadata to automate print scheduling. For instance, if the estimated print time for a model exceeds a certain limit, you could delay the print job to ensure it starts when you're available to monitor it.

Example Code

Here’s a simple Python script that checks the estimated print time of a model before starting the print:

import requests

octoprint_url = "http://<octoprint-ip>/api/files/local/model.gcode"
api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY"

response = requests.get(octoprint_url, headers={"X-Api-Key": api_key})

if response.status_code == 200:
    metadata = response.json()
    estimated_time = metadata['gcode']['estimatedPrintTime']
    if estimated_time > 3600:  # Check if the print time is greater than 1 hour
        print("Print time is too long, consider scheduling this print.")
    else:
        print("Ready to print!")
else:
    print("Error fetching metadata.")

Integrate with Other Tools

By leveraging file metadata, you can integrate OctoPrint with other tools, like project management software, to keep track of your prints' statuses and optimize your workflow.

Conclusion

The OctoPrint API provides powerful capabilities for accessing and manipulating file metadata. By understanding how to retrieve this information, you can enhance your 3D printing experience through automation and integration with other systems. By using metadata smartly, you can make informed decisions about print scheduling and manage your resources more efficiently.

Additional Resources

OctoPrint API Documentation
Stack Overflow Discussions – Always a good place to explore solutions and engage with the community.

Remember to adhere to the API usage limits and best practices to ensure a smooth experience with your OctoPrint setup. Happy printing!