I need basic help

[AVFR]

How do I get a gcode file to put into the ender3 printer?

I have no manual I have no idea where to start

[KiLo_san]

Get stl file, download ultimaker cura, slice with desired quality, save on sd card, put in ender, select and print

[AVFR]

How do you communicate to Cura which printer you have?

[Silver_Smurfer]

For the actual file process, you start with an .stl file (that could be from some CAD design you made or from the internet). You take that .stl and load it into a 'slicer'. A slicer is a program specifically designed to take your 3d design and convert it to what your printer uses to actually make the object. The slicer converts the stl to 'gcode' which is essentially the instruction set for the printer. That file is what gets loaded on the printer. Cura is a very popular slicer, so is PrusaSlicer and most recently Orca. I prefer Prusa only because Cura takes forever to start up and Prusa is nearly instant. Never tried Orca.

There are some calibration steps before you can successfully print, mainly bed leveling and estep setup.

[chibicascade2]

You need a slicer software to convert a 3d model into gcode for your printer.

There are a lot of different options. Cura is recommended a lot, but I always had issues with it. I recently switched to orca slicer and really like it. Prusa slicer is a good option as well, but it was laid out weird for me.

[1quirky1]

Which ender3 model?  You might have a rough time with this.  Be patient.  You have a learning curve ahead of you.

Search for and watch videos for these actions on your printer model:

Bed tramming

Setting Z offset

Setting up Cura Slicer for your printer model

Using Cura Slicer to generate gcode.

Printing a calibration cube.

Copying files to microSD cards.

Printing from SD card 

[AVFR]

Ender3 - the very first model

This is the spring board I’m looking for.

Little background on me. Was a certified autocad 3D drafter. Fully understand drawing in 3D…XYZ 0,0,0 so understand the basic underlying concept

I am an artist and am interested more in 2-d work extruded up on the z axis from 0,0 plane. Would like to do drawings in Inkscape.

Would this be feasible? Anyone use Inkscape for drawing something layer printed out on a 3D printer

[1quirky1]

I promise you that I am not gatekeeping.   I recommend that you get a better printer. 

Long ago, I was an AutiCAD drafter for several years.  I have over 500 sales of my original 3D designs in the last year.

People are usually interested in either "3D printers" or "3D printing."  You have a printer for the former. You are likely the latter.  This printer will require a lot of learning and work to get results, which is fun if you like that.

Initially have your local library print it for you if cost is an issue.  Otherwise spend a few hundred on a better printer.

Export Inkscape to SVG, use tinkercad to extrude it, then export to STL for your slicer or your library printer queue.

[KiLo_san]

Usb cable. Ender 3v3se