The hard thing to do with a 3D printer is to describe the model you want created in a way that the printing device can understand. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) is riding to the rescue with native 3D printer support set to be included in Windows 8.1.

The announcement was part of today’s launch of the preview version of the stalwart operating system, which also brings back that old favorite, the “Start” button.

Microsoft’s 3D printer API puts another check mark in the column headed “3D Printing for Ordinary People.” Consumer-oriented devices from MakerBot, recently acquired by Stratsys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), and privately held Formlabs should see the most benefit from Microsoft’s decision.

For Microsoft, the addition of native 3D printer support gives it an entry to a product sector that is only just beginning to attract significant attention. 3D printer makers like The ExOne Co. (NASDAQ: XONE) and 3D Systems Inc. (NYSE: DDD) will be able to build on the API at far less cost and — one hopes — with far less complexity than the specialized software now required for industrial-strength 3D printers.

Shares of Microsoft are up 2% shortly after noon today at $34.32 in a 52-week range of $26.26 to $35.78.

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