Did you hear? Windows 8.1 will feature native support for 3D printing. It’s the first time any of the major operating systems have integrated support directly into the OS for the emerging technology, and 3D printer fans are excited.

Well, Microsoft is excited too, and has created a video detailing how exactly it will support 3D printing in Windows 8.1. To do so, Microsoft visited a 3D printing workshop to discuss its vision for the future of manufacturing:

The people who make a living off of 3D printers say that Windows 8.1 supporting 3D printing out of the box is a precursor to the technology going mainstream. They compare it to the rise of desktop publishing – something that was a hobbyist activity, but quickly became the norm for everybody with a computer.

As for Microsoft, it says that 3D printing on Windows 8.1 will be as easy as printing a word doc on a paper printer. In other words, you’ll just have to open up a 3D file, hit print and the OS will take care of th rest. You will no longer require expensive software to create 3D printed objects.

If you want to try your hand at 3D printing in Windows 8.1, you can download the public preview now.