For new printers

Start here

You do not need twelve materials. You need one that always prints, one that looks great and, later, one that bends. Here is that order.

Basic PLA, white or greyPrints at 200–240 °C on every printer, no enclosure, no drying. Use it to learn your machine.
Matte PLA for the parts you show peopleSame settings, hides layer lines. Most "premium" looking prints are matte PLA.
PETG when the part does a jobPlanters, brackets, anything near heat or water. Dry it first, print at 240–260 °C.
TPU 95A when it has to bendPhone cases and bumpers. Slow down, dry it, direct drive if you have it.

The starter set

Temperature. Start in the middle of the range on the spool. Hotter for speed and layer bonding, cooler for overhangs and detail.

First layer. A clean, level bed at the listed temperature. Wipe PEI with dish soap, not alcohol alone.

Dry filament. Popping, stringing and rough surfaces are moisture. See the drying guide.

Every product page has a preset for Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer and PrusaSlicer. Import it once and the temperatures, speeds and cooling are set.

I have a new printer. What do I buy first?

One spool of Basic PLA in a light colour (white or grey shows detail best) and one Matte PLA. Both print at the default PLA profile in any slicer.

When should I move past PLA?

When a part sits in a hot car, holds water, or must bend. Then PETG, PCTG or TPU 95A.

Do I need a filament dryer?

Not for PLA. Yes before your first PETG or TPU spool if it has been open more than a few days.