What is HueForge?
Transform 2D images into stunning 3D-printable color prints
From Image to 3D Print
HueForge takes any 2D image and converts it into a 3D-printable model. It maps brightness (or color) to height — bright areas become taller, dark areas stay shorter.
You print the model in layers using different colored filaments. Because the layers are thin, light passes through and blends the colors together — creating a full-color image with photographic detail.
HueForge predicts exactly how your filament colors will look at every layer, so you know the result before you print.
See Examples
What You'll Need
- An FDM 3D printer — any brand, any size, as long as it can pause and swap filament or swap it for you
- A slicer — OrcaSlicer, BambuStudio, PrusaSlicer, or any slicer that supports layer-based color changes
- An image you want to print — photos, artwork, logos, anything
HueForge tells you exactly when to swap filaments. You set the swaps in your slicer following the instructions HueForge generates.
Hundreds of Filaments, Already Measured
HueForge includes a database of hundreds of filaments from popular brands like Polymaker, Overture, Bambu Lab, Prusament, and more — all with measured Transmission Distance (TD) values. TD is the key to accurate color prediction: it tells HueForge how much light passes through each filament at a given thickness.
Values do vary between batches, and you can measure your own filaments using the Seashell Test or a TD1 device.
Choose How HueForge Sees Your Image
These are called Mesh Modes in HueForge — each one interprets your image differently.
Brightness-Based
Standard & Combo
The most popular starting point. Maps image brightness to height — brighter areas are taller, darker areas are shorter. Combo mode adds a slider for fine-tuning contrast.
Max Channel and Scaled Max Channel are also available as brightness variants for advanced users.
Learn about Standard & Combo →Color Separation
Color Aware & Color Pop
Height driven by color, not just brightness. Color Aware maps specific colors to different height ranges. Color Pop separates colored vs. grayscale regions. Great for multi-color filament painting.
Color Aware →Color Pop →
Advanced Color Mapping
Color Match
Map specific colors to specific heights using a reference image. Full control over exactly which colors appear at which layers. The most advanced mode for experienced users.
Learn about Color Match →What HueForge Doesn't Do
HueForge is powerful, but it's important to know what to expect:
It doesn't auto-color for you
You choose and arrange your filament colors — HueForge shows you the predicted result and tells you where to make each swap. The creative decisions are yours; HueForge gives you the tools to see exactly how they'll turn out.
It doesn't export 3MF files
HueForge exports STL files along with a Describe.txt file containing layer swap instructions. You enter these swaps into your slicer manually. This keeps HueForge compatible with every slicer.
It isn't a slicer
You still need OrcaSlicer, BambuStudio, PrusaSlicer, or a similar slicer to prepare your model for printing. HueForge creates the model and tells you where to swap — your slicer handles the rest.
▶ See how to set up color swaps in BambuStudioExtend with Plugins
HueForge's plugin system lets you go beyond standard HueForge prints.
FlatForge
Print flat, facedown, and double-sided HueForge models. Perfect for bookmarks, coasters, and keychains.
Color Drop
Nest mesh pieces by shared filament colors to reduce print height. Same image, less height, faster prints.
HugeForge
Tile your HueForge prints across multiple build plates for larger-than-life creations.