ColorStack

How to make a color lithophane

Color lithophanes combine height variation with CMYK-style filament layers so transmitted light shows color. Plan filaments, lighting, and slicer workflow before printing.

Try CMYK LithoStack

Filament plan

You typically need cyan, magenta, yellow, and white (and sometimes black) spools loaded in AMS or mapped for manual changes.

Keep filaments dry—moisture shifts transmitted color more than on opaque prints.

Slicer checks

After 3MF import, verify object count, color assignments, and layer preview in Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer before sending to the printer.

Steps

  1. 1

    Select CMYK mode

    In LithoStack, enable CMYK lithophane processing.

  2. 2

    Preview transmitted color

    Adjust thickness until colors are not washed out.

  3. 3

    Export 3MF (Pro)

    Use printer profiles bundled with ColorStack when available.

  4. 4

    Print and backlight

    Finish with diffuse LEDs behind the panel.

FAQ

Do color lithophanes need more filament changes?
Usually yes. AMS simplifies changes versus manual M600-style workflows.
Can I use RGB filament instead?
CMYK maps more predictably to transmitted color in thin layers.

Related

Color lithophane generatorCMYK lithophane generatorBambu AMS lithophane guide3MF vs STL for multicolor 3D printing