Color lithophane generator
LithoStack supports color lithophane workflows that use stacked CMYK-style layers so light passing through the print reproduces saturated color—not just grayscale relief.
Switch to CMYK lithophane mode and preview how your photo will look when backlit.
Open color LithoStackWho it is for
- Bambu Lab AMS and other multicolor FDM users
- Makers who want HueForge-style color without front-lit filament painting
- Print farms making premium backlit gifts
What you can make
- CMYK color lithophanes with saturated transmitted light
- Shaped panels for lamps, frames, and signs
- Print-ready 3MF packages with filament assignments (Pro)
How it works
- 1
Upload a vibrant source image
Photos with clear subject separation work well. Avoid extremely dark images unless you increase max thickness.
- 2
Enable CMYK lithophane mode
LithoStack maps color channels to physical filament layers for backlit viewing.
- 3
Tune thickness and shape
Match your frame or lamp insert, then mask to circle, heart, arch, or custom size.
- 4
Review the color preview
Confirm transmitted color looks right before exporting—color lithophanes are viewed with light behind the print.
- 5
Export STL or 3MF
STL works for manual filament planning; 3MF helps AMS workflows on supported printers.
Export formats
STL (heightmap relief) · 3MF (CMYK / AMS workflows on Pro)
Standard lithophane vs color lithophane
| Grayscale lithophane | Color lithophane | |
|---|---|---|
| Filament | One color | CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black/white) |
| Viewing | Backlit grayscale image | Backlit full-color image |
| Printer | Any FDM printer | Multicolor / AMS recommended |
| Export | STL | STL + CMYK 3MF (Pro) |
Frequently asked questions
- What is a color lithophane?
- It is a backlit lithophane that uses multiple filament colors in thin layers so transmitted light mixes into visible color.
- Do I need white filament?
- Most CMYK lithophane workflows use white as a base or highlight layer. Check your preview and filament availability.
- Can I print a color lithophane on a single-extruder printer?
- You can, but you must plan manual filament changes. AMS or multi-tool printers are much easier.
- Is CMYK the same as a normal multicolor logo print?
- No. Flat multicolor prints (FlatStack) are front-viewed plates. Lithophanes are height-based and backlit.
Related resources
Create CMYK lithophanes optimized for AMS filament changes and backlit viewing. LithoStack handles channel mapping, preview, and export.
Lithophane generatorLithoStack in ColorStack converts photos into printable lithophane heightmaps. Upload an image, preview the relief, choose a shape, and export STL without CAD.
Multicolor 3MF export3MF carries more than geometry—it can include materials, objects, and slicer-friendly structure. ColorStack Pro exports 3MF for supported multicolor workflows.
How to make a color lithophaneColor lithophanes combine height variation with CMYK-style filament layers so transmitted light shows color. Plan filaments, lighting, and slicer workflow before printing.
Bambu AMS lithophane guideBambu AMS simplifies CMYK lithophane filament changes. This guide covers spool order, 3MF import, and backlighting finished panels.