ColorStack

Image to STL

Turn 2D images into 3D printable STL meshes. Pick ColorStack, LithoStack, or FlatStack depending on whether you need layers, backlit relief, or a flat plate.

See also: filament painting, lithophane generator, FlatStack, and 3MF vs STL guide.

No mesh repair tools required—upload and export print-ready geometry.

Convert image to STL

Who it is for

  • Makers avoiding manual heightmap sculpting
  • Anyone converting art to physical objects
  • Educators demonstrating image-to-geometry pipelines

What you can make

  • Multicolor layered STLs
  • Lithophane STLs
  • Flat multicolor STLs

How it works

  1. 1

    Pick the right stack

    Color-layer for painting, lithophane for backlit, flat for signs and logos.

  2. 2

    Upload

    Supported raster formats process in-browser.

  3. 3

    Adjust settings

    Size, colors, thickness, and shape per mode.

  4. 4

    Export STL

    Import into PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, or Cura.

Export formats

STL (all modes) · 3MF (Pro, selected workflows)

Frequently asked questions

Is the STL manifold?
ColorStack generates watertight meshes intended for FDM slicing. Always preview in your slicer before printing.
Can I edit the STL in CAD?
Yes, but re-export from ColorStack if you change source art—it is faster than remodeling bands by hand.

Related resources

Filament painting for 3D printing

ColorStack mode builds color-layer topography from your image so thin filament layers optically blend into a full-color front-lit print—no manual CAD painting.

Lithophane generator

LithoStack in ColorStack converts photos into printable lithophane heightmaps. Upload an image, preview the relief, choose a shape, and export STL without CAD.

FlatStack flat multicolor prints

FlatStack is for flat color surfaces, not height-based lithophanes. Upload artwork and build a thin multicolor plate ready for STL or 3MF export.

Multicolor 3MF export

3MF carries more than geometry—it can include materials, objects, and slicer-friendly structure. ColorStack Pro exports 3MF for supported multicolor workflows.

3MF vs STL for multicolor 3D printing

STL remains universal geometry. 3MF can package multicolor structure and slicer-friendly metadata. Choose based on your printer and patience for manual setup.