Home / Tools / Multi-color 3MF
Multi-color 3MFMulti-color 3MF files, ready for your slicer
STL files lose colors, units and part names. 3MF keeps them, so a two- or four-color design arrives in your slicer as separate, named, colored parts instead of one gray blob.
Settings that print well
Step by step
- Build or import your design. When importing an image, keep Separate and Colors on so each part takes its color from the image.
- Name parts in the panel (for example "Background" and "Lettering") so they are easy to match to filaments.
- For signs and tags, turn on Face down and use Make raised parts flush (inlay) so all colors start on the build plate.
- Click 3MF to export. Each solid part is a separate object with its name and color.
- In your slicer, keep the parts together as one object if asked, and assign each part to a filament.
Questions
Which slicers open 3MF files?
Most current slicers, including Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer and Cura, import 3MF. How colors are mapped to filaments varies by slicer, so check the part list after importing.
Do I need a multi-color printer?
For colors side by side on the same layer, yes, or a printer with a tool changer or filament switcher. For colors stacked by height, a filament change in the slicer works on any printer.
Why not just export several STL files?
You can, using Selected only export, but 3MF keeps every part lined up in one file with names and colors, which saves time and avoids misaligned parts.
Is the 3MF file valid?
Files are checked against the 3MF Consortium reference library during development, with millimeter units and separate objects per part.