# Image to 3MF converter for multi-color prints

> Go from a picture to a 3MF your slicer opens with real units and, with Pro, every color already assigned to its own filament for your AMS or MMU.

Page: https://printpal.io/convert/image-to-3mf
Updated: 2026-11-12
Try it: https://printpal.io/convert/image-to-3mf (upload an image; the free plan needs an account)

3MF is the modern replacement for STL, developed by the 3MF Consortium whose members include Microsoft, HP, Autodesk, Ultimaker and Prusa. It is a zip archive of XML that records units explicitly, can hold several objects, and stores color per triangle, which is why Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer save their projects as .3mf.

There are two ways to get a 3MF from an image with PrintPal. For multi-color prints, generate in full color (Pro) and use Multi-color export: the model's texture is reduced to 2 to 8 filament colors you pick by tapping the model, and you download a painted 3MF. For single-color prints, download the STL and convert it free with the [3D model converter](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-model-converter), or open the STL in your slicer and save the project.

## How to convert an image to 3MF

1. **Upload an image.** Bold, distinct colors give the cleanest filament split.
2. **Sign in and generate in full color.** Full color is a Pro feature; check the shape first in Draft.
3. **Open Multi-color export.** Choose 2 to 8 colors and tap the model to pin the ones that matter.
4. **Download the 3MF.** Open it in Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer and sync with your AMS.

## Things to know

- **Pick colors you own:** Pin the palette to spools you have loaded so the slicer does not substitute them.
- **Fewer colors print faster:** Each color change costs purge filament and time. Three or four colors are usually the sweet spot.
- **Units in the file:** No more models arriving 25 times too small: 3MF records millimetres.
- **Smaller than STL:** Our 1M-triangle test model was 21.0 MB as 3MF against 49.9 MB as STL, because 3MF shares vertices and zips its contents.

## 3MF at a glance (3D Manufacturing Format)

- **Stores:** Mesh, units, colors and materials, multiple objects, print settings
- **Color:** Yes, per triangle
- **Units:** Explicit (millimetres)
- **Size (our 1M-triangle test):** 21.0 MB zipped, versus 49.9 MB as STL
- **Opens in:** Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Cura, Windows 3D Builder
- **PrintPal plan:** Multi-color export on Pro; single-color 3MF free via the converter

### After you download the 3MF

- Open it in Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer. Units travel with the file, so it loads at the right size.
- The colors in the file show up as filaments in the slicer; sync them with your AMS or pick the closest spools you own.
- Keep the prime tower on and check the purge estimate. Fewer colors means less waste and a faster print.
- Using PrusaSlicer or another slicer? Download the vertex-color OBJ from the same export, or print the STL in one color.
- Single-color 3MF only? Convert any STL free with the [3D model converter](https://printpal.io/tools/3d-model-converter).

## Same model, every format (measured)

Same 998,810-triangle knight exported with trimesh; the GLB is the download as it came from PrintPal. The 3MF holds geometry only; a painted multi-color 3MF adds a little for the color data.

| Format | File size | Color | Units | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STL (binary) | 49.9 MB | No | None (slicers assume mm) | Any slicer |
| STL (ASCII) | 303 MB | No | None | Legacy CAD; avoid |
| OBJ + MTL + texture | 84.9 MB | Texture or vertex colors | None | Blender, sculpting |
| GLB (with textures) | 40.5 MB | Yes, PBR textures | Metres | Web, AR, games |
| 3MF (zipped) | 21.0 MB | Yes, per triangle | Millimetres | Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer |
| PLY (binary) | 27.3 MB | Vertex colors | None | Scans, point clouds |

## Real example

The toy rocket model shown on the page was generated by PrintPal from rocket.png (1024 px). Raw output: 999,316 triangles, one watertight body with consistent winding. Web preview: 59,958 triangles, 362 KB GLB.

## FAQ

### Is 3MF better than STL?

For most modern printing, yes. It carries units, colors, multiple parts and settings, and it is smaller. STL is still the most universally readable, so keep it for older software.

### How many colors can the 3MF have?

The multi-color export supports 2 to 8 filament colors.

### Which printers and slicers work with it?

The painted 3MF is made for Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer, so AMS, AMS Lite and AMS HT work directly. Other slicers can use the vertex-color OBJ from the same export.

### Can I get a 3MF on the Free plan?

Yes, in a single color: download the STL and convert it with the free 3D model converter. Multi-color 3MF requires a full-color generation on Pro.

### Can I change colors after downloading?

Yes. Swap filaments in the slicer, or repaint areas with the slicer's color painting tool.

### How long does a conversion take?

Draft quality usually finishes in 30 to 60 seconds. Refined and Production take longer because they build more detail, and Pro generations run on a priority queue.

### Can I sell prints of the models I make?

Yes, on Pro and Studio, which include commercial rights for prints and digital files. The Free plan is for personal use. You also need the rights to the image you upload, so stick to your own photos and artwork or images you have permission to use.

## Related conversions

- [PNG to 3MF](https://printpal.io/convert/png-to-3mf): Convert a PNG into a 3MF for Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer. AI builds a full 3D model, then splits its colors into 2 to 8 filaments. Single-color 3MF free.
- [JPG to 3MF](https://printpal.io/convert/jpg-to-3mf): Convert a JPG photo into a 3MF for Bambu Studio or OrcaSlicer. AI rebuilds the object in 3D and reduces its colors to the 2 to 8 filaments you own.
- [SVG to 3MF](https://printpal.io/convert/svg-to-3mf): Convert SVG to 3MF free in your browser: each fill color becomes its own part for AMS or MMU printing. Or turn SVG artwork into a full AI 3D model.
- [PNG to STL](https://printpal.io/convert/png-to-stl): Convert a PNG into a watertight, print-ready STL with AI. Real 3D depth instead of a flat extrusion, transparent backgrounds supported. Free plan.
- [PNG to OBJ](https://printpal.io/convert/png-to-obj): Convert a PNG into an OBJ 3D model with AI: real volume, not a textured flat plane. Open it in Blender, Maya or any slicer. OBJ export on the free plan.
- [PNG to GLB](https://printpal.io/convert/png-to-glb): Convert a PNG into a full-color GLB (binary glTF) 3D model with AI. Transparent PNGs become clean textured meshes for web, AR, Blender and game engines.
- [PNG to 3D model](https://printpal.io/convert/png-to-3d-model): Turn a PNG into a 3D model with AI and download it as STL, OBJ, GLB or 3MF. Transparent PNGs welcome. Print-ready mesh in about a minute. Free plan.
- [JPG to STL](https://printpal.io/convert/jpg-to-stl): Convert a JPG or JPEG photo into a print-ready STL with AI. Builds the full 3D shape from one photo and repairs the mesh. Works with phone photos. Free plan.

## Learn more

- [Multicolor 3D printing guide](https://printpal.io/wiki/multicolor-3d-printing-guide): AMS, MMU, tool changers and manual color swaps.
- [3D printing file formats](https://printpal.io/wiki/3d-printing-file-formats): STL, 3MF, OBJ, STEP and G-code compared.
- [Preparing AI models for printing](https://printpal.io/wiki/preparing-ai-models-for-3d-printing): Scale, orientation, repair and supports for generated meshes.

- All image to 3D conversions: https://printpal.io/image-to-3d
- PrintPal for LLMs: https://printpal.io/llms.txt