Gradient Chef requires a 3MF file as input. STL files are not supported. Export your model as a 3MF from your slicer before uploading.
No. STL files do not contain printer configuration, slicer settings, or multi-material data. You must set up your model in PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio first and export as 3MF.
Any FDM printer with a multi-material system supported by PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio. This includes Prusa XL, Prusa MK4 + MMU3, Bambu Lab X1C/P1S/P1P/A1 with AMS, and any third-party printer configured in those slicers.
A minimum of 2. The more extruders or filament slots you have, the smoother your gradient can be. A 5-color gradient on a 5-tool printer produces much smoother transitions than a 2-color gradient.
Yes. Gradient Chef stores layer range transitions in absolute Z height (millimeters), not layer numbers. When you change your layer height in the slicer, transitions automatically snap to the nearest layer boundary at the same physical height on the model.
Verified across 0.15mm, 0.20mm, and 0.32mm layer heights — the slicer preview looks identical at every setting, and the tool change count stays consistent.
Yes. Nozzle diameter affects line width and flow rate, not Z height. Since Gradient Chef layer ranges are height-based, a nozzle size change does not affect gradient position or transitions. Verified across 0.4mm and 0.6mm nozzles with no change to gradient output.
Yes. Support type — organic, snug, none, enforcers only — is a slicer setting independent of the layer range data Gradient Chef adds. Switch between support strategies freely after processing.
Yes. All print profile settings — infill density and pattern, speeds, temperatures — are slicer settings unaffected by Gradient Chef output.
Yes. Swap any extruder color assignment in your slicer and the preview updates instantly. The gradient structure remains intact — only the visual color changes.
It depends. If the target printer has the same number of extruders and uses the same slicer ecosystem, it should work. Changing the number of extruders or moving to a different slicer platform is not recommended and may produce unexpected results.
Yes — the gradient bar preview is designed to match your slicer's layer-by-layer output exactly. Gradient Chef runs the same error-diffusion scheduling algorithm in the preview that it uses to generate the 3MF. Each horizontal band in the preview represents a single layer assigned to a specific tool, matching the tool changes you'll see in PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio line for line.
The gradient bar (left panel) is the accurate per-layer preview — it mirrors the actual tool change schedule in your output file. The 3D model view (right panel) colors the mesh geometry and is intended as a spatial orientation aid, not a layer-accurate color preview. If you see a difference between your slicer output and Gradient Chef, the gradient bar is the reference to trust. If the gradient bar and your slicer do not agree, please report it via the feedback button — we take preview accuracy seriously.
The most common cause is a mismatch between the layer height used during processing and the layer height set in your slicer. Gradient Chef calculates tool changes based on the layer height embedded in your source 3MF — if your slicer overrides this, the layer count changes and bands shift. Always verify that your slicer's layer height matches the value shown in Gradient Chef's file info bar. Other causes include filament color swaps in the slicer (purely cosmetic, does not affect tool changes) or opening the file on a printer with a different extruder count.
The slicer will remap excess extruder assignments to available slots. For example, a 5-color gradient opened on a 4-extruder printer will have the 5th color remapped to one of the existing 4. The gradient will still print — one color zone will simply repeat a color rather than introducing a new one.
No crash, no corrupt file. To restore the full gradient, add the missing extruder back in your slicer settings.
Nothing changes. Extra extruder slots are simply unused. Your gradient prints exactly as designed.
This depends on model height, layer height, and transition speed settings. A typical 75mm pot processed at 0.2mm layer height with a 5-color gradient produces approximately 965 tool changes. This number stays consistent across layer height and nozzle size changes.
No. Gradient Chef only adds layer range color assignments to your 3MF. All print settings, supports, infill, and slicer configuration remain exactly as you set them up.
Yes — it is a fully standard 3MF file. Open it, modify it, re-slice it, and re-export it just like any other 3MF.
Always set your final scale before uploading to Gradient Chef. Scaling a model after processing changes the Z height, which shifts gradient transition points relative to the model geometry.
Log into your account and access the billing portal. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You retain Pro access until that date.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover via Stripe. All payments are in US dollars.
Yes. The free tier allows a limited number of gradient generations per month. Pro removes generation limits and unlocks additional features.