Getting Started

What is Gradient Chef?

Gradient Chef is a web-based tool that adds multi-color gradient transitions to any 3MF file for FDM 3D printers with multi-material systems. You upload your 3MF file, design a color gradient recipe, and receive a modified 3MF file ready to open in your slicer.

The key thing to understand: Gradient Chef only adds layer range color assignments to your file. Everything else — supports, infill, layer height, print speed, temperature — remains fully in your control inside your slicer. Process once, slice however you want.

What You Need

• A multi-material FDM printer (Prusa XL, Prusa MK4 + MMU3, Bambu Lab X1C/P1, or any OrcaSlicer-compatible MMU printer)
• A 3MF file of the model you want to gradient — STL files are not supported, export as 3MF from your slicer first
• A Gradient Chef account (free tier available)

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare your 3MF

   Export your model as a 3MF from PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio before uploading. Make sure it is set up for your specific printer — the correct printer profile, number of extruders, and basic print settings should already be configured.

   Tip: A single-color 3MF works perfectly. Gradient Chef will handle all the color assignments.

2. Upload your file

   Drag and drop your 3MF onto the upload zone, or click to browse. Gradient Chef will analyze the file and extract model geometry, height, and slicer type automatically.

3. Design your gradient recipe

   Use the Recipe Editor to define your gradient:

   • Color stops — assign an extruder (filament slot) to each stop and set its position as a percentage of total model height (0% = bottom, 100% = top)
   • Hold — optionally hold a color for a number of layers before transitioning
   • Transition speed — controls how gradually colors blend between stops
   • Min run — minimum number of layers a color must run before switching
   • Candy stripes — alternates colors at the transition speed rather than blending smoothly, for a striped effect

4. Generate

   Click Generate Gradient 3MF. The server processes your file and returns a modified 3MF with all gradient layer ranges embedded. For large files this may take 1–3 minutes.

5. Open in your slicer

   Open the downloaded 3MF in PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or Bambu Studio. Assign your physical filament colors to each extruder slot and slice as normal. The gradient transitions will appear immediately in the slicer preview.

The 3D Preview

The in-app 3D preview shows a real-time visualization of how your gradient will look on the model as you adjust your recipe. Colors map directly to your extruder assignments. Rotate with drag, zoom with scroll.

The preview is a gradient approximation for design purposes. The actual printed result depends on your filament colors and transition zone settings in your slicer.

Accounts and Subscriptions

Gradient Chef offers a free tier and a paid Pro tier. The free tier allows a limited number of gradient generations per month. Pro removes generation limits and unlocks additional features.

Sign in with your Google account. Subscriptions are billed monthly or annually via Stripe and can be cancelled at any time from your account settings.