FAQ - Revision history

Tlavedas: /* Q: What do the sliders do? */

2026-01-21T19:05:46Z

Q: What do the sliders do?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 21 January 2026
Line 49:		Line 49:
	==Q: What do the sliders do?==		==Q: What do the sliders do?==

	A: ''''Note:'''' Starting with version 0.9.0 the slider dock is turned off be default, because all of their functionality is provided on the Color Core. The dock can be opened using the Windows menu item, if desired.		A: '''Note:''' Starting with version 0.9.0 the slider dock is turned off be default, because all of their functionality is provided on the Color Core. The dock can be opened using the Windows menu item, if desired.

	The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen of versions before 0.9.0) are a means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design.		The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen of versions before 0.9.0) are a means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design.

Tlavedas: /* Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat? */

2026-01-21T19:03:04Z

Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 21 January 2026
Line 99:		Line 99:
	A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.		A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.

	''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [https://shop.thehueforge.com\| store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.		'''However''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [https://shop.thehueforge.com\| store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.

	==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==		==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==

Tlavedas: /* Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat? */

2026-01-21T19:02:09Z

Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 21 January 2026
Line 99:		Line 99:
	A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.		A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.

	''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [https:\\shop.thehueforge.com\| store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.		''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [https://shop.thehueforge.com\| store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.

	==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==		==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==

Tlavedas at 19:00, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T19:00:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 21 January 2026
Line 99:		Line 99:
	A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.		A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.

	''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [~~http~~:\\shop.thehueforge.com\|store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.		''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [https:\\shop.thehueforge.com\| store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.

	==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==		==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==

Tlavedas at 18:57, 21 January 2026

2026-01-21T18:57:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 21 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	This FAQ covers operational questions and assumes the use of versions ~~up to 0.7.2~~. Details might not apply for later versions unless specifically noted. Some details might not apply to earlier version of the application. It does not address questions about purchasing, downloading or upgrading the software. For such questions, please see the [https://shop.thehueforge.com/pages/faq\| Store FAQ]		This FAQ covers operational questions and assumes the use of all versions. Details might not apply for later versions unless specifically noted. Some details might not apply to earlier version of the application. It does not address questions about purchasing, downloading or upgrading the software. For such questions, please see the [https://shop.thehueforge.com/pages/faq\| Store FAQ]

	==Q: Do I need an AMS/MMU to print HueForge designs?==		==Q: Do I need an AMS/MMU to print HueForge designs?==
Line 49:		Line 49:
	==Q: What do the sliders do?==		==Q: What do the sliders do?==

	A: ~~The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen of versions before 0.9.0) are a means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design.~~ Starting with version 0.9.0 the slider dock is turned off be default, because all of their functionality is provided on the Color Core. The dock can be opened using the Windows menu item, if desired.		A: ''''Note:'''' Starting with version 0.9.0 the slider dock is turned off be default, because all of their functionality is provided on the Color Core. The dock can be opened using the Windows menu item, if desired.

	~~Dragging a filament from the library panel~~ (left ~~side of~~ the screen) and ~~dropping it onto~~ the ~~Color Core~~ (~~slider~~) ~~makes it available for use~~ in ~~the~~ design. Colors can be added to any used flag on the Color Core (or slider) to replace a color. Note that right clicking on a flag (or slider) opens a dialog menu that can also be used modify a color and/or a filament.		The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen of versions before 0.9.0) are a means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design.

	The primary means of adjusting the colors in the model, starting with version 0.9.0, is by moving flags on the Color and or Mesh cores. Pressing the space bar while hovering over a flag ~~act~~ to disable that color. Pressing Z while hovering moves that color to zero height.		Dragging a filament from the library panel (left side of the screen) and dropping it onto the Color Core (or a slider) makes it available for use in the design. Colors can be added to any used flag on the Color Core (or slider) to replace a color. Note that right clicking on a flag (or slider) opens a dialog menu that can also be used modify a color and/or a filament.

			The primary means of adjusting the colors in the model, starting with version 0.9.0, is by moving flags on the Color and or Mesh cores. Pressing the space bar while hovering over a flag acts to disable that color. Pressing Z while hovering moves that color to zero height. Pressing DEL deletes it from the model.

	The following explanations only apply if using the slider dock:		The following explanations only apply if using the slider dock:
Line 91:		Line 93:
	==Q: I'm trying to do a print with a transparent background, but there is a rectangle where it should be blank in the slicer. How do I fix this?==		==Q: I'm trying to do a print with a transparent background, but there is a rectangle where it should be blank in the slicer. How do I fix this?==

	A: That is the [[Common_Terms]] Lazy Programmer Rectangle (LPR). It is a set of zero height triangles that disappears when sliced.		A: That is the [[Common_Terms]] Lazy Programmer Rectangle (LPR). It is a set of zero height triangles that disappears when sliced. In version 0.9.2.3 there is an Advanced Save option that makes it possible to specify the model be saved without the LPR.

	==Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat?==		==Q: Can I turn the print over to make it completely flat?==

	A: No, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.		A: No, not in standard Hueforge, because HueForge designs have only one color per layer. It often uses more than one layer of the same color, but a flat print would need more than one color per layer to produce the image. However, since the prints are generally thin, in most applications the surface texture is generally not a problem, even for things like coasters. And in other applications, like faux materials, the added texture gives an added sense of realism to the end product.

			''''However'''', an extra cost plugin, called FlatForge, is now available at the [http:\\shop.thehueforge.com\|store] that enables printing flat HueForge prints - facedown (to take advantage of a special patterned print bed), double-sided or face up.

	==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==		==Q: Will it hurt anything for me to scale up/down the model (STL) file in the slicer?==
Line 148:		Line 152:
	==Q: Why do I have different number of layers between the HueForge program and the slicer?==		==Q: Why do I have different number of layers between the HueForge program and the slicer?==

	A: ~~The~~ most common reason this happens, especially if the layer is off by one or two layers (HueForge says you should have 10 but the slicer says you have 9 layers) is because the image has tall spikes of colours that appear unprintable in the slicer. Portions of the image that are generally thinner than your line width will be ignored by the slicer and therefore will have one or two fewer layers than what HueForge expects due to these spikes. This video helps explain this occurrence: [https://youtu.be/w8udIPVC80g\| HELP! Why Doesn't my Mesh Height Match!?]		A: Assuming you have matched the first layer height and other layer heights in the slicer correctly as they were in Hueforge, the most common reason this happens, especially if the layer is off by one or two layers (HueForge says you should have 10 but the slicer says you have 9 layers) is because the image has tall spikes of colours that appear unprintable in the slicer. Portions of the image that are generally thinner than your line width will be ignored by the slicer and therefore will have one or two fewer layers than what HueForge expects due to these spikes. This video helps explain this occurrence: [https://youtu.be/w8udIPVC80g\| HELP! Why Doesn't my Mesh Height Match!?]

Tlavedas: /* Q: Can HueForge be used to make lithophanes? If so, how is it done? */

2026-01-20T20:40:01Z

Q: Can HueForge be used to make lithophanes? If so, how is it done?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 20 January 2026
Line 128:		Line 128:
	==Q: Can HueForge be used to make lithophanes? If so, how is it done?==		==Q: Can HueForge be used to make lithophanes? If so, how is it done?==

	A: Yes, before its release Hueforge started out as a tool to help produce colored lithophanes. Selecting ~~Lighting Settings >~~ Blending Type > Lithophanes enters that operational mode. Monochrome lithophanes with cool colors (blues or greens) OR warm colors (reds/yellows) are easily developed, but full spectrum images need special treatment discussed in some detail in the article [[Stained_Glass\| How to Make a Stained Glass HueForge Lithophane]].		A: Yes, before its release Hueforge started out as a tool to help produce colored lithophanes. Selecting Blending Type > Lithophanes in the appropriate tool bar enters that operational mode. Monochrome lithophanes with cool colors (blues or greens) OR warm colors (reds/yellows) are easily developed, but full spectrum images need special treatment discussed in some detail in the article [[Stained_Glass\| How to Make a Stained Glass HueForge Lithophane]].

	==Q: Why when I port my HueForge into my slicer and add the filament swaps, it seems to not work with color?==		==Q: Why when I port my HueForge into my slicer and add the filament swaps, it seems to not work with color?==

Tlavedas: /* Q: How do I make my print thicker so it’s not so floppy? */

2025-05-22T14:54:01Z

Q: How do I make my print thicker so it’s not so floppy?

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:54, 22 May 2025
Line 87:		Line 87:
	==Q: How do I make my print thicker so it’s not so floppy?==		==Q: How do I make my print thicker so it’s not so floppy?==

	A: The easiest way to do this is to increase the ~~values~~ of both the Min and Max depths in ~~HueForge~~ by an equal amount. Then to speed printing, the layer heights of the part of the print up to the Min depth can be increased to reduce the number of layers. This is called a Height Range Modifier in some slicers (not variable height). If it is used, the color changes are added at the layer height in millimeters, rather than the layer number.		A: The easiest way to do this is to increase the value of Base Height in HueForge (or both the Min and Max depths in versions before 0.9.0 by an equal amount). Then to speed printing, the layer heights of the part of the print up to the Min depth can be increased to reduce the number of layers. This is called a Height Range Modifier in some slicers (not variable height). If it is used, the color changes are added at the layer height in millimeters, rather than the layer number.

	==Q: I'm trying to do a print with a transparent background, but there is a rectangle where it should be blank in the slicer. How do I fix this?==		==Q: I'm trying to do a print with a transparent background, but there is a rectangle where it should be blank in the slicer. How do I fix this?==

Tlavedas: /* Q: What do the sliders do? */

2025-05-22T14:50:01Z

Q: What do the sliders do?

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:50, 22 May 2025
Line 49:		Line 49:
	==Q: What do the sliders do?==		==Q: What do the sliders do?==

	A: The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen) are ~~the fundamental~~ means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design.		A: The sliders (bottom left panel on the default screen of versions before 0.9.0) are a means of adding to and adjusting the colors (filaments) in a HueForge design. Starting with version 0.9.0 the slider dock is turned off be default, because all of their functionality is provided on the Color Core. The dock can be opened using the Windows menu item, if desired.

	Dragging a filament from the library panel (left side of the screen) and dropping it onto a slider makes it available for use in the design. Colors can be added to any ~~unused~~ slider or to replace a color ~~on a previously used one~~. Note that right clicking on a slider opens a dialog menu that can also be used ~~to add or~~ modify a color and/or a filament.		Dragging a filament from the library panel (left side of the screen) and dropping it onto the Color Core (slider) makes it available for use in the design. Colors can be added to any used flag on the Color Core (or slider) to replace a color. Note that right clicking on a flag (or slider) opens a dialog menu that can also be used modify a color and/or a filament.

			The primary means of adjusting the colors in the model, starting with version 0.9.0, is by moving flags on the Color and or Mesh cores. Pressing the space bar while hovering over a flag act to disable that color. Pressing Z while hovering moves that color to zero height.

			The following explanations only apply if using the slider dock:

	Moving a slider up causes that color to be added to the design up to (but not including) the layer number shown immediately below the slider. The number of layers of that color is the difference of the layer shown and that of the next lower slider (which may or may not be to the left of the slider being moved).		Moving a slider up causes that color to be added to the design up to (but not including) the layer number shown immediately below the slider. The number of layers of that color is the difference of the layer shown and that of the next lower slider (which may or may not be to the left of the slider being moved).

Tlavedas: /* Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament? */

2024-11-20T20:24:16Z

Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 20 November 2024
Line 31:		Line 31:
	==Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament?==		==Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament?==

	A: To save distribution file size, the needed STL is not provided. Instead, open the Seashell_Test.hfp project and save it to create an STL. Load the STL in your slicer and set 0.08mm layer heights, black for your first color and the single swap to your test color at 0.56mm (using a height range modifier to print at 0.16mm up to 0.48mm saves time). If you want, you can test your color by substituting the white in HueForge with your color under test and adjust the TD of that filament to match what the printed model looks like - or you can try comparing it to the pictures in the PDF file. The single STL model can be reused to test ~~many colors~~ by substituting it for the second color when printing the model.		A: To save distribution file size, the needed STL is not provided. Instead, open the Seashell_Test.hfp project and save it to create an STL. Load the STL in your slicer and set 0.08mm layer heights, black for your first color and the single swap to your test color at 0.56mm (using a height range modifier to print at 0.16mm up to 0.48mm saves time). If you want, you can test your color by substituting the white in HueForge with your color under test and adjust the TD of that filament to match what the printed model looks like - or you can try comparing it to the pictures in the PDF file. The single STL model can be reused to test any color by substituting it for the second color when printing the model.

	==Q: What filaments do I want/need to do HueForge prints?==		==Q: What filaments do I want/need to do HueForge prints?==

Tlavedas: /* Q: How do I get the TD value for a filament? */

2024-11-20T20:22:44Z

Q: How do I get the TD value for a filament?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 20 November 2024
Line 21:		Line 21:
	However, if yours is not already in the library, there are several ways to determine the TD of a filament. These include printing a small two-color sample, searching social media sites for published community supported filament databases or directly measuring it using the recently released sensor, the TD-1, from Ajax-3D.		However, if yours is not already in the library, there are several ways to determine the TD of a filament. These include printing a small two-color sample, searching social media sites for published community supported filament databases or directly measuring it using the recently released sensor, the TD-1, from Ajax-3D.

	Printing a two-color sample using a filament with a known TD (generally black or white) under the one being tested is a common way to get the TD value of a filament. Various samples have been proposed and used recently; however, it is now suggested to use the Seashell_Test.hfp found in the HueForge/Tools folder to determine the TD of the filament. "The Seashell Method.PDF" file in the folder describes how to use this technique. See [#Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament?].		Printing a two-color sample using a filament with a known TD (generally black or white) under the one being tested is a common way to get the TD value of a filament. Various samples have been proposed and used recently; however, it is now suggested to use the Seashell_Test.hfp found in the HueForge/Tools folder to determine the TD of the filament. "The Seashell Method.PDF" file in the folder describes how to use this technique. See [[#Q: How do I use the SeaShell test to find the TD for my filament?]].

	If you are in the Discord HueForge group (invite comes with your purchase) go to we-share-seashells for pictures of seashells users have printed to gauge the TD. You can also post a picture of the finished model in ⁠we-share-seashells and ask for others to help read its TD.		If you are in the Discord HueForge group (invite comes with your purchase) go to we-share-seashells for pictures of seashells users have printed to gauge the TD. You can also post a picture of the finished model in ⁠we-share-seashells and ask for others to help read its TD.