Canon has launched HeightIQ, a free AI-driven software designed to simplify the creation of height maps for elevated printing. The tool, aimed at designers, artists, and print service providers (PSPs), reduces job preparation time from hours to under 30 minutes and requires no specialised experience to operate.
Available now via Canon’s graphiPLAZA platform, HeightIQ converts 2D images into greyscale height maps, enabling textured 3D prints up to 4mm high when paired with the PRISMAelevate XL workflow and Canon Arizona flatbed printers.
“At Canon, we have a clear commitment to innovation and providing our customers with accessible solutions that further enhance their output, increase productivity, and simplify their day-to-day operations,” Canon Production Printing Australia head of sales and professional services Steven Badger said.
“The launch of HeightIQ and the integration of AI is a clear example of this innovation and how we’re evolving to deliver more intelligent, time-efficient solutions for our large format graphics customers.
“Elevated printing enables our Arizona customers to add creative value to their output but the complexity and time required to create a height map is often a roadblock for many print providers looking to add it to their offering. At FESPA 2025 we showed a technology study and, based on the very positive customer feedback, we decided to productise it into HeightIQ.”
From concept to output, faster and easier
Canon said the traditional process of creating detailed elevation files in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator can take up to 10 hours for experienced designers. With HeightIQ’s AI capabilities, that is reduced to 30 minutes or less.
The desktop-based app runs on both Windows and macOS, and supports drag-and-drop functionality with the ability to process up to 20 images simultaneously. A tiling feature enhances resolution by dividing large images into smaller segments, helping retain fine detail in print.
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