Canon Production Printing (CPP) has launched HeightIQ, a new and free software application driven by AI, which simplifies the conversion of a 2D image into a detailed height map.
HeightIQ uses advanced image recognition to analyse light, contrast and shapes to automatically and accurately translate height differences into grayscale values.
The grayscale image can then be used in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to finetune the final job, enabling elevated printing up to 4mm high on Canon Arizona flatbed printers using PRISMAelevate XL.
The free software application simplifies the enhancement of 2D designs with 3D textures, embossing and dynamic surface effects to deliver greater value for designers, artists and print service providers.
HeightIQ significantly decreases job preparation time. To create a similar file in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, the process can take an experienced designer up to 10 hours. Due to the AI integration in HeightIQ, according to the company, this time is reduced to less than 30 minutes on average.
As HeightIQ is suitable for users of all skill levels, there is no requirement for specialised knowledge or lengthy onboarding, making HeightIQ even more accessible. Users can also create up to 20 different images at the same time, enabling them to bring elevation to a wider audience, and further enhancing productivity.
And, to enhance the quality of the height map, HeightIQ features a tiling setting, which uses a graphical technique to divide a bigger image into multiple sub-images (tiles) and ensures that more details are visible in the final print.
“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,” said Steven Badger, head of sales and professional services at CPP Australia.
“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.”
HeightIQ is a freeware, on-premise software application that can be easily installed onto any MS Windows or MacOS device. The tool is available immediately for download from Canon’s graphiPLAZA platform.