Canon launches free AI Tool for converting 2D designs into height maps

Canon has announced the launch of HeightIQ, a new software application driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which simplifies the conversion of a 2D image into a detailed height map, enabling elevated printing up to 4mm high on Canon Arizona flatbed printers using PRISMAelevate XL.

HeightIQ uses advanced image recognition to analyse light, contrast, and shapes, automatically and accurately translating height differences into grayscale values. The grayscale image can then be used in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to fine tune the image. 

Steven Badger, Head of Sales & Professional Services at Canon Production Printing Australia, commented: “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. 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.”

The free software application simplifies the process of enhancing 2D designs with 3D textures, such as embossing and dynamic surface effects, which Canon says delivers greater value for designers, artists and print service providers.

HeightIQ significantly decreases job preparation time, according to Canon, which says that creating a similar file in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator can take an experienced designer up to 10 hours. With AI integration in HeightIQ, 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 drag and drop to create up to 20 different images simultaneously.

HeightIQ also features a tiling setting, which utilises a graphical technique to divide a larger image into multiple sub-images (tiles), ensuring that more detail is visible in the final print.
The freeware tool is available for download from Canon’s graphiPLAZA platform for both Microsoft Windows and macOS.