How do I find a matching colour from another brand?
By Andy · Updated
Short answer
Look up the hex code of the filament you have (every product page shows one), then paste it into the colour finder. It lists the closest filaments from every other brand, ranked by how alike they look, and you can narrow them down by material, finish and diameter.
Guide
Step by step
- Find your filament on Layer Lookup and copy the hex code of its colour, or type in any hex code or colour you like.
- Paste it into the colour finder.
- Filter by material and finish, so a matte PLA is matched with other matte PLAs.
- Check the ΔE score: under 2 is near identical, under 5 is very close.
- Look at photos of the real spool before you buy, especially for close matches.
To match a whole set of colours, paste them all and choose "One brand" or "One range". The finder picks the brand or product line that covers the whole palette best, so every colour prints with the same settings.
Matching a colour across brands questions
How do I match a filament colour?
Enter the colour you want as a hex code (such as #E8590C), pick it with the colour picker, or paste a palette. The closest real filaments appear for each colour, ranked by how alike they look. Filter by material, finish, diameter or brand to narrow them down.
Can I find filament by hex code?
Yes. Paste any hex code and the finder lists the filaments whose published colour is closest to it, from every brand we list. You can paste several codes at once, or a palette link from a site like Coolors.
Where do filament hex codes come from?
From the makers themselves, through the Open Filament Database (opens in a new tab). Each product page shows the hex code for every colour, and you can copy it with one click.
How accurate are filament hex codes?
They're a good guide, not a guarantee. A hex code is the maker's best on-screen version of a physical colour, and screens, lighting and finishes such as silk or matte all change how a spool looks. Check photos of the real spool before you buy, especially for close matches.
What does ΔE mean?
ΔE (delta E) measures how different two colours look. We use the CIEDE2000 version, which follows human colour perception closely. Under 2 is near identical, under 5 is very close, and over 10 is only loosely similar.
Can I match a whole palette to one brand?
Yes. Add your colours, then choose "One brand" to find the brand whose closest colours cover your whole palette best, or "One range" for a single product line, so every colour prints with the same settings.