LOCAL IMAGE TOOL · FLAT PANEL

Lithophane Maker: Photo to Lithophane STL

Turn a photo into a flat panel whose thickness follows image brightness. Crop the picture, set dimensions in millimeters, inspect the mesh and download an STL—all in your browser.

Free STL export for images you choose from your device. No sign-in or credits required. AI generation and Studio exports follow their existing plan rules.

01 / Choose an image

Up to 16 MB / 24 megapixels. Your image stays in this browser. Transparent pixels use a white background.

See preview and download ↓

02 / Crop and size

Height follows the crop ratio. Import the STL as millimeters; STL has no unit field.

03 / Shape the panel

A flat rim replaces the outer image edge. Use 0 for no border. Defaults are starting points, not a verified print profile.

Detail settings

More samples make a larger file. They do not increase the physical size or restore missing image detail.

3D GEOMETRYDrag to rotate · Pinch to zoom

Choose an image to preview your panel.

Cropped grayscale map · dark = thicker

Inspect size, walls and layers in your slicer before printing. A closed mesh or a simulated preview does not guarantee a successful print.

From your image to an STL in three steps

  1. Choose and crop a photo. Select a JPG, PNG or WebP from your device. Use the crop ratio, zoom and position controls to frame the subject.
  2. Set size and thickness. Enter the panel width and thickness range. Dark pixels become thicker, light pixels thinner. Check the 3D view and optional backlight simulation.
  3. Download and inspect the STL. Download the file, import it as millimeters in your slicer and inspect the dimensions, walls and layers. Make a small material test before a larger print.

How brightness becomes thickness

This tool uses a grayscale height map. By default, white becomes the minimum thickness and black becomes the maximum. It creates a closed flat back and side walls around the mapped surface. Transparent pixels are composited onto white. A border adds a raised flat rim and replaces the outermost edge of the image.

Choose a photo with a clear subject

Start with a sharp image and visible separation between the subject and background. Crop away distracting areas. Brightness and contrast controls change the thickness map; they cannot restore detail that is absent from the source. Compare the grayscale crop with the 3D preview before exporting.

Flat panels only in this version

The result is a rectangular flat panel. Curved panels, cylinders, lamp fittings, hearts, color lithophanes and 3MF export are not included. The backlight view illustrates the brightness pattern; it does not predict light transmission for your filament, light source or print settings.

Check the exported file before printing

The width includes the border; height follows the cropped image ratio inside that border. STL stores coordinates but no unit field, so select millimeters and verify the imported size. Inspect thin sections and layer continuity. Orientation, supports and material settings need your own printer-specific check. See the STL printing checklist and millimeter scale guide. A successful slice is not a physical print test.

Local processing and Image3D Studio

This page processes an image you select from your device. It does not call an AI model or unlock a Studio asset. AI generation and Studio downloads continue to follow the existing account and plan rules.

Frequently asked questions

Is STL export free?

Yes. This local image tool exports STL files for free, without sign-in or credits. It processes the image you choose on your device in the browser. AI generation and Studio exports are separate and follow the existing account and plan rules.

What thickness should I use?

The starting values are 0.8 mm minimum and 3 mm maximum. They are adjustable tool defaults, not a validated material profile. The right range depends on the filament, lighting and printer. Inspect the mesh and test a small panel before relying on a full-size result.

Which filament color should I use?

Choose a material and color that you can test with your intended light source. This tool does not model a filament’s optical properties. Its backlight simulation is illustrative and cannot select a reliable color, layer height or temperature for your printer.

Can I make a curved lithophane for a lamp?

This version makes flat rectangular panels only. It does not create a cylinder, lamp shade, socket or safe enclosure for a light. Those require additional geometry and physical checks.

Why does the result look blurry?

The source image, crop and mesh resolution all limit detail. Try a sharper crop and a higher mesh resolution. Smoothing reduces small variations and can also soften edges. Turning it down may help, but tiny detail may still exceed your printer’s physical resolution.

Is this AI image to 3D?

No. This tool maps image brightness to panel thickness locally. It does not infer the hidden sides of an object or reconstruct a person. The separate Image3D Studio creates AI-generated models under the existing generation and download rules.

Can I sell a panel made from a photo?

Exporting geometry does not grant rights to the source image or its subjects. Use images you own or have permission to use for the intended purpose, and check the relevant license or consent before sharing or selling a result.

Related tools and guides

Want a full 3D figure from your photo?

Use the separate AI workflow for a generated 3D mesh. Its generation and export rules are unchanged.

Open Image3D Studio →