Turn a photo into a 3D-printable lithophane
Drop a photo and turn it into a lithophane — a thin panel that reveals the image when you light it from behind. Tune the thickness, size and detail, preview live, and download a watertight STL. Free, private, nothing uploaded.
Shape
Size & print
Image
Frame & extras
Backlight preview
Capabilities
What it does
- Turns any photo into a proper lithophane — a thin panel that’s thicker where the image is darker, so it reveals the picture when backlit.
- Full control over the physical print: width in mm, maximum and minimum (base) thickness, detail resolution and smoothing.
- Positive (dark = thick) by default, with a one-click Negative mode for backlights that read the other way.
- Live studio-lit 3D preview that rebuilds as you tweak — thickness and size edits are instant.
- Exports a single watertight, manifold STL that slices cleanly — plus GLB if you want to share the 3D model.
- 100% in your browser — your photo is never uploaded, with no watermark or account.
Process
How it works
- Drop a photoDrag a JPG, PNG or WebP onto the tool. Portraits and high-contrast images make the strongest lithophanes. It’s read locally — nothing is uploaded.
- Dial it inSet the width and the max/base thickness for your printer, tune detail and smoothing, and flip to Negative if needed — the preview updates live.
- Print itDownload the STL, slice it (print it flat, or stand it in a frame) and light it from behind to reveal the image.
Notes
Good to know
- Print settings matter: use a fine layer height (≈0.08–0.12 mm), 100% infill and white/natural filament, and light it from behind — a lithophane is dull in reflected light.
- The base (minimum) thickness is the brightest area; too thin and it warps or lets too much light through, too thick and highlights go gray. ~0.6–1 mm is typical.
- Very large images are downsampled to the detail resolution to keep the mesh printable and the tab responsive.
- STL carries the shape only, not color — a lithophane is meant to be printed in a single light filament.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin 3D relief that looks like a plain gray panel — until you light it from behind. Thicker areas block more light and read dark, thinner areas glow, so the photo appears. It’s a classic, striking 3D print.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The image is decoded and turned into geometry entirely in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.
What settings should I print at?
A fine layer height (0.08–0.12 mm), 100% infill, slow-ish speed and a light/white filament. Print it flat on the bed or upright, then backlight it (an LED panel, a window, or a lamp).
Which photos work best?
High-contrast images with a clear subject — portraits, pets, landmarks. Very dark or very flat photos have little relief to work with; bump the max thickness or contrast first.
Positive or negative?
Default (positive) makes dark areas thick, which is right for most backlights. If your lit result looks inverted, switch on Negative to flip the relief.
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