Choose a clear photo
Faces and images with strong tonal contrast work well. Transparent areas are treated as white.
PHOTO TO LITHOPHANE
A photo that
comes to light.
Make a flat lithophane from your photo. Dark areas become thicker; highlights let more light through.
Free STL exportNo uploads
Live 3D preview
DIMENSIONS— mm
TRIANGLES0
FORMATBinary STL —
03 / MAKE IT REAL
A little image. A tangible thing.
Thin highlights. Thick shadows. Made for backlighting.
Free to use. No account needed.
Tune the thickness
Start with 0.8 mm minimum and 2.4 mm range. Keep Invert heights on for a normal positive image.
Print, then backlight
Export in millimetres. Preview the layers in your slicer and test with a cool LED light source. The 3D view shows geometry, not a light simulation.
BEFORE YOU HIT PRINT
A few good questions.
Why does the 3D model look inverted?+
A lithophane puts more material in dark areas to block light. The result becomes a positive image when lit from behind.
Which shapes are supported?+
This version makes a flat rectangular panel. Curved panels, frames and mounting holes are not included.
Can I use coloured filament?+
Translucent light-coloured material is a useful starting point. The effect depends on your material, print settings and light source; print a small thickness test first.
KEEP MAKING