Lithophane Maker
Turn any photo into a lithophane: a thin 3D-printed panel that reveals your picture when light shines through. Upload a photo, preview how it glows, and download a print-ready STL.
Drag & drop your photo
or click to browse · PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG · up to 15 MB
Free: 20 models per day · images up to 15 MB · STL files deleted after 24 hours
How to make a lithophane
- 1
Upload a photo
JPG, PNG or WebP. Pick a bright, contrasty photo and crop close to the subject.
- 2
Tune it
Set the size, the thinnest and thickest points, and a frame. The preview shows it backlit.
- 3
Download or order
Generate the STL, inspect it in 3D, then print it yourself or order it printed and shipped.
How a lithophane works
Light passing through plastic dims as the plastic gets thicker. The lithophane maker maps every pixel's brightness to a thickness — dark areas become thick, light areas thin — so the panel "develops" into your photo when lit from behind. Unlit, it looks like a subtle white relief.
Use Negative to invert the mapping for special effects, and a frame to give the panel a clean, sturdy edge.
Best print settings for lithophanes
| Material | White PLA (other light colors tint the image) |
|---|---|
| Infill | 100% — sparse infill shows through as a pattern when backlit |
| Layer height | 0.08–0.12 mm for smooth tones |
| Walls | 3 or more, so thin areas stay solid |
| Orientation | Flat on the bed (detail side up) is easiest; standing upright gives finer detail but needs a brim |
| Supports | None needed for a flat lithophane |
Ordering a print from us? White PLA, 0.08 mm layers and solid infill are preselected on your quote.
Lithophane FAQ
What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin panel whose thickness varies with the brightness of a photo: thick where the photo is dark, thin where it's light. It looks like a plain relief until light shines through it — then the photo appears in full detail.
How do I make a lithophane from a photo?
Upload a photo to the lithophane maker above, choose the size, thickness range and frame, and click Generate STL. You can preview how it looks backlit, check the 3D model, then download the STL or order a printed lithophane.
What thickness should a lithophane be?
0.8 mm for the brightest areas and 3 mm for the darkest works well for most photos and light sources. Thicker maximums (3.5–4 mm) give more contrast in front of bright lamps; thinner ones suit weaker lights such as tea lights.
Which photos make the best lithophanes?
Well-lit photos with good contrast and a clear subject — portraits, pets and landscapes with a defined horizon. Very dark or low-contrast photos look muddy. Crop close to the subject and upload the largest version you have.
Is the lithophane maker free?
Yes. Make up to 20 lithophanes a day without an account and download the STL files. If you don't have a 3D printer, order the printed lithophane from the result page.
What happens to my photo?
Your photo is converted in memory and never stored. The generated STL is kept for 24 hours so you can download it, then deleted.
No 3D printer?
We print your lithophane in white PLA with fine layers and solid infill, and ship it to you — a great personal gift.
Order a printed lithophane →Converting a logo?
Logos and lettering work better as raised 3D shapes. Turn a PNG or SVG into an STL with a base plate.
Open the image to STL converter