Lithophane Generator

Photo → STL lithophane in 30 seconds

Got a favorite photo and want to print it as a 3D lithophane? This generator turns PNG/JPG into an STL file ready for printing - with fine settings for thickness, light source, contrast. Curved lithophanes are a trick with high wow-factor.

Available with the Pro plan (15 EUR per month). The printed book includes 3 months of Pro.

Start - onboarding wizard for first lithophane
Start - onboarding wizard for first lithophane
Editor - upload photo, adjust brightness, contrast, gamma
Editor - upload photo, adjust brightness, contrast, gamma
Lithophane shape - flat, cylinder, sphere
Lithophane shape - flat, cylinder, sphere

Key features

Drag & drop

Upload a photo (PNG/JPG, up to 4K) - STL ready in 30 seconds.

Light source presets

Candle, LED, window, flashlight - each with optimal thickness and contrast.

Shape

Flat, curved, cylinder, sphere. Spherical lithophanes are stunning.

Resolution and polygon count

Balance between quality and file size. Recommended presets for each printer.

Preview

3D preview in browser before download. See how it will look lit.

Export

STL (for all slicers), 3MF (with color), ready G-code for PrusaSlicer.

How it works

  1. 1Upload a photo (drag & drop or browse).
  2. 2Pick shape and light source preset.
  3. 3See 3D preview - fine-tune as needed.
  4. 4Download STL/3MF.

Who it's for

Gift-hunter

Lithophane with a personal photo - one of the most unique 3D gifts.

Print service

Add-on service - lithophane from a client photo. High margin.

Designer

Lithophanes for art installations and photo exhibitions.

Hobby

For fun - your own photos lit on a flashlight.

Frequently asked

How do I get access?

A physical-book code gives Pro access for 90 days; the PDF edition - for 30 days.

Which material is best?

White PLA or clear PETG. For best contrast - white PLA at 0.16-0.2 mm layer height.

Can I do a colored lithophane?

Yes - multi-color (requires IDEX or AMS) or single-color with contrast. See Layerblend 3D for multi-color.

How long to print?

Standard 100×150mm - 4-6 hours. Large 200×300mm - 8-12 hours.

Can I do video lithophanes?

No - lithophane is a static image. For animation see specialized tools.

Want full access to all 148 instruments?

The Big Book of 3D Printing includes 90 days of Pro access to every instrument with the physical book's code - 30 days with the ebook. Calculators, wizards, comparisons, generators, and more.

Get the book