Your files never leave your device. All processing happens in your browser.
Drop a photo on the Img Stop Lithophane Maker, choose flat, curved or cylinder, set the width and the thickness range (for example 0.8 to 3.2 mm), and check the 3D and backlit previews. Click Download STL to get a watertight binary STL in millimetres that you can slice and print in white PLA.
About the Lithophane Maker (Image to STL)
The Img Stop Lithophane Maker turns your photo into a 3D model whose thickness follows the brightness of the picture: dark areas are thick and block light, light areas are thin and glow. Held against a lamp, the print shows your photo in fine detail.
Make flat panels, curved frames or full cylinders for lamp shades, add a frame border, a hanging loop or a base stand, and adjust brightness and contrast. Rotate the model in the 3D preview, see a simulated backlit view, and download a watertight binary STL with the triangle count and file size shown first. Your photo never leaves your browser.
Key features
- Flat, curved, cylinderPanels, curved frames with any arc angle, and full cylinders for lamps.
- Exact thicknessSet min and max thickness in mm, plus border width and thickness.
- 3D previewRotate and zoom the real model with mouse or touch before you download.
- Backlit previewA simulated light-through view shows how the print will look on a lamp.
- Loop or standAdd a hanging loop for ornaments or a base stand for the shelf.
- Watertight STLBinary STL in mm with closed top, back and sides – ready for any slicer.
How to use the Lithophane Maker (Image to STL)
- Add a photo Drop a sharp photo with good contrast. Faces and simple scenes work best.
- Choose shape and size Pick flat, curved or cylinder and type the width in mm.
- Set thickness and extras Set min and max thickness, the border, and add a hanging loop or stand if you like.
- Download and print Click Download STL, slice it with 100 % infill in white PLA and print it standing up.
Lithophane Maker (Image to STL) at a glance
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Input | JPG, PNG, WebP |
| Output | Binary STL, units mm, watertight |
| Shapes | Flat, curved (30–300°), cylinder |
| Extras | Border, hanging loop, base stand, mirror, positive relief |
| Privacy | Runs in your browser – no upload |
When to use it
- Print a personal photo gift that glows on a window or lamp.
- Make a cylinder lithophane lamp shade or night light.
- Create Christmas ornaments with a family photo and a hanging loop.
- Print curved photo frames with a stand for a desk or shelf.
- Turn a logo into a backlit sign or relief.
Tips for the best result
- Print in white PLA with 100 % infill and a 0.1–0.12 mm layer height for the most detail.
- Printing the lithophane standing up gives finer detail than printing it flat.
- 0.8 mm minimum and 3.2 mm maximum thickness is a good start; make it thicker for a stronger LED.
- Use the backlit preview to adjust brightness and contrast before you print.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness should a lithophane be?
A common range is 0.8 mm for the brightest areas and 3.0–3.2 mm for the darkest. Thinner prints are brighter but fragile; thicker prints need a stronger light behind them.
What resolution should I use?
Around 5 pixels per mm (0.2 mm per pixel) matches the detail a 0.4 mm nozzle can print. Higher values make bigger files with little visible gain. The tool lowers the detail on very large models so the STL stays printable.
Is the STL watertight?
Yes. The model has a closed front relief, flat back and side walls that share every edge, so slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio and OrcaSlicer read it without repairs. A hanging loop or stand is added as a separate part that overlaps the panel, which slicers join automatically.
Should dark areas be thick or thin?
For a lithophane, dark areas must be thick so they block more light. Choose Relief (light = thick) only if you want a raised picture that is viewed without light behind it.
How should I print a lithophane?
Use white PLA, 100 % infill, a small layer height and print it standing up with a brim. Curved and cylinder shapes print well standing on their bottom edge.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The 3D model and the STL file are made in your browser on your own device.
Made and maintained by the Img Stop team.