What is a lithophane?

A lithophane is an etched or molded artwork in very thin translucent material that can only be seen clearly when back lit with a light source.

What is the best material for printing lithophanes?

White PLA is generally considered the best material because it allows light to pass through while maintaining good contrast.

How do I print a lithophane?

Print vertically (standing up) with a brim for stability. Use 100% infill to ensure the light passes through the material consistently.

Lithophane Maker Online - Convert Photos to 3D Printable STL

📁 Click to Upload Image

JPG, PNG supported

Shape

Width (mm) 100

Max Thickness (mm) 3.0

Min Thickness (mm) 0.8

Curve Angle (deg) 90

Resolution (Vectors/px) 0.2

Higher resolution = slower generation.

Image Mode

Generating Model...

About Lithophane Maker Online

Welcome to the ultimate Lithophane Maker Online, a free tool designed for 3D printing enthusiasts and hobbyists. A lithophane is a 3D printed image that looks like a bumpy terrain but reveals a stunning, detailed photograph when backlit. The magic lies in the varying thickness of the print: thicker areas block light (appearing dark), while thinner areas let light pass through (appearing bright).

Our tool runs entirely in your browser, ensuring your photos remain private and secure. Whether you want to create a flat window hanging, a curved night light, or a cylindrical lamp shade, our generator provides the flexibility and precision you need.

How to Use This Tool

Upload: Click the upload box to select a photo from your device. High-contrast images work best.
Adjust Settings: Choose your desired shape (Flat, Curved, or Cylinder). Tweak the width and thickness settings. Standard settings (3mm max, 0.8mm min) usually yield great results.
Preview: Use the interactive 3D preview to inspect your model. Toggle the "Backlight" feature to simulate how it will look when printed and lit up.
Download: Click "Download STL" to get your file, ready for your slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, etc.).

Tips for Perfect Lithophanes

1. Use White PLA: While you can print in other colors, standard white PLA filament offers the best light diffusion and contrast range.

2. Print Vertically: Always print your lithophane standing up (vertically) rather than flat on the bed. This utilizes the printer's XY resolution for better detail.

3. 100% Infill: Ensure your slicer is set to 100% infill. Any hollow gaps will ruin the light effect.

4. Use a Brim: Since the contact area with the bed is small when printing vertically, use a wide brim to prevent the print from falling over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this tool free?

Yes, Lithophane Maker Online is 100% free to use with no hidden costs or watermarks.

What image formats are supported?

We support standard image formats including JPG, JPEG, and PNG.

Why does my preview look inverted?

Lithophanes work on thickness. Sometimes, depending on the light source, you might want the dark parts to be thick (Positive) or thin (Negative). Use the "Image Mode" dropdown to flip this if needed.

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