Free Online Lithophane Maker

Upload Image Click to select or drag and drop a JPG, PNG or WebP image.

Model Shape

Flat lithophanes are easiest to print. Curved models are more rigid and suit lamps. A full cylinder creates a complete illuminated shade.
Left: width or outside diameter. Right: model height. Dimensions are in millimetres.

Thickness

The brightest areas of the image. 0.8 mm is a good starting value for white PLA and a 0.4 mm nozzle.
The darkest areas of the image. Around 2.8–3.2 mm generally provides good contrast.

Image Processing

Higher resolution captures more detail but creates a larger STL. 160–220 is normally a good balance.
Controls how photographic mid-tones are translated into physical thickness.
Increase for flat images. Too much contrast can remove subtle facial detail.
Small amounts of smoothing can reduce image noise and JPEG artefacts.
Crop to Fill normally produces the cleanest model. Fit Entire Image keeps all of the photograph.

Border

Upload a photograph

Drag an image anywhere onto the viewer
or use the upload control.

  Drop Image to Create Lithophane
Ready

Lithophane Information

Status Waiting
Image -
Shape Flat
Dimensions 120 × 90 mm
Thickness 0.8–3.0 mm
Resolution 180
Triangles -

Recommended Starting Point

Material: White or natural PLA

Layer Height: 0.12–0.16 mm

Minimum Thickness: 0.8 mm

Maximum Thickness: 3.0 mm

Infill: 100%

Supports: Normally none

Which Shape Should I Use?

Flat Rectangle
Best general-purpose option for framed photographs and light boxes.

Circular
Suitable for ornaments, round illuminated inserts and decorative panels.

Curved Panel
Stronger than a flat panel and useful for wrapping partially around an LED light.

Cylinder
Creates a complete 360° lithophane suitable for lamps and lanterns.

Image Advice

Sharp photographs with a clearly defined subject generally work best.

Good separation between light and dark areas improves the visible result when illuminated.

Portrait photographs often benefit from a relatively simple or slightly blurred background.

Lighting

Use a cool-running LED light source.

Avoid incandescent or halogen lamps close to PLA lithophanes because of the heat generated.

Next Steps

Open STL Viewer Open G-Code Viewer Explore 3D Printing Materials