How a lithophane works
A lithophane is a thin plate whose thickness varies with the image. Held in front of a light, thin areas glow bright and thick areas look dark, so the photo appears. This generator converts each pixel's brightness to a thickness:
brightness = 0.2126 R + 0.7152 G + 0.0722 B (0–1)
thickness = max − (max − min) × brightness
The result is a closed, watertight mesh with a flat back, ready for any slicer.
Best print settings
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Filament | White PLA |
| Infill | 100% |
| Layer height | 0.1–0.12 mm |
| Orientation | Standing upright (best detail) or flat with a brim |
| Thickness | 0.8 mm min / 3 mm max |
Choose photos with good contrast and a clear subject; boost contrast before uploading if the image looks flat. A smaller pixel size gives more detail but a bigger file.
FAQ
How do I make a lithophane from a photo?
Drop the photo above, set the width and thickness, check the 3D preview, then click Download STL and slice it with 100% infill in white PLA.
What thickness should a lithophane be?
0.8 mm minimum and 3 mm maximum is a good default for white PLA. Thicker maximums give more contrast with a strong backlight.
Why does my lithophane look like a negative?
Lithophanes only show the picture when lit from behind. Viewed from the front without light, they look like a negative — that's normal.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The image is converted to a 3D model entirely in your browser.
Recommended gear
- PLA filament, 1 kg (1.75 mm) — The default for most prints; buy a known brand with tight diameter tolerance.
- LED light box / backlight — Makes lithophanes glow evenly.
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