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Lithophane makerTurn a photo into a lithophane
A lithophane is a thin panel whose thickness follows the brightness of a photo. It looks plain in daylight and reveals the picture when you hold it up to a light.
Settings that print well
Step by step
- Click Import image and choose a photo. Close-up faces, pets and high-contrast scenes work best.
- Choose Lithophane. Thickness is set to 0.8–3.2 mm, darker areas become thicker, and Stand upright is on.
- Set the Width (100 mm is a good start) and raise Detail for larger panels.
- Click Add to sketch. The panel appears standing on the bed.
- Export STL or 3MF and print with 100% infill at a 0.12 mm layer height in white or natural PLA.
Questions
What light should I use?
A warm LED behind the panel works well. Phone flashlights show the picture too, but evenly diffused light looks best.
Why does mine look washed out?
The thickness range is too small. Keep the thinnest part around 0.8 mm and the thickest around 3 mm, and use white or natural filament; colored filament blocks more light.
Can I make a flat lithophane instead?
Yes. Turn off Stand upright in the object's panel. It prints faster but with visible layer lines across the image.
Which photos work best?
Photos with clear contrast between subject and background. Very dark or very bright photos lose detail, so adjust brightness and contrast in a photo editor first.