3D printing and making
Make a lithophane from a photo
A lithophane looks like plain white plastic until you hold it to the light, when the photo appears. It makes a lovely present.
Photo to lithophaneFree · No sign-up · Files stay on your device
Open Photo to lithophane
How a lithophane works
The print is thicker where the photo is dark and thinner where it is light. Light shining through thin parts looks bright, so the picture appears.
The photo is turned into a height map on your device, so family photos are never uploaded.
When you might need this
- PresentsA family photo, a wedding picture or a pet, as a night light or window piece.
- MemorialsA photo of someone missed, glowing on a windowsill.
- Gifts to sellPersonalised lithophanes are popular on craft markets.
Key benefits
- Good settings to start0.8 mm to 3.2 mm thick suits white PLA.
- Your choice of sizeSet the width in millimetres; the height follows the photo.
- PrivateYour photos stay on your device.
How to make it
- Choose a clear photo with good contrast, and crop it to the shape you want.
- Open it in Photo to lithophane.
- Set the width and thickness, and choose Normal or Fine detail.
- Press Convert, check the preview and save the STL.
- Print it standing upright, in white, with 100% infill.
Tips
- Faces should fill most of the picture; small details get lost.
- Brighten very dark photos first, or the print will be too thick to glow.
- Fine layer heights (0.12 mm or less) give smoother pictures.
Photo to lithophaneFree · No sign-up · Files stay on your device
Open Photo to lithophane
Questions
Why does it look blank?
That's normal. Hold it up to a window or a lamp and the photo appears.
Which colour filament?
White or natural PLA. Coloured filament blocks too much light.
Can I use an iPhone HEIC photo?
Convert it to JPG on Think MEDIA first, then open it here.
Tools for this job
More guides
- 3D printing and makingConvert a STEP file to STL for 3D printingTurn STEP (.stp, .step) CAD parts into STL or 3MF files your slicer can print, with a choice of smoothness, and without uploading your design.
- 3D printing and makingMake a 3D printed sign from your logoTurn a logo or SVG design into a raised 3D model on a base plate, ready to print as a sign, badge, keyring or stamp. Choose the size and height.