Free Online Lithophane Generator
Turn any photo into a stunning 3D-printable lithophane. Upload an image, adjust size and thickness, preview in 3D, and download a ready-to-print STL file — all in your browser. No signup, no upload to any server.
What Is a Lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin 3D-printed panel where the image is encoded in varying thickness. When backlit — held up to a light, placed on an LED panel, or wrapped around a lamp — thinner areas allow more light through, revealing the image in beautiful detail. It's one of the most popular and impressive 3D printing projects.
How It Works
The generator reads your image pixel by pixel and converts brightness to thickness. Dark pixels become thick (blocking light), bright pixels become thin (letting light through). The result is a mesh with a smooth front face and a contoured back that creates the image when lit from behind.
Flat vs Curved Lithophanes
Choose "Flat Panel" for a simple rectangular lithophane you can frame or lean against a window. Choose "Curved" to create a cylindrical shape perfect for wrapping around a lamp, nightlight, or candle holder. Set the curve angle from 60° to a full 360° cylinder.
Best Settings for Lithophanes
Use white PLA filament, 100% infill, and a layer height of 0.1–0.16 mm for the best detail. Print the lithophane vertically (standing up) so each layer captures horizontal detail. The default 3 mm max thickness works great for most images.
Lithophane Ideas & Projects
Photo Lithophane Gift
Turn a favorite family photo, pet picture, or vacation snapshot into a one-of-a-kind 3D printed gift. Lithophanes make amazing personalized presents for birthdays, holidays, and weddings.
Lithophane Night Light
Print a curved lithophane and place it around a battery-powered LED tea light or night light base. The image glows beautifully in the dark — perfect for a nursery or bedside table.
Lithophane Lamp Shade
Create a 360° curved lithophane to use as a lamp shade. Wrap your image completely around a light source for a stunning custom lamp that reveals the photo when lit.
Sell Lithophanes on Etsy
Custom lithophanes are one of the top-selling 3D printed products on Etsy. Upload customer photos, generate STLs with this tool, print in white PLA, and ship. High perceived value, low material cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What filament should I use for lithophanes?
White PLA is the most popular choice. It's easy to print, has good translucency, and produces excellent detail. Some makers also use translucent PETG or white ABS. Avoid colored or opaque filaments as they won't let enough light through.
Is this lithophane generator free?
Yes, 100% free. The generator runs entirely in your browser — your images never leave your device. No signup, no watermarks, no limits on how many lithophanes you create.
What resolution should I use?
150 pixels across the width is a good balance between detail and file size. For larger prints (200mm+), increase to 250–400 for more detail. For small prints (50mm), 100 px is plenty. Higher resolution = more triangles = larger STL file.
Should I print a lithophane flat or upright?
Print it upright (standing on its edge) for the best detail. When printed flat on the bed, each layer is a horizontal slice which can blur fine details. Upright printing captures horizontal image detail within each layer line.
Want to create custom 3D models beyond lithophanes?
PrintPal AI generates fully custom 3D models from text descriptions or images.
Try AI 3D Generator Free
