How to use the Lithophane Maker
- 1Choose a photo. Faces and bright scenes with good contrast work best.
- 2Set the width. Around 100 mm is a good size for a desk lamp or window panel.
- 3Keep the thinnest point around 0.8 mm and the thickest around 3 mm to start.
- 4Add a frame for strength, then check the preview.
- 5Download the STL and print it standing upright in white PLA at 100% infill.
How lithophane thickness maps to brightness
The maker converts each pixel to brightness and maps it between your thinnest and thickest values: black pixels become the thickest part, white pixels the thinnest. Because light falls off quickly through plastic, small changes in thickness make a big visual difference. That is why the default range is only about 2 mm.
Lighting your lithophane
- Use a diffuse, even light: an LED panel, a lamp shade or a bright window.
- Keep the light a few centimeters behind the panel to avoid a hot spot.
- Warm white light flatters skin tones; cool white shows more detail.
Want an embossed sign instead of a backlit panel? Try image to STL. No printer? We're building a local print-shop board.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin panel whose thickness varies with the image. When light shines through it, thick areas look dark and thin areas look bright, revealing the photo.
What thickness should a lithophane be?
A common starting point is about 0.8 mm at the thinnest and 3 mm at the thickest. Thicker maximums give more contrast but need a stronger light behind the print.
What are good lithophane print settings?
Use white or natural PLA, 100% infill, and a small layer height (around 0.12-0.16 mm). Printing the panel standing upright gives finer detail because the image is formed by the nozzle path rather than by layer steps.
Which photos make the best lithophanes?
Well-lit photos with clear faces and good contrast. Very dark photos turn into mostly thick, dark panels; brighten them before converting.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The lithophane is generated in your browser, so personal photos never leave your device.