Lithophane maker
Turn a photo into a lithophane that lights up from behind. Free, no upload.
What it does
A lithophane is a thin panel whose thickness varies with the photo, so it looks like a plain white plate until light shines through it. Thick areas block more light and show as dark, thin areas glow bright. A lithophane maker converts each pixel's darkness into thickness, typically between 0.8 and 3 mm, and exports a printable STL.
How to use it
- Drop a photo
Portraits and pets with good contrast work best. The preview shows the panel lit from behind.
- Pick shape and thickness
Choose flat, curved, circle or heart. Keep the thinnest point at 0.8 mm and the thickest at 3 mm for a 0.4 mm nozzle.
- Download and print
Print standing up in white PLA at 100% infill so light passes through evenly.
Examples
Portrait photo, 100 mm wide, curved
100 mm curved lithophane, 0.8 to 3 mm thick
Fits most tea-light and LED lamp bases.
Limits and notes
- Colour is not reproduced; lithophanes show the photo in shades of light.
- Panels thinner than 0.6 mm can break when removed from the bed.
More about the Lithophane Maker
Print lithophanes vertically so the layer lines run across the image, at 100% infill and a 0.12 mm layer height for the smoothest gradients.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness is best for a lithophane?
For most FDM printers, 0.8 mm at the thinnest point and 3 mm at the thickest. See our lithophane thickness guide for other nozzle sizes.
What filament should I use?
White PLA. Coloured or glossy filament scatters light and reduces contrast.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The lithophane is built in your browser.