Make a lithophane

Lithophanes transform a black-and-white image into a piece of translucent material whose thickness varies inversely with the lightness of the original image, so that it reproduces the image when it is lit from behind.
To create a lithophane, just drag an image into the box, or open a file menu using the button below. Set the size of the lithophane, use the update button to adjust the frame and make a 3D preview, then click Save As to generate a binary STL file containing the lithophane model.
Note that the preview here is coloured to enhance the surface shape, and does not represent how the lithophane will look when backlit.

Create

Drop an image file here.

Or choose an image file here:

Dimensions (all in millimetres):

Width: Height: Minimum thickness: Maximum thickness: Border width: Gamma correction: Padding colour (0-255): Chamfer corners:

3D Preview

Print

Save the STL file to disk, then import it into your slicer and print. You may need to experiment with different materials. White or other pale colours are probably best, though the colour may be different when light shines through the material. The fill pattern (even at 100%) will probably show through too much with clear or translucent materials.

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