Lithophane Maker › Christmas ornament lithophane
Christmas ornament lithophane
A photo lithophane in the shape of a Christmas bauble, star, tree or heart: it looks plain white until the tree lights shine through, then the photo appears. A personal ornament for the tree or a gift for grandparents.
Open the free maker with a preset
- Round bauble – 70 mm ball with a cap and hanging loop – the classic photo ornament.
- Star – 80 mm five-point star; best with one face in the middle.
- Christmas tree – 80 mm tree outline; a winter scene or a family group fills it nicely.
- Heart – 70 mm heart for a couple’s or a baby’s first Christmas.
How to make a photo Christmas ornament
- Pick a preset above – it opens the Lithophane Maker with the outline, size and hanging loop already set.
- Add your photo and check the backlit preview; raise the contrast if faces look flat.
- Add a caption if you like – a name, “2026” or “Baby’s first Christmas”.
- Download the STL and print it upright in white PLA with a brim.
- Thread a ribbon through the loop and hang it in front of the tree lights.
Recommended print settings
- Filament: plain white PLA (not silk).
- Layer height: 0.12–0.16 mm; infill: 100%.
- Thickness: 0.8–2.6 mm keeps a 70 mm ornament light enough for a branch.
- Size: 60–80 mm for the tree, up to 100 mm for a window.
- Orientation: upright as exported, with a brim; no supports.
More for Christmas
Label the presents with Christmas gift tags and bake with the Christmas cookie cutters – a tree, gingerbread man, bauble and more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Christmas ornament lithophane maker free?
Yes, free with no account. The STL is made in your browser and your photo never leaves your device.
What size should a lithophane ornament be?
60–80 mm wide hangs well on most trees and stays light. The presets open at 70 mm (bauble, heart) and 80 mm (star, tree); go up to 100 mm for a window ornament.
How do I hang it?
Every preset has the hanging loop switched on: a small loop on top for a ribbon, thread or ornament hook. It prints as part of the panel, so there is nothing to glue.
Will it glow on the tree?
A lithophane shows its photo when light shines through it. Hang it in front of tree lights or in a window, or put an LED behind it. Do not use candles or hot bulbs – PLA softens at about 55 °C.
Can I add a name or the year?
Yes. Type it in Caption in the maker – “Baby’s first Christmas 2026” or a family name prints on a strip under the photo.
What photo works best?
A close-up with good contrast: one or two faces, a pet or a winter scene. The photo is centre-cropped to the ornament outline, so keep the faces near the middle.
More shapes (heart, star, curved frame, keychain, moon lamp) are in the Lithophane Maker. See also the Photo Moon Lamp Generator.