How to make a lithophane
- Choose a photo. Crop it tightly around the subject. Faces, pets and landscapes with clear contrast work best.
- Pick a shape. Flat for a frame or light box, Curved for a free-standing display, Lamp for a shade over an LED or tea light.
- Check the backlit preview. Adjust brightness and contrast until the preview looks like your photo held up to a window.
- Download the STL and slice it. It is already standing upright, which gives the sharpest detail.
Recommended print settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Plain white PLA |
| Orientation | Upright (as exported) |
| Layer height | 0.12–0.16 mm |
| Infill | 100% |
| Speed | Slow outer walls (e.g. 40 mm/s) |
| Adhesion | Brim, 5–8 mm |
Lighting tip: lithophanes need light from behind. A USB LED light base or a warm LED strip works for flat and curved panels; a battery tea light or LED bulb works for lamp shades. Avoid real candles.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lithophane maker free?
Yes. Make and download as many lithophane STL files as you like. No account is needed.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Your photo is converted into a 3D model inside your browser. It is never sent to a server.
What filament is best for lithophanes?
Plain white PLA gives the clearest image. Avoid silk, glitter or translucent filaments; they blur detail.
How should I print a lithophane?
Print it standing upright (the STL is already oriented that way) with 100% infill, 0.12–0.16 mm layers and a brim for stability. Slow outer walls help detail.
What thickness should I use?
A range of 0.8 mm to 3.0 mm works for most photos and LED backlights. Use a thicker maximum (3.5–4 mm) for bright lamps, thinner for weak tea lights.
What photos work best?
Photos with a clear subject, good contrast and a simple background. Crop tightly before uploading, and use the contrast slider if the preview looks flat.