What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin 3D print where dark and light areas are created by different material thicknesses. When light shines from behind, the image becomes visible.
Make better lithophanes from photos.
A lithophane uses thickness and light to reveal an image. Learn which photos work best before the tool is ready.
Contrast · Light · 3D printing · Photo preparation
Photos that work best
Choose a clear subject
Portraits, pets, and simple motifs work best when the main subject is easy to read.
Use good contrast
Photos with a clear difference between light and shadow usually produce a more readable result.
Avoid busy backgrounds
Calm backgrounds make it easier for the subject details to stand out when the lithophane is lit.
Think about light and print orientation
A lithophane is meant to be viewed with light behind it. Material, layer height, thickness, and print orientation all affect how clearly the image appears.
The tool is not launched yet
This page is the first step for the lithophane site. The final generator will come later, once it can produce correct and useful output.