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Lithophane

Turn a photo into a panel or lamp shade that glows when lit from behind.

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A thin, varying-thickness print: thin areas let more light through (bright), thick areas let less (dark), so the photo appears when lit from behind.

Step 1: choose Flat panel, Framed panel (stands on its own) or Lamp shade.
Step 1: choose Flat panel, Framed panel (stands on its own) or Lamp shade.
Step 2: the live preview, with size, image and frame settings on the right.
Step 2: the live preview, with size, image and frame settings on the right.

How to use it

  1. Choose the type: Flat Panel, Framed Panel (printed frame with feet) or Lamp Shade (wraps round a cylinder over a tea-light base).
  2. Drop in a photo. Faces and high-contrast images work best.
  3. On the Size tab set the aspect ratio, width and height, and the thinnest, thickest and solid border thickness.
  4. Use the Image tab to adjust brightness and contrast, and the Frame tab for the frame, supports and base.
  5. Switch between Backlit and Relief to see it lit or as a solid. Pick your printer and filament, then Export 3MF or STL.

What you can do

Three shapes

Flat panel, framed panel, or a cylindrical lamp shade with a base for a tea-light.

Shape outlines

Flat panels can be cut to shapes such as a heart or circle, with a cradle that holds them.

Live stats

Size, weight, print time and detail level are shown under the preview.

Printers

Choose your printer and material so the estimate matches your machine.

Tips

Print flat, in white or natural PLA, with a fine layer height (0.1–0.2 mm).

Thinner = brighter. Try a thinnest value around 0.8 mm and a thickest around 3.2 mm, then adjust to taste.

Looking for the overview? See Free Lithophane Maker: Photo to 3D Print.

Try it yourself

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