Shapes and styles
Flat panels in many shapes
Rectangle, rounded, square, circle, oval, hexagon, heart and arch — a true circle stays perfectly round.
Cylinder lamps
Wrap your photo around a cylinder to make a lamp that glows from the inside.
Made from your own photo
Upload a picture and let DesignerX convert its brightness into thickness.
Print-ready STL
Export a file ready for any FDM printer; print in white or natural filament for the best glow.
How to make a lithophane
- Create a free account and switch to the Lithophane mode.
- Upload a photo and choose a shape — flat panel or cylinder lamp.
- Adjust the size and thickness and preview the result.
- Export the STL and print it in white or natural filament.
- Place a light behind it, or put an LED inside a lamp.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of photo works best?
A photo with good contrast and a clear subject, such as a portrait or a pet.
What filament should I use?
White or natural (translucent) filament works best, because light has to pass through the thin areas.
Can 3DBuildX print my lithophane?
Yes. Bring or send the file to our shop in Cambridge, Ontario, or order online.
Is it free?
Yes. DesignerX is free to use; you need a free account to save designs.
Print it your way
Print your design on your own 3D printer, or bring it to 3DBuildX at 55 Dickson St, Cambridge, Ontario. We serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and the GTA, in person and online.