What Are Lithophanes? Turn Photos into 3D Printed Art
A guide to custom 3D printed lithophanes — how they work, what photos work best, and how to turn your favorite picture into a backlit display piece.
A Photo You Can Hold
A lithophane is a 3D printed image that looks like a plain white or cream-colored plastic panel until you hold it up to light. Then the image appears in stunning detail — lighter areas are thin and let more light through, darker areas are thick and block it. It's one of the most impressive things we make.
How Lithophanes Work
The 3D printer reads the brightness of every pixel in your photo and varies the thickness of the plastic accordingly. White pixels become thin (translucent), black pixels stay thick (opaque). When backlit, the image emerges naturally. No ink, no paint, no screen.
What Photos Work Best
High-contrast photos with good lighting produce the best lithophanes. Portraits, landscapes with clear skies, pet photos, and wedding shots all work well. Avoid dark, low-light photos or images with lots of shadows — they won't have enough contrast to show detail.
Shapes and Sizes
We can print lithophanes as flat panels, rectangles, squares, or custom shapes. Common sizes range from 4x6 to 8x10. We also make lithophane night lights with built-in LED bases.
Display Options
Flat panels work well in a picture frame with a light source behind them. We also offer LED light box bases that illuminate the lithophane from below or behind. Night lights are a popular option for kids' rooms and nurseries.
How to Order
Send us your photo and tell us what size and shape you want. We'll convert it to a lithophane model and send you a preview. Turnaround is 5-7 business days.