Convert 2D PNG/JPG Images to 3D STL Mesh files!

Use our fast and free image to STL online tool to convert your PNG and JPG 2D heightmap images or logo into 3D STL (Standard Triangle Language) mesh/model files suitable for printing with a 3D printer, CNC machining or for loading into your favourite 3D editing package. To see some examples of what our tool can create, please see our Examples section below.

Click on the "Upload a file" button above to begin. Your PNG/JPG image/heightmap should fit within 800 x 800 pixels, if it is larger than this the image will be resized to fit within this size. Once you submit your image it will be processed as quickly as possible. More complicated images may take longer than others so please be patient. For more information about how your image is converted into the final 3D model please see the section below How Does Image to STL it Work?.

How to Convert your JPG or PNG to STL Online?

Here are three simple steps to create an STL file from a JPG or PNG file.

Upload a JPG or PNG

Click the "Upload a File" button and select an image file (PNG or JPG) to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Select your Options

Set the dimensions and other options, and click the "Convert to STL" button to convert your JPG or PNG to STL.

Download your STL

Click the download link once completed to receive your STL file.

Image to STL Frequently Asked Questions

What does this tool do?

Our tool converts image (bitmap) data into 3D geometry, which is then saved to the common STL file format.

What files does it support?

The image to STL tool can convert the most common image file formats, such as PNG, JPG or any one of our supported image formats. The output is provided in STL format, which can be used in most 3D graphics applications.

How does the tool interpret the image pixel data?

3D geometry is created based on the luminosity of each pixel in the source image. For example, using the default tool settings, a black pixel represents a 3D pixel height of 0mm, and a white pixel represents a 3D pixel height of 10mm. Colors in between these will be converted to a 3D pixel in this range.

What does the "Invert Output" option do?

This option reverses the black-to-white range conversion, so with this option set, a black pixel will be rendered as a 3D pixel of 10mm in height, and a white pixel will be rendered as 0mm.

How do I control the Model detail?

The "Detail" option allows you to control the resolution of the created STL file. Low detail will generate the model quickly and result in a smaller file. The High option will take longer to generate and can result in very large download files.

What does the "Enable Smoothing" option do?

With this option, the image to STL converter will attempt to remove or smooth out any spikes in the resulting STL 3D model. Spikes are usually caused by highly contrasting adjacent pixels in the source image file.

What is the maximum image resolution I can upload?

The image you upload can be any size; however, our tool will resize your image to a maximum of 800x800 pixels for normal users, and for premium subscription holders, this is increased to a maximum of 1200x1200 pixels.

How Does Image to STL it Work?

Standard Mode (Heightmap)

The process is simple: After converting your image to greyscale, in Standard mode, our tool examines your 2D PNG or JPG (heightmap) image and based on the brightness of each pixel, will create a corresponding "3D" pixel where the height of the pixel is determined by the pixel luminosity. A black pixel will have a height of 0mm and not be included in the final 3D generated model, however a white pixel will have a height that you specify once your image is uploaded.

When using the Extrude Color mode the tool works in the same way as the Standard mode however the way the tool interprets the pixel color information changes and also the final generated model will contain the color data overlayed onto the model. Please see our Generate Full Color 3D Heightmap Models From Images article which explains this process in more detail.

An original color height PNG image

The heightmap converted to a color 3D heightmap model

Another view of the 3D heightmap model

Extrude Mode

In Extrude mode our tool traces around the edges found in your image and creates simple but clean 3D models from the image, great for simple images. The Extrude Color mode also creates clean 3D models however instead of varying the model height based on the pixel brightness, the pixel color is used directly in the final model to provide color.

Simple shape to extrude

The swirl image is converted to a 3D model

The tool creates clean and smooth edges in the 3D model

Finally...

The 3D STL file created by our tool can be printed with a 3D printer or if you would like to process the model further, it can be loaded into most 3D mesh editing packages such as Blender etc. For 3D videogame/application developers this is a useful tool for creating 3D mesh files from heightmap images for use in your games and other 3D applications.

Image To STL Examples

Here we have put together some example images and their resulting 3D-generated models to give you an idea of what can be created with our Image to STL tool. We have examples of both the Heightmap and Extrude options in use, as well as grayscale and color images.

1. Swirl Pattern (Extrude)

Here is a swirl pattern demonstrating the tool's ability to create fixed-height 3D models from simple black-and-white images using the Extrude mode. When constructing the STL 3D model, our converter will apply a height of 10mm to the geometry where it finds a white pixel and 0mm to any black pixels.

A swirl pattern

The swirl extruded to a 3D model

The swirl extruded to a 3D model close up view

2. Gray-Scale Terrain Image (Heightmap)

This is a complex two-dimensional heightmap image, demonstrating the ability to create variable-height 3D models based on gray-scale images. When constructing the 3D model, the converter will apply a height of 10mm to the geometry where it finds a white pixel and 0mm to any black pixels. All shades in between will be represented proportionately in the final STL 3D model.

A Heightmap from a NASA shuttle mission

The heightmap image converted to a 3D model (front view)

The heightmap image converted to a 3D model (back view)

3. Inverted Gray-Scale Swirl (Extrude)

Here, we use the same image as in the first example and choose the "Invert Output" checkbox option. This reverses the resulting geometry and may be useful in some situations.

A swirl pattern

The inverted swirl extruded to a 3D model

The inverted swirl extruded to a 3D model close up view

4. Extrude Color Logo

Here, we are using the Extrude (Color) mode to convert a color logo into a 3D model ready for editing within Blender. The Extrude (Color) is only available to 3D file formats that support color, such as OBJ, DAE, GLB, FBX and 3MF.

The logo for a Gameboy Color

The logo converted to 3D

The logo converted to 3D close up view

5. Heightmap Color

This example demonstrates how to create a color heightmap from a simple colorized image source. The colors in the source image determine the height of the corresponding pixel in the resulting 3D model STL. For example, in the "Color Heightmap" mode, dark blue represents the lowest part of the model and red the highest, while in the "Full Spectrum Heightmap" mode, white represents the highest point.

An original color height PNG image

The heightmap converted to a color 3D heightmap model

Another view of the 3D heightmap model