Online workflow
No heavy CAD setup just to test a photo-to-relief idea.
Image to STL
Convert photos into STL-ready 3D relief files online
Use CNC Point Tools to turn a photo into a depth map, preview the relief, and unlock STL-ready output for CNC routing, engraving, and 3D printing projects.
Why makers use it
CNC and printing
Use the STL path for routers, printers, and relief mesh experiments.
Fast iteration
Try different photos, prompts, and depth settings before committing credits to final output.
What a photo-to-STL workflow can and cannot do
A single image can be turned into a relief-shaped mesh, but the result is not the same as a measured scan of a physical object. The visible front is estimated from image cues; hidden geometry, exact dimensions, and functional tolerances are not known from the photo alone. This workflow is best suited to artistic reliefs, plaques, and visual prototypes.
Prepare and inspect the source
Choose a sharp, well-lit image with a clear subject and crop it to the final composition. After generation, rotate the preview to check whether the relief is oriented correctly and whether the edges and base look suitable for your project. If the source contains ambiguous shadows or overlapping forms, consider a different image.
Check the exported STL in its destination app
STL imports may require you to choose units. Verify the width, height, and thickness after import rather than assuming the file carries your intended physical scale. Inspect the mesh and run a CAM simulation or slicer preview. Check that narrow areas are reachable by your cutter or printable at your nozzle and layer settings.
Read the model preflight checklist before committing stock or a print. If your CAM program can create geometry directly from grayscale, compare the depth-map workflow.