From photo to 3D print
Can you 3D print a photo? Yes, but not the way you print a photo on paper. A 3D printer needs a 3D file: a model with depth. One photo can be turned into a flat relief or a lithophane. An object, such as a part or a holder, can be redrawn from photos and measurements; for simple objects, that is what we do. And if you already made a 3D file with an app or a scan, we print it in PETG.
Why a photo cannot simply be printed in 3D
A photo is flat: it shows what something looks like from one side, but not how deep it is or what the back looks like. A printer builds an object layer by layer from a 3D file, usually an STL or 3MF. So there is always a step between photo and print: someone or something has to turn the photo into a 3D model. How a printer works with such a file is explained under how 3D printing works.
Four ways to turn a photo into a 3D print
One photo as a relief or lithophane
One photo can be turned into a thin plate in which light areas are thin and dark areas thick. Hold it up to the light and you see the photo. That is called a lithophane. It works best with a photo with clear contrasts, and you make such a file with a lithophane program. If you already have a lithophane file, you can have it printed with us like any other 3D file.
Having an object redrawn from photos and measurements
We redraw a simple object, such as a cover, a holder or a knob, from photos and measurements, and then print it in PETG. Which photos and measurements we need for that is explained on having a custom 3D model made. Is it a broken part? Then see having a replacement part 3D printed.
A 3D scan from many photos (photogrammetry)
With dozens of overlapping photos from all sides, software can calculate a 3D model. That needs good light and an object that stays still, and the model often needs touching up afterwards. If you already have such a scan as a file, you can have that file printed with us.
An app that turns a photo into a 3D model
There are programs that use artificial intelligence to turn one photo into a 3D model. The result often looks good on screen, but regularly has holes, double faces or parts that are too thin. You can simply upload such a file in our form: we check it in the slicer first, and that check is free. If it is not printable, you hear so before the printer starts. We can then make it print-ready; that is design work, and the cost is stated in your quote up front.
A 3D figurine from a photo: is that possible?
A recognisable figurine of a person or pet is something different from redrawing an object. A face is hard to read from photos; that is why studios that make figurines of people usually work with a 3D scan of the person. If you already have a 3D file of a figure, we print it in PETG in the size you choose: up to 350 x 320 x 325 mm per part, larger in sections. Details smaller than about 0.8 mm do not come out cleanly, so the smaller the figurine, the less fine a face, for example, will be.
What does it cost to have a photo 3D printed?
That depends on what is needed. If there is already a 3D file, you only pay for the printing: € 0.19 per gram of PETG with a minimum of € 8.00, plus shipping if you do not collect. If an object has to be redrawn, a fixed amount from € 29.00 is added for simple work, or € 49.00 per hour for larger work, always stated in the quote up front. How the printing price is built up is explained on what 3D printing costs.
How to request it
- If you have a 3D file, upload it as STL, OBJ, 3MF or ZIP through the request form; you get a quote within 48 hours.
- If you only have photos of an object, choose "Just an idea" in the request form, upload your photos (PNG, JPG, JPEG or WEBP, up to 50 MB per file) and add the dimensions that really have to be right. You then get the quote within 3 to 5 working days.
- You receive a quote without obligation, valid for 14 days. With a file, your print is ready within 2 to 4 working days after payment; if something has to be redrawn, the expected delivery time is stated in your quote.
Frequently asked questions about photos and 3D printing
Can I have a single photo 3D printed?
One photo can be turned into a relief or lithophane; if you have such a file, we print it like any other file. A complete 3D object from one photo only works if someone redraws it, and then mainly for simple shapes with the dimensions supplied.
Can I have a file from a photo app printed?
Yes, if it is printable. If not, you hear so before the printer starts and we can make it print-ready; what that costs is stated in your quote up front.
What happens to my photos?
Files you send us remain yours and we only use them for your order.
Send your photos or your file
You first receive a quote without obligation and only decide afterwards. More about what we make: custom 3D printing.