Laser Generator Studio

Depth Map · Laser Generator Studio

Depth Map Generator: Photo to 3D Laser Engraving and STL

AI turns any photo, or text, into a grey depth map for 3D laser engraving, raised UV printing on the xTool O1 Omni and CNC relief carving, with an STL heightfield.

Make a depth map Free to try, no card needed
Depth Map example design, previewed on real material
The Depth Map studio’s own example design, shown in the app’s real-material preview.
Exports
PNG, STL
Works with
LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, EzCad, CNC relief software
Materials
Wood, acrylic, brass, stainless steel

What it makes

The Depth Map studio uses AI to estimate how far away each part of a photo is and turns it into a smooth grey depth map. Use the map for 3D laser engraving, raised UV printing or CNC relief carving. You can also type text to make raised lettering, and export an STL heightfield for 3D work.

Uses

UseMachineExport
3D engravingFibre, CO2 or diode laserPNG
Raised UV printxTool O1 OmniPNG
Relief carvingCNC routerSTL or PNG
3D printAny 3D printerSTL

How it works

  1. Load a photo or type text.
  2. Let the AI build the depth, then adjust contrast, smoothing and invert.
  3. Set the size and the depth range.
  4. Export the PNG for your laser or the STL for CNC and 3D printing.

Tips

  • Smooth a little. A light blur avoids a stepped, noisy surface.
  • Test small first. 3D engraving takes many passes; try a 30 mm sample before a full piece.
  • Landscapes? For real mountains, the 3D terrain generator uses real elevation data.

Only use photos you have the right to use, such as your own or ones your customer sends you.

Export

A grey PNG depth map at the exact size, and an STL heightfield.

Questions

What is a depth map?

A grey image where light areas are high and dark areas are low. Lasers and CNC routers read the shades as depth, so they carve a 3D surface.

Which lasers can engrave in 3D?

Fibre lasers with a 3D or deep engraving mode work best on metal. Diode and CO2 lasers can engrave shallow relief in wood with several passes.

Can I use it for raised UV printing?

Yes. The xTool O1 Omni can print a depth map as raised layers for an embossed feel.

What is the STL for?

The STL is a 3D heightfield of the same map. Use it for CNC relief carving or 3D printing.

Does the AI work on any photo?

Most photos work. Clear subjects with good lighting, such as faces, pets and objects, give the cleanest depth.

Materials and guides

Laser Cutting and Engraving WoodHow to laser cut and engrave basswood and birch plywood, MDF, hardwoods, pine and bamboo: choosing sheets, charring, smoke, grain, masking and finishing.Laser SettingsFree starting power and speed settings for xTool, Glowforge, Epilog, OMTech, Thunder Laser, Sculpfun, Atomstack and Aeon lasers, and how to test them.Laser Engraving Stainless SteelHow to laser mark stainless steel: fiber and MOPA lasers, marking spray for diode and CO₂ lasers, black and colour marks, and cleanup.

Related laser tools

3D Terrain Generator: Real Mountains as STL for CNC and 3D PrintCarve or 3D-print real mountains. Pick a place and get a watertight relief mesh with vertical exaggeration, a base, sea flattening and mould inversion, plus a heightmap and contours.AI Shadow Box Generator: Any Photo into Layered 3D ArtAI reads the depth in any photo and slices it into 4 to 12 nested layers for a layered 3D lightbox or papercut shadow box. Frame included, every layer ready to cut.Photo Engraving GeneratorTurn a photo into a laser-ready engraving: material presets, brightness, contrast and gamma, six dithering styles, and a PNG that imports at the right size.

xTool, LightBurn are trademarks of their respective owners. Laser Generator Studio is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.