Laser Generator Studio

AI Shadow Box · Laser Generator Studio

AI Shadow Box Generator: Any Photo into Layered 3D Art

AI 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.

Make a shadow box Free to try, no card needed
AI Shadow Box example design, previewed on real material
The AI Shadow Box studio’s own example design, shown in the app’s real-material preview.
Exports
SVG, DXF, PDF
Works with
LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, Glowforge
Materials
Cardstock, birch plywood, basswood

What it makes

The AI Shadow Box studio turns any photo into a layered 3D picture. AI reads the depth in the photo and slices it into 4 to 12 nested layers, from the closest objects at the front to the sky at the back. Cut the layers, stack them with spacers, and light it from behind for a glowing lightbox. A frame is included.

Settings

SettingWhat it does
Layers4 to 12 layers of depth
SizeThe width of the finished box
FrameFrame width and shape
SmoothingRounder, cleaner layer edges

How it works

  1. Load a photo. The AI builds the depth in your browser.
  2. Choose the number of layers and the smoothing.
  3. Set the size and frame.
  4. Export, cut every layer, and stack them.

Tips

  • Use spacers of 3 to 5 mm between layers for real depth.
  • Number the layers before you take them off the laser.
  • Cardstock is fastest. White card gives a soft, glowing look when lit from behind.
  • For a raised engraving instead of layers, try the depth map generator.

Private by design: the photo never leaves your device. The AI model runs in your browser.

Export

Each layer and the frame export as SVG, DXF or PDF, ready to cut.

Questions

How does it work?

An AI model estimates how far away each part of the photo is, then the studio cuts the picture into layers from front to back. Each layer rests on the one behind it.

Is my photo uploaded?

No. The AI runs in your browser. The model downloads once, about 27 MB, and your photo stays on your device.

How many layers should I use?

7 is a good start. Fewer layers are quicker to cut and build; more layers give smoother depth.

How do I light it?

Put an LED strip or puck light at the back, behind the last layer. Use LEDs only, never a hot bulb.

Which photos work best?

Photos with a clear foreground and background: a person or pet in front of a view, a lighthouse, a forest path.

Materials and guides

Laser Cutting Cardboard and PaperHow to laser cut cardboard, cardstock and paper without scorching or fires: keeping sheets flat, low air, fast passes and prototyping.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.

Related laser tools

Depth Map Generator: Photo to 3D Laser Engraving and STLAI 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.Stained Glass Pattern Generator for LasersTurn a photo into a stained-glass suncatcher or window panel: simplified colours, lead lines along every edge, numbered press-fit pieces in each colour, or the leading engraved on clear acrylic to paint.House Portrait Generator: A Layered Wooden Portrait from a PhotoA photo of any home, shop, church, barn or cabin becomes a layered wooden portrait. AI finds the walls, roof, windows and doors, you fine-tune, and it stacks into 6 to 8 layers.

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