Image to Heightmap Converter
Upload any photo and AI depth estimation converts it into a CNC-ready 16-bit heightmap plus a 3D-printable STL relief. For relief carving, 3D printing, and deep 3D laser engraving. Requires 1 credit per conversion.
Click to upload your photo
JPG or PNG, any size
True depth, not brightness
Every free "image to heightmap" tool does the same thing: it converts your photo to grayscale and calls brightness height. That fails on real photos — dark clothing reads as a deep pocket, bright backgrounds tower over the subject, and the carve comes out unrecognizable. This converter runs a monocular depth-estimation model that understands the scene: it knows the nose is closer than the ears, the subject is in front of the background, and the sky is far away.
The raw AI output then gets the machining treatment: noise smoothing (depth noise becomes router chatter), resolution upscaling, and expansion to 16-bit — 65,536 height levels instead of the 256 that cause visible stair-step terracing in 8-bit files. The result drops straight into VCarve, Aspire, Carveco, or Fusion 360.
How it works
- STEP 1
Upload your photo
Drop in any JPG or PNG. Portraits, pets, cars, buildings, and landscapes with a clear subject convert best.
- STEP 2
AI builds the depth map
Depth estimation maps what's near and far, then smoothing and 16-bit expansion turn it into machinable gradients. About 20 seconds.
- STEP 3
Download all formats
16-bit heightmap PNG, inverted variant, and a watertight STL — one bundle covers CNC bitmap workflows, mesh workflows, and 3D printing.
One conversion, three workflows
CNC relief carving
Import the 16-bit PNG into VCarve, Aspire, Carveco, or Fusion 360 as a bitmap relief. Set depth, pick a ballnose bit, generate toolpaths.
3D printing
The STL is a watertight solid with a flat base — slice and print as-is, or scale it in PrusaSlicer, Cura, or Bambu Studio first.
3D laser engraving
Use the heightmap in LightBurn's grayscale image mode for deep multi-pass 3D engraving — grayscale drives laser power.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from free image-to-grayscale converters?+
Free tools map pixel brightness to height, which is physically wrong — a dark shirt is not a valley and blonde hair is not a mountain. This tool runs true AI depth estimation (the model understands what is near and what is far), then post-processes the result into smooth, machinable gradients. You also get 16-bit output: free tools ship 8-bit files whose 256 levels show up as visible terracing steps in a carve.
What files do I get?+
One credit returns four files: a 16-bit grayscale heightmap PNG (white = raised), the same heightmap inverted (for software or workflows that expect the opposite convention), a watertight STL relief mesh, and a preview JPG. No settings to tune — the bundle covers both conventions.
Which CNC software does the heightmap work with?+
Any CAM package that imports bitmap reliefs: Vectric VCarve and Aspire, Carveco (formerly ArtCAM), Fusion 360, CamBam, and Kiri:Moto. Import the 16-bit PNG, set your material thickness and carve depth, and generate toolpaths as usual.
Can I 3D print the result?+
Yes — the STL is a watertight solid (relief surface, walls, and flat base) that slices cleanly in PrusaSlicer, Cura, Bambu Studio, or any slicer. It ships at 100mm wide with 10mm of relief on a 3mm base; scale it freely in your slicer.
Why does 16-bit matter for CNC relief carving?+
An 8-bit heightmap has only 256 height levels. Spread over a 10mm-deep carve, each level is a 0.04mm step — and consecutive flat areas become visible terraces your router traces faithfully. 16-bit files have 65,536 levels, so gradients stay continuous and the carved surface comes out smooth.
Does this work for 3D grayscale laser engraving?+
Yes. Deep 3D engraving on wood with a diode or CO2 laser uses the same grayscale-drives-power principle. Use the heightmap PNG in LightBurn's image mode with grayscale ramp mode, run multiple passes, and darker areas remove more material.
How much does it cost?+
Each conversion costs 1 AI credit and includes all four files. Credit packs start at $5 for 10 credits.
