Image transformed into a depth map, color relief, and STL relief mesh

AI Depth Map & Relief Generator

Turn a photo, illustration, or prompt into a grayscale depth map for laser engraving, a full-color relief for UV printing, or an STL mesh for 3D printing. Set the relief depth, choose Emboss or Engrave, inspect the result in 2D and 3D, then export the file that matches your workflow.

How to Generate a Depth Map and Relief

Move from an image or prompt to the production file your project needs.

Add an Image or Describe an Idea

Upload a reference image, describe the relief you want, or start from a built-in template. A centered subject with clear edges gives the generator a stronger shape to interpret.

Choose the Relief Output

Select Depth Map for laser relief engraving or Color Relief for UV printing. Set the base shape and thickness, choose Emboss or Engrave, and adjust the relief depth.

Preview and Export

Switch between the 2D design and 3D preview to inspect contours and height. Download the depth-map image, export an STL mesh, or continue the color relief in xTool Studio.

Generate Grayscale Depth Maps for Laser Engraving

Convert a photo or illustration into a grayscale map that describes the relative height of the relief. Smooth tonal changes preserve raised details, recessed areas, and transitions that an ordinary black-and-white photo cannot define. Download the depth-map image for your laser relief workflow, then confirm the height direction and processing settings with a material test before the final engraving.

Create a Depth Map

Koi depth map beside a finished laser-engraved wooden relief

Control Emboss, Engrave, and Relief Depth

Shape the result before it reaches production. Choose a raised Emboss result or a recessed Engrave result, set the relief depth, and configure the backplate shape and thickness. The 2D design keeps the tonal structure easy to inspect, while the 3D preview reveals whether faces, borders, and fine details rise and fall the way you expect.

Adjust a Relief

Depth map with raised and recessed relief previews and depth controls

Build Full-Color Reliefs for UV Printing

Keep color and surface depth together for tactile printed artwork. Color Relief prepares a textured, full-color design for the xTool O1 workflow, so feathers, petals, patterns, and decorative details gain physical dimension instead of sitting on a flat print. Review the color artwork and relief preview, then continue in xTool Studio to prepare the UV printing project.

Create a Color Relief

Full-color hummingbird relief prepared for UV printing

Export STL Relief Models for 3D Printing

Choose a true 3D mesh when the project needs geometry rather than a grayscale image. Export the relief directly as an STL file for slicing and 3D printing, with the backplate, relief height, and surface form carried into the model. Use the exported mesh for printed relief tiles, prototypes, decorative panels, or mold masters, then confirm its final size in your slicing software.

Export an STL Relief

Relief mesh, sliced layers, and a finished 3D-printed relief tile

One Generator for Three Relief Workflows

Choose the output that matches how the finished design will be made.

Laser Relief Makers

Create a grayscale depth map for raised or recessed laser engraving, then test the height direction and processing settings on your chosen material.

UV Print Creators

Prepare a full-color relief for xTool O1 when the printed artwork needs tactile surface detail as well as color.

3D Print and Mold Makers

Export an STL mesh for relief tiles, prototypes, decorative panels, or masters used in a mold-making workflow.

Relief Artists and Product Designers

Move between 2D tonal structure and a 3D preview while refining portraits, ornaments, patterns, and custom decorative artwork.

Relief Engraving and Printing Guides

Learn how depth maps, relief engraving, UV printing, and material choices shape the finished result.

What Is a Depth Map? From Images to Relief

Learn how depth maps differ from grayscale photos, choose PNG or STL for your relief workflow, and turn an image into a depth map with Atomm.

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3D Laser Engraving Inspiration: From Wooden Reliefs to Coin Emboss Projects

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Explore More Depth Map and Relief Tools

Choose a grayscale height map, shallow bas relief, laser depth map, STL mesh, or full-color UV relief.

Height Map Generator

Translate brightness and structure into a grayscale height field.

Bas Relief Generator

Create a shallow sculpted plaque from an image or prompt.

Depth Map for Laser Engraving

Prepare a grayscale depth map for a controlled laser-relief test.

STL Relief Generator

Build a front-facing relief mesh and export it as STL.

Color Relief Generator

Keep full color while adding dimensional texture for UV printing.

Create Your First Depth Map or Relief

Start with an image, prompt, or template, then choose the output that fits your laser, UV printing, or 3D printing workflow.

Open the Generator

FAQs about Depth Maps and Reliefs

What is the AI Depth Map & Relief Generator?

It turns an uploaded image, text prompt, or built-in template into a relief design. You can create a grayscale depth map for laser engraving, prepare a full-color relief for UV printing, or export the generated surface as an STL mesh for 3D printing. The editor also provides 2D and 3D views for checking the shape before export.