nozzlefox

STLImage

STL to PNG

Make a clean picture of a 3D model, from any side, or a depth map for CNC and relief work.

  • Nothing uploaded
  • No sign-up
  • Free, no limits

Drop your STL, OBJ or 3MF here

or paste it, or pick it from your device

.stl · .obj · .3mf

  1. Drop your model
  2. Pick the view, size and background
  3. Download PNG

Good to know

How to turn an STL into a PNG

  1. Drop an STL, OBJ or 3MF above. It's read on your device, not uploaded.
  2. Choose a 3D view, or front, top or side, which are drawn without perspective, true to proportion.
  3. Pick the size (up to 4096 pixels), the background and a colour for the model.
  4. Download the PNG. With a clear background it drops straight onto any page or slide.

What it's good for

  • Pictures for Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse or a shop listing.
  • Assembly instructions and documentation: the same part from the front, top and side.
  • Thumbnails for a folder of STL files, or for a website.

Depth maps

A depth map is the model seen from straight above, with each pixel's brightness showing its height: white is the highest point, black is the bed. CNC and laser software can carve it as a relief, and 3D programs use it as a displacement or height map. For the sharpest result, choose a large size.

Want a flat drawing instead? STL to SVG and DXF draws the outline or a cross-section as vector lines. Going the other way, from a picture to a model, try Image to STL or the lithophane maker.

Questions

How do I convert an STL to PNG for free?

Drop the STL into the tool on this page, choose the view and size, and click Download PNG. It's free, needs no sign-up, and the file never leaves your device.

Can I get a PNG with a transparent background?

Yes. Pick the clear background: the PNG keeps transparency, so only the model shows.

What's a depth map, and how do I make one from an STL?

An image where brightness means height: white is the top of the model, black the bed. Choose Depth map and download; CNC and relief software can carve it.

Does it work with OBJ and 3MF?

Yes. STL, OBJ and 3MF all work, and multi-colour 3MF files keep their colours unless you pick one colour for the whole model.