PhotoSTL

photostl.com · image to STL · image to 3D for makers

Image to STL & image to 3D for makers

Browser-only image to STL converter and image to 3D for makers. Sign in for 30 free credits (≈3 drafts), then Hobby from $9 for 1,500 credits (~$0.06 per draft at today’s rate). Upload one image, pick a print recipe, generate in about 30 seconds, download STL or 3MF in millimeters — no CAD.

Convert image to STLView plans

30 free credits (≈3 drafts) when you sign in (Google or magic link) — no card required.

Upload an image

Sign in · 30 free credits

Print recipe

32 mm default

Miniature — Tabletop / RPG figurine scale. One character or creature, preferably full body, plain background.

Uses 10 credits (≈1 draft) when conversion starts. Download STL/3MF when the mesh looks right. Plans & credits.

3D preview

Your mesh
appears here

Convert an image, orbit the mesh, then download STL or 3MF for your slicer.

Image to STL converter & image to 3D for makers

Looking for an image to STL converter, a free image to STL trial, image to 3D without installing CAD, or a png / jpg to STL path for printing? PhotoSTL is built for that maker job: one image in, a print recipe (general object, pet bust, or logo relief), a printable mesh draft in about 30 seconds, then STL or 3MF in millimeters for your slicer. Hobby starts at $9 for 1,500 credits (~$0.06 per draft at today’s rate on our price list). Credit-based plans stay fair when upstream costs move. We list our own prices and typical timing; we do not claim to beat every competitor on cost or speed.

  • Image to STL — download mm-scaled STL/3MF, then finish walls and supports in your slicer.
  • Image to 3D — upload → generate → preview typically about 30 seconds (varies with queue).
  • Free trial — 30 credits (≈3 drafts) after sign-in; Hobby near $0.06/draft at today’s rate on our price list.
  • Print recipes — general object, pet bust, logo relief, miniature, jewelry / charm, product prop, architecture.
  • Browser-only — no CAD install and no text-to-3D game pipeline; still verify walls in your slicer.
SpecValueSource
Input1 image (JPG / PNG / WebP)Product
Hobby plan (entry paid)$9 / 1,500 credits / month (~$0.06/draft at today’s rate)PhotoSTL pricing
Typical speedAbout 30 seconds per draftProduct UI
Print recipesGeneral · Pet · Logo · Miniature · Jewelry · Product · ArchitectureProduct
Export todaySTL + 3MF (mm print draft) · raw GLBKhronos glTF / GLB
Draft readinessAdvisory tips · download anytime · free regenerate if mesh incompleteProduct

FAQ

What is an image to STL converter?

An image to STL converter turns a 2D photo or picture into a 3D mesh you can download as STL for a slicer. PhotoSTL on photostl.com is a browser-only image to STL / image to 3D path for makers: upload JPG/PNG/WebP, pick a print recipe (general object, pet bust, or logo relief), generate, then download STL or 3MF in millimeters (raw GLB for preview).

Is there a free image to STL / image to 3D trial?

Yes. Sign in on photostl.com with Google (One Tap or OAuth) or a magic-link email from an allowed major mailbox domain, and you get 30 free credits (≈3 drafts at today’s rate) — no card required. Trial credits are one-time and separate from paid monthly credits. After the trial, Hobby starts at $9 for 1,500 credits (~$0.06/draft) on the pricing page.

How does image to 3D work on PhotoSTL?

Open photostl.com, sign in for free credits, choose a print recipe, upload one clear image, and generate. A typical image to 3D draft finishes in about 30 seconds; then you orbit and download STL or 3MF for your slicer. Timing varies with queue and image; we list our own timing, not a multi-tool race table.

Image to STL vs photo to STL — is PhotoSTL both?

Yes. Searchers say image to STL or photo to STL for the same maker job. PhotoSTL is built as an image to STL converter first (high-intent printing export), with image to 3D preview via GLB. Brand domain photostl.com still matches photo to STL, but the product copy leads on image to STL / image to 3D.

Which print recipe should I use for image to STL?

Start with general object for most subjects (scale by longest side). Pet bust for memorials (~80 mm). Logo relief for badges/stamps. Miniature for tabletop figurines (~32 mm). Jewelry / charm for pendants and keychains. Product prop for e-commerce shots. Architecture for buildings and landmarks. All recipes feed the same STL/3MF export path.

Can I turn a pet photo into a 3D printable bust?

Yes — choose the pet bust print recipe on photostl.com. It targets a figurine / memorial draft: default height around 80 mm, flattened to the print bed, with slicer hollow hints. Sign in for 30 free credits to try, then download STL or 3MF.

Can I convert a logo image to STL or a relief for printing?

Yes — use the logo relief recipe for badges, stamps, and coasters. PhotoSTL scales thickness in millimeters, flattens the back, and can add a thin base plate before STL/3MF download. High-contrast logos on a plain background work best.

Can I make a miniature or jewelry charm from a photo?

Yes. Use the Miniature recipe for tabletop / RPG-scale figurines (default ~32 mm), or Jewelry / charm for pendants and keychains (small scale + base plate). Dedicated pages: photostl.com/miniature-from-photo and photostl.com/jewelry-from-photo.

Can I turn a product photo or building photo into STL?

Yes. Product prop is for e-commerce / product shots; Architecture is for buildings and landmarks. Both export millimeter STL/3MF after image to 3D. See photostl.com/product-photo-to-3d.

Does PhotoSTL export 3MF as well as STL?

Yes. After generation you can download print-prepared STL or 3MF (unit = millimeter) for most slicers, plus raw GLB for browser preview. Prefer STL/3MF when your next step is slicing; use GLB when you only need to orbit the mesh.

What is draft readiness — can I still download if there are tips?

Yes. After each draft, PhotoSTL shows advisory size and mesh tips. Warnings do not block download — export STL/3MF anytime and finish walls/supports in your slicer. A free regenerate is offered only when the mesh looks incomplete (very few triangles or catastrophic holes), not for normal image-to-3D open edges.

What images work best for image to 3D / image to STL?

One centered subject, plain background, even lighting. For pet busts use a clear face or side profile; for logo relief use high-contrast artwork; for general object show the whole item with space around thin parts. Busy scenes and heavy blur reduce mesh quality.

Do I need CAD software for PhotoSTL?

No. Image to 3D generation, print recipes, and STL/3MF export run in the browser on photostl.com — aimed at makers who need a print draft, not a full CAD suite.

When is a draft deducted from my balance?

One draft (10 credits) is used when generation starts — then you can download STL/3MF as many times as you like at that size. Order of use: active subscription monthly quota, then free trial drafts, then permanent credit packs. A free regenerate is offered only when the mesh looks incomplete; it does not debit credits. Unused monthly quota does not roll over.

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