What is a lithophane?

A thin printed relief. Thick areas let little light through and look dark, thin areas glow brightly. In front of a window, a lamp or an LED light, the photo appears.

A window during the day or a small lamp or LED tea light behind it is enough. The lithophane comes with a stand; a lamp is not included.

Which photos work best?

Photos with clear faces, good contrast and not too many tiny details. Portraits, pets and children's drawings with strong lines look especially lovely.

What is the difference between white and colour?

Classic white shows the picture in warm shades of grey, like an old photo. Colour is printed in several colour layers and shows the photo's colours against light – it takes longer and costs a little more.

Lithophane from a photo: a glowing 3D picture

Name: Lithophane – your photo as a glowing picture
Brand: 3D-Freude

Lithophane – your photo as a glowing picture

A photo or a child's drawing as a 3D-printed lithophane: a delicate relief in daylight, a glowing picture against light. Classic white or in colour.

In daylight it looks like a delicate white relief. Put it in front of a window or a lamp and your photo suddenly appears: the family's favourite picture, the dog on the sofa or your child's drawing. We print every lithophane individually in our workshop near Berlin.

How your lithophane is made

Upload a photo: When you order, you upload a photo or a drawing.
We prepare it: We adjust crop and contrast so the picture looks good against light. If needed, we ask you.
Printing and shipping: It is printed in fine layers, then checked and packed by hand.

Classic white or colour

Classic white: The picture appears in warm shades of grey – timeless and especially lovely for old family photos.
Colour: Several colour layers show the photo in colour against light.

Sizes

10 × 15 cm – like a classic photo print, ideal for a windowsill or bedside table.
13 × 18 cm – more room for details and group photos.

Every lithophane comes with a matching stand. A lamp is not included – a window or an LED tea light behind it is enough.

Current prices are on this page and under Products & prices. Prefer a figure to stand up? Have a look at the figure from a photo.

Frequently asked questions

What is a lithophane?: A thin printed relief. Thick areas let little light through and look dark, thin areas glow brightly. In front of a window, a lamp or an LED light, the photo appears.
Do I need a lamp?: A window during the day or a small lamp or LED tea light behind it is enough. The lithophane comes with a stand; a lamp is not included.
Which photos work best?: Photos with clear faces, good contrast and not too many tiny details. Portraits, pets and children's drawings with strong lines look especially lovely.
What is the difference between white and colour?: Classic white shows the picture in warm shades of grey, like an old photo. Colour is printed in several colour layers and shows the photo's colours against light – it takes longer and costs a little more.