Turn a Heightmap Image into a 3D Model
If you already have a grayscale heightmap — terrain, a displacement map, or a generated pattern — PNG to STL turns it into a solid 3D model directly. Bright pixels become high, dark pixels become low, and the result is a watertight STL.
What is a heightmap?
A heightmap is a grayscale image where each pixel's brightness encodes elevation. They are everywhere: terrain DEM exports, 3D displacement/sculpt maps, and procedural noise patterns. Because the converter already interprets brightness as height, a heightmap is the most direct input possible.
Converting a heightmap to STL
- Load the grayscale heightmap PNG into the converter.
- Set relief height to the real-world scale you want (e.g. mm of elevation).
- Keep contrast at default — the values are already linear.
- Export STL; the back is flat so it sits flush on the print bed.
Great heightmap sources
- Terrain / DEM tools that export grayscale elevation maps.
- 3D software displacement or sculpt maps (bake to PNG).
- Procedural noise (Perlin, fractal) rendered to grayscale.
- Hand-drawn gradients for custom embossed plates.
Frequently asked questions
Does brightness map to height?
Yes — bright pixels become tall, dark pixels become low. That is exactly how a heightmap is defined, so the model matches the source.
Can I use a 16-bit heightmap?
The converter reads 8-bit PNG/JPG; for very fine terrain, dither or export a high-quality 8-bit grayscale — the relief stays smooth after the bevel is applied.
Ready to try it? Convert your image to STL or 3MF in your browser — free, private, and with no sign-up.
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