Heightmap to STL
Convert a grayscale heightmap into a solid STL terrain tile or relief model.
Workflow type: Heightmap-to-STL converter. Status: Functional. Expected result: Export result. Available action: Create terrain STL.
What this 3D tool provides
Turn a grayscale PNG or JPG heightmap into a solid STL terrain tile with adjustable relief, size and base thickness.
- Heightmap to STL brings PNG, JPG input and the listed STL outputs into one review sequence.
- Use the before-and-after labels for orientation, then confirm the selected file with the result guidance and format notes below.
- Accepted input: grayscale PNG or JPG heightmap.
- Available controls: Terrain width (mm), Relief height (mm), Base thickness (mm), Invert elevation.
- Review the relief direction, base and mesh dimensions before downloading the produced STL file.
How to use Heightmap to STL
- Choose a supported file — Choose grayscale PNG or JPG heightmap from your device.
- Review settings — Review the available controls: Terrain width (mm), Relief height (mm), Base thickness (mm), Invert elevation.
- Review and download — Review the measured result and preview before downloading an available export.
Preview and result review
A twin-peaks landscape combines sharp summits, a low saddle and rolling foothills to reveal gentle and steep elevation changes.
- Before example: A grayscale twin-peaks landscape where brightness represents elevation
- After example: The same twin-peaks heightmap converted into a solid 3D terrain tile
Terrain STL ready: Review the relief direction, base and mesh dimensions before downloading the produced STL file.
Supported inputs and outputs
Input
- PNG
- JPG
Output
- STL
Image brightness maps to elevation; transparent pixels are treated as the lowest level.
Available settings
- Terrain width (mm) — number; Default: 120; Range: 10 to 1000; Step: 1
- Relief height (mm) — number; Default: 24; Range: 0.5 to 500; Step: 0.5
- Base thickness (mm) — number; Default: 2; Range: 0.2 to 100; Step: 0.1
- Invert elevation — toggle; Default: Off
Privacy and workflow limits
Supported file contents stay on this device while the selected tool runs; site analytics and the assistant are separate.
Frequently asked questions
What does Heightmap to STL do?
It converts image brightness to surface height, adds side walls and a base, and scales the result to your chosen dimensions.
Which files does Heightmap to STL support?
Grayscale PNG and JPG images are accepted and exported as a solid STL terrain or relief tile.
Is my 3D file uploaded?
Supported file contents stay on this device while the selected tool runs; site analytics and the assistant are separate. The selected file is not uploaded for the supported processing workflow.
What should I review after using Heightmap to STL?
Check that bright and dark areas represent the intended elevations. Fine image noise can produce rough surfaces and very dense meshes.
Related 3D tools
- Depth Map to Surface / Point Cloud — Turn a precomputed depth image into either a relief surface or a perspective point reconstruction with explicit camera assumptions.
- SVG to STL — Turn a filled SVG shape into an extruded STL model for badges, signs, cutters and simple parts.
- STL Repair & Printability Check — Clean up supported STL issues, then review duplicate points, degenerate faces, orientation and printability signals.
- 3D Model Viewer — Open GLB, glTF, OBJ, STL and PLY models online, orbit around them and inspect dimensions.
- Mesh Inspector — Inspect triangle count, dimensions, open edges, duplicate points and surface direction in a 3D mesh.
- Gaussian Splat Viewer — Open and explore existing PLY and SPLAT scenes directly in your browser.
- Point Cloud Viewer — View PLY, XYZ and PTS point clouds online with height, color and intensity display options.
- OBJ to GLB Converter — Convert OBJ geometry to a compact GLB file online with scale and axis controls.