Image Extrude Maker

Convert images into 3D shapes by tracing or sampling, then extruding the result for 3D printing.

Image Extrude Maker

The Image Extrude Maker converts images into 3D shapes. Upload an image file (SVG, PNG, or JPG), and the maker traces or samples the image to create extruded 3D geometry. This works well for creating 3D versions of logos, silhouettes, or any image with clear contrast.

Opening the Image Extrude Maker

  1. Open the Design Library
  2. Find the Image Extrude maker in the library
  3. Click the design tile to open it

The Image Extrude Maker opens in Maker Mode with the parameter panel on the right.

How it works

The maker converts 2D images to 3D shapes through two processing modes:

  • Trace mode analyzes the image pixels to find edges and convert them to paths. This works with any image format (PNG, JPG, SVG).
  • Sample mode directly reads vector paths from SVG files, preserving the original geometry. This only works with SVG files.

For raster images (PNG, JPG), Trace mode is the only option. For SVG files, you can choose either mode. Sample mode typically produces cleaner results for SVG files since it uses the original vector paths.

Parameters

Mode

Select how the image is processed:

ModeDescription
TraceConverts image pixels to paths using edge detection. Works with any image format.
Sample (SVG only)Reads vector paths directly from SVG files. Produces cleaner results but only works with SVG.

If Sample mode is selected for a non-SVG file, the maker automatically switches to Trace mode.

Image file

Upload the image you want to convert. Supported formats:

  • SVG (vector graphics)
  • PNG (raster images)
  • JPG/JPEG (raster images)

For best results, use images with high contrast between the subject and background. Simple silhouettes and logos work well. Complex photographs with gradients may produce unexpected results.

Extrusion height

The thickness of the 3D extrusion in millimeters. Default is 2mm. This determines how tall the extruded shape will be.

Maximum width

Scales the result to fit within this width in millimeters. Default is 50mm. The height scales proportionally to maintain the image's aspect ratio.

Despeckle size (Trace mode only)

Removes small artifacts during tracing. Default is 2. Increase this value if the traced result has unwanted small dots or noise. This parameter only affects Trace mode.

The value represents the minimum size (in pixels) for features to be included. Features smaller than this threshold are removed.

Threshold

Controls the brightness cutoff for converting the image to black and white during tracing. Range is -1 to 255.

ValueBehavior
-1Automatic threshold detection (default). The maker analyzes the image and selects an appropriate threshold.
0-255Manual threshold. Pixels darker than this value become the traced shape; lighter pixels become background.

Lower manual values capture more of the image as the traced shape. Higher values capture less.

Invert

Swaps which parts become raised and which remain flat. Enable this for light-on-dark images where the subject is lighter than the background.

By default, the maker traces dark pixels. Enable Invert when:

  • Your image has light content on a dark background
  • The traced result is the opposite of what you expected (holes where you wanted solid, solid where you wanted holes)

Working with different image types

SVG files

SVG files produce the best results because they contain vector data:

  • Use Sample mode for clean, precise geometry that matches the original paths
  • Use Trace mode if the SVG has complex fills or effects that Sample mode does not handle correctly
  • Text in SVGs should be converted to paths before uploading

PNG and JPG files

Raster images require Trace mode:

  • Use images with clear contrast between subject and background
  • Transparent backgrounds in PNG files work well
  • Adjust the Threshold parameter if the automatic detection does not capture the right areas
  • Increase Despeckle Size if the result has unwanted noise or small dots
  • Use Invert if your subject is lighter than the background

Logos and silhouettes

These typically work best:

  1. Upload the image
  2. Set Maximum Width to your desired size
  3. Adjust Extrusion Height for the depth you want
  4. If the result has noise, increase Despeckle Size
  5. If the wrong areas are extruded, enable Invert

Tips

  • For images with holes (like the letter "O" or a donut shape), the maker automatically detects interior regions and creates proper holes in the 3D geometry
  • Clean, high-contrast images produce cleaner 3D results with fewer adjustments needed
  • If an image does not trace correctly, try pre-processing it in an image editor to increase contrast or simplify the design
  • The default 2mm extrusion height works well for decorative pieces; increase to 3-5mm for functional parts that need more strength