this post was submitted on 02 Jun 2026
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I'm new to the world of 3D Printing. What do you recommend for creating STL files from pictures? What I am hoping to do is generate them and mod them as needed.

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[–] MxRemy@piefed.social 4 points 23 hours ago* (last edited 23 hours ago)

Like others have said, if you're just trying to make a raised version of a simple flat design, that's easy. Ideally convert it to a vector first, and then import it into just about any CAD software. Even TinkerCAD can do that.

If it's more of a real 3d object, i.e. varies across a few dimensions, first consider how complicated it is. As long as there aren't too many organic curves, the best route might be to take careful measurements and recreate it from scratch in CAD.

Finally, if none of those options are possible, it's time for photogrammetry. Mix up a simple solution of isopropyl and zinc oxide (or anything talc-like i guess, I dunno), and use a quality sprayer bottle to speckle your object with it. Try to illuminate the object well from only a single source. If you can, pick up some cheap cross polarizing filters, use one on the light source and one on the camera. Take shots at the same distance from as many angles as you can, covering the whole object, ideally with a matte background. As mentioned, Meshroom is pretty decent at turning such a photoset into a decent object, but it does rely on you having a reasonably powerful PC. Alternatively, OpenScan offers a free cloud based option. (They're also just very cool people who do lotttsss of other stuff, my makerspace just built one of their "Mini" rigs. Works great btw!!)