What are the best tools for creating depth maps using AI?

The leading AI depth-map tools in 2026 are Depth-Map.com for maker exports (16-bit PNG and closed STL at $19 a month, powered by Depth Anything V3), SculptOK for in-browser sculpting tweaks, Artificial Studio for video depth pipelines, and Depth-R for LightBurn 3D Sliced workflows. Each targets a different stage; Depth-Map.com is the direct path from a photo to a laser-ready or printer-ready file.

How can I create a depth map from a regular photo?

Upload any PNG, JPEG, or WebP up to 8 MB and press Generate. A metric Depth Anything V3 model on the server returns a 16-bit grayscale PNG plus the near and far distances in metres. Thickness, invert, gamma, and crop then rewrite the file in the browser without another model call.

Does the photo stay on my computer?

No. Generate uploads it and a server model estimates depth. After that, the sliders and both downloads stay in the browser. The photo is not retained after the request finishes.

Which model estimates depth?

A metric Depth Anything V3 variant that returns a 16-bit grayscale PNG plus the near and far distances in metres. Small, base, and large are not separate models here — one high-quality pass is the default.

What files can I download?

A 16-bit grayscale PNG for lasers (LightBurn 3D Sliced, EZCad) and a closed STL for 3D printers and CNC milling. Both come from the same depth field; the sliders only change the mapping.

What photograph works best?

Clean subject separation (portrait, product shot, coin photograph on a plain background) gives the sharpest depth. Group shots and reflective glass surfaces are the two weakest cases.

AI depth map

Free AI Depth Map Generator

The lion is a finished example. A new photo is sent once for a 16-bit depth field. Thickness, invert, gamma, and crop rewrite that field in the browser.

One request · 16-bit field · Local sliders · PNG and STL

By Depth-Map.com TeamLast tested 2026-11-10Verified on Depth Anything V3, Chrome 131, Safari 18Model runs server-side; the photograph is discarded after the response

Balanced depth estimation — 16-bit PNG at 3 mm max depth. Works for almost every workflow.

Preview

Lion medallion

Parameters

preset: Default

Max depth3.0 mm

Base thickness1.5 mm

Long side40 mm

Invert

Local adjustments

Gamma1.00

Flatten background0.00

Crop0%

Depth map ready

Export

Sliders rewrite this result locally. PNG and STL match the preview.

This sample

16-bit depth of the lion — 16-bit PNG at 3 mm

Clay preview of the lion relief — 3D preview

Four steps

1
Drop a photo
PNG, JPEG, or WebP, up to 8 MB.
2
Generate
The only model call. The reply is a 16-bit PNG plus the near and far distances in metres.
3
Adjust
Depth, base, invert, gamma, background flatten, and crop do not send the photo again.
4
Export
PNG for a laser or CNC. STL for a printer. The long side starts at 40 mm.

Questions

Image to STL

A portrait sample with a thicker relief.

Compared with SculptOK

Price, file, and where the model runs.

A new photo is one upload.

Generate sends it once. Depth, invert, gamma, and crop then stay in the browser. The sample on this page is already a real file.

Free AI Depth Map Generator