Convert an image to an STL file
Updated September 1, 2026 · Published September 1, 2026
An image-to-STL converter has one honest problem to solve: an STL needs a full 3D shape, and a picture only shows one side. PolyMedium solves it by reconstructing the object with AI, synthesising the side the camera never saw, and building a complete solid mesh you can slice and print. The model costs $0.25 for an object or a drawing; the STL export is free. New accounts get a $3.00 balance with no card, so your first conversions cost nothing.
How it works
- 1
Upload the picture
JPG, PNG, or WebP up to 15 MB. Any ordinary photo works: the image is restaged into a clean reference automatically, so backgrounds and lighting are handled for you.
- 2
Generate the model
$0.25 for an object or a drawing. The pipeline reconstructs a full solid mesh, including the unseen side, in about a minute. Failed jobs refund automatically.
- 3
Download the STL
Free, like every export. Open it in Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio, scale to the size you want, and print.
Why PolyMedium fits
- • A real solid model, not a 2D relief or lithophane
- • STL export free and unlimited, plus GLB, USDZ, and a turntable GIF
- • $0.25 per conversion, $3.00 free balance to start, no card
- • Works from phone photos, product shots, screenshots, and drawings
Try it free
$3.00 starter balance: twelve $0.25 models, no card required.
FAQ
How do I convert an image to STL for free?
Sign up for the $3.00 free balance (no card required), upload the image, and generate: the model is $0.25 from your balance and the STL download itself is free. That is twelve free conversions before you have ever paid anything.
Is the STL solid and watertight enough to print?
The mesh is a complete reconstruction with the unseen side synthesised, and typical models slice without repair. Very thin protruding parts may want supports or a larger print scale.
What is the difference between this and a 2D-to-relief converter?
Relief converters emboss the picture onto a slab, like a coin. PolyMedium builds the actual object in the picture as a full 3D shape you can view from any angle.