Free Online PNG to STL Converter

Or drag and drop your files here to upload.
A maximum of 20 files can be uploaded at once.

Please note: Your PNG file, once uploaded to our server will be deleted 15 minutes after upload so please download your converted PNG file before this time.

How to Convert your PNG to STL Online?

Here are 2 simple steps to convert your PNG to STL using our fast and free PNG converter tool.

Upload your PNG file

Click the "Upload a PNG File" button, then select a PNG to upload. The maximum file size is 100MB.

Download your STL

Click the download link to receive your STL file.

File format information for PNG and STL

ExtensionPNG
Full NamePortable Network Graphics
TypeImage
Mime Typeimage/png
FormatBinary
Opens WithPaint.Net, Photoshop

PNG files are a widely used graphics file format used in areas where high-quality images (often with transparency) are required while also retaining a small file size. They are one of the most common formats of file used for web and print mediums and are particularly useful for logos, icons, and other images where multi-level transparency is desired.

The format itself was created in the 1990's with the main aim of storing computer graphics in a high-quality format while minimising the required storage space. The longer-term aim was to displace the GIF file format and make PNG the number one format for non-lossy, high-quality image formats on the then-burgeoning world wide web.

One of the selling points of the PNG format is its support for multiple levels of transparency, making it superior to the GIF format, which can only handle a single level of transparency. Also, like GIFs, the PNG format supports palletizing image colors down to 256 or 16 colors to help reduce the file size of the PNG.

ExtensionSTL
Full NameStandard Triangle Language
Type3D Model
Mime Typeapplication/vnd.ms-pki.stl
FormatText
Opens WithBlender, MeshLab, CAD Assistant, DAZ Studio

The STL, or Standard Triangle Language, file format has been around since the '80s and is supported by most modern 3D modelling applications. In particular, the STL format has become something of a standard format within the area of 3D printing, despite the rise of more modern formats such as 3MF.

STL files come in two flavours: binary or text format. The text format is human-readable, making it easy to perform manual edits, but can lead to very large file sizes. As you can imagine, the binary format is much more compact and represents the majority of the STL files you are likely to encounter.

The format itself is very simple; the 3D model is represented by a sequential list of triangles, with each triangle defined with 3 points consisting of their X, Y, and Z positions, along with an additional vector that contains the face normal (the direction the face is pointing). There is an additional attribute block for each triangle; however, this is largely unused and thus unsupported.

Information for converting from PNG to STL

Our PNG converter will convert your PNG file to a 3D model using the Heightmap process whereby 2D pixels, based on their luminosity, are converted into 3D space to create a full 3D STL model ready for download for further processing in your favourite 3D editing package or for printing on a 3D printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert my PNG file to STL?

First click the "Upload..." button, select your PNG file to upload. Your PNG file will be uploaded to our servers. When the PNG to STL conversion has completed, you can download your STL file straight away.

How long does it take to convert my PNG to STL?

We aim to process all PNG to STL conversions as quickly as possible, this usually takes around 5 seconds however this can be longer for certain files, so please be patient.

How accurate is the PNG to STL conversion?

We aim to provide the best conversion experience. Our tools are under constant review and development with new features being added every week.

How is the 3D model generated from my PNG image?

Our tool uses a Heightmap process whereby the STL 3D model is created based on the luminosity of the individual pixels in you PNG image.

Is there a limit to the size of my image?

Yes, to ensure our tool converts the PNG image quickly and with a reasonable final file size, your tool will resize any image larger than 600x600 pixels.