Lithophanes encode brightness as thickness
A backlit lithophane appears darker where more material blocks light and lighter where the print is thinner. Image luminance therefore becomes physical Z height rather than color.
Choose a source with useful tonal separation
Photos with clear subject separation and a healthy tonal range usually translate better than very flat or extremely dark images. Cropping and contrast preparation can matter more than adding mesh density.
Keep base and relief conservative
Minimum thickness provides structural support, while the difference between minimum and maximum thickness controls optical contrast. Extreme thinness can create fragile areas; excessive maximum thickness can make the print too dark.
Mesh detail should match the printer
Use physical XY sample spacing rather than a vague quality label when possible. A denser STL is not automatically better if the nozzle and print process cannot reproduce the extra detail; compare the selected target with the actual resolution reported after browser safety caps are applied.
Always inspect in a slicer
Verify dimensions, orientation, layer preview, wall behavior, and estimated material before printing. The generator creates geometry; the slicer controls the manufacturing strategy.