Choose a source that shows the subject
Use a photograph you own or have permission to process. Pick a clear, single pet with visible eyes and a muzzle that is not hidden by a toy. For dark coats, use even light that separates the eyes, nose and fur. A bright collar or shiny eye reflection is a highlight, not proof that that point is closest to the camera.
Crop a little space around both ears and the neck before upload. Remove unwanted background objects in an image editor if needed. The narrow frame and edge taper shape the outer image area; they do not detect fur or replace a careful crop. The upload immediately creates a brightness preview so you can try the controls without starting a paid job.
Review the shape at the intended size
The pet preset smooths twice to reduce small fur spikes. Check the nose and whisker area in the 3D side view before increasing contrast. Fine whiskers, collar lettering and individual hairs may become fragile raised lines. Simplifying these details often makes a more readable small plaque than preserving every light-dark transition.
Review the source at 100 mm wide, not only zoomed in on the screen. Height follows the photo ratio. Keep enough relief to separate the muzzle from the face, and enough base for your own fabrication method. The suggested 3 mm base is an editable starting value, not a tested strength rating for your material or printer.
Continue in your fabrication software
An STL cannot carry a printed name, dates or color photograph. Add lettering in a model editor and check that the added shapes join the plaque before slicing or machining. There is no automatic hanging hole, outline cutout, personalization text or support structure in this workflow.
A digital file review is separate from a successful physical carving. Measure the file in the next application, inspect the ears and frame, and make your own small material test when appropriate. The preview and bundle let you assess the work; they do not certify a memorial product as ready for a customer order.
Choose the file for your next step
- Free 8-bit PNG
- A grayscale preview for visual review and simple compatibility tests. The upload preview comes from brightness until an AI depth result is selected. Do not treat a 256-level source as precision measurement.
- Free compatible 16-bit PNG
- A real 16-bit grayscale PNG container made from the preview. It helps software that expects this format, but expanding an 8-bit preview does not recover new depth detail. The download records that preview-derived origin.
- Free preview STL
- A closed rectangular slab at your chosen millimeter dimensions, sampled to a limited preview grid. The base, side walls and relief are included. Its mesh can be inspected in a slicer; a successful export does not guarantee printability or machinability.
- Approved production ZIP
- A successful production job uses raw floating-point EXR depth to create forward and inverse 16-bit PNGs, an 8-bit preview, a bounded relief STL, the raw EXR and a parameter manifest. One production credit is required; review the current account balance before approving. This is distinct from converting the free preview into a 16-bit container.
Inspect the output, then decide whether to continue
Before downloading, compare the grayscale direction and the side-view relief. Fine bright details can become raised ridges. The base and relief should fit your intended object, and the machine review must use your actual inputs. Adjustments are editable starting points, not material-specific cutting instructions.
The production bundle checks PNG dimensions and bit depth, finite STL coordinates, physical bounds and closed, consistently oriented edges. These checks validate file structure. They do not prove anatomical accuracy, tool access, material strength or a successful physical print. Keep the manifest with the files when handing them to a workshop.
If an upload fails, choose a supported image and retry manually; the previous valid preview remains available. A failed preview request does not improve by approving a paid job. Wait for a readable preview and resolve warnings first. When a completed production job is still available, the existing workflow can rebuild its bundle without creating a second job.
Questions before you export
Can I use a black dog or cat photo?
Yes, but choose even lighting and inspect the result carefully. Dark fur in a brightness preview becomes lower. AI depth may help estimate shape, but it can still miss eyes, ears and fine fur.
Does the preset add the pet's name or a hanging hole?
No. It produces a rectangular relief with editable dimensions, taper and frame. Add text, holes and an outer silhouette in a separate modeling step.
The image is an input; the preview is a digital estimate. No physical carving, automatic text engraving, cutout, hanging hole, G-code or safety certification is included.
