MintForged
Turn an Image Into a Raised Relief Design
Start from a reference image, artwork, logo, or generated concept, then convert it into a shallow raised design you can preview and export.
What this workflow supports
- Use masks and placement controls to isolate the subject before depth decisions
- Balance smoothing and detail so the relief is not just a noisy texture field
- Export a depth map when your carving or engraving tool expects grayscale depth
- Export STL when you need a mesh for printing, CNC review, or client proofing
Choose images that can survive shallow depth
Image-to-relief conversion is not magic depth recovery. The strongest inputs already separate the subject from the background and use shapes that still read when compressed into a shallow raised surface.
- Logos and emblems work best when edges are clean and contrast is strong
- Portraits work best when the face has clear planes, not harsh shadow noise
- Small background patterns usually become visual clutter in shallow relief
- Text inside an image is usually weaker than adding lettering as a separate design element
Use smoothing as a manufacturing decision
Too little smoothing can turn image noise into a rough surface. Too much smoothing can erase the subject. The right setting depends on final size, material, and whether the relief is for review, printing, or carving.
- Use more smoothing for small coins, seals, and fine engraving proofs
- Use less smoothing when the final object is larger and organic detail matters
- Check the 3D preview at the target diameter, not only at screen size
- Export a test depth map if another artist or CAM workflow will refine the surface
Decide between depth map and STL
A depth map is best when another tool needs grayscale height data. An STL is best when you need a 3D mesh to inspect, slice, print, or hand to a reviewer.
- Choose a depth map for relief carving pipelines and additional depth editing
- Choose STL for slicers, mesh inspection, resin prototypes, and client previews
- Keep both when a vendor or shop has not confirmed its preferred input
- Keep the original image with the export so the relief can be revised later
Frequently asked questions
Can any image become a bas relief?
Most images can become a relief, but not every image makes a good physical relief. Clear silhouettes, simple backgrounds, and controlled contrast usually produce better results.
What image problems should I fix first?
Remove busy backgrounds, crop tightly around the subject, avoid tiny text, and use the highest-resolution clean source you have.
Is a depth map the same as an STL?
No. A depth map, also called a height map, stores depth as pixel values. An STL is a 3D mesh. MintForged supports both because different tools prefer different inputs.
Can I start without creating an account?
Yes. You can open MintForged Studio and start exploring before creating an account. Exporting and saved projects may require signing in.
Is this meant for finished mint production?
MintForged is built to create raised design files and setup notes. Final production still depends on your printer, CNC machine, tooling, material, and vendor requirements.