From a photo to a 3D-printed object: what works and what to add
· 3 min read
In short
To turn a photo into a 3D-printed object, objekto takes one of two paths: for an organic shape (a figurine, an animal, a pebble, a sculpture), the photo becomes a one-piece 3D model that follows the image; for an object that has to work (a broken part, a bracket), the AI uses it as a reference and designs the parts in CAD from the dimensions you give. A photo shows neither scale nor hidden faces, so add at least one dimension.
- Organic shape: the photo becomes a one-piece 3D model, in one colour or in full colour.
- Functional object: the photo is a reference; the dimensions come from you.
- A photo doesn't give the size: state at least one dimension.
- The model goes through the same printability checks as an object designed by the AI.
Two paths, depending on the object
| One piece, true to the image | Several parts that work | |
|---|---|---|
| For | Figurines, animals, characters, pebbles, sculptures, organic trays | Spare parts, brackets, objects that move or assemble |
| What the photo becomes | A 3D mesh, repaired and scaled to the size you ask for | A reference: the AI designs the parts in parametric CAD |
| Colour | The image's main colour, or full colour | One colour per part |
| What moves | Nothing: it's one piece | Whatever you ask for: wheels, hinges, clips |
| Dimensions | The overall size you choose | The dimensions you give, adjustable with sliders |
When the shape suits both, the quote card offers both, each with its creation credits and estimated print price, and says which one fits the object better.
What a photo can't tell
- Scale: nothing in a photo says whether the object is 3 cm or 30 cm. Give one dimension, or put a coin or a ruler next to it.
- Hidden faces: the back and the underside are guessed. For a part, send several views or describe what can't be seen.
- Exact dimensions: a screw hole, a shaft diameter or the thickness of a clip are measured with calipers, not read off an image.
For a broken part, the spare parts page explains what to measure; for a figurine, see custom figurines.
The checks before you order
The mesh is repaired (holes filled, normals fixed), scaled to the size you asked for, then checked like any objekto object: wall thickness, smallest detail, maximum size for the material. The delivered price is shown before you order; Craftcloud or 3DAPI (picked for each order) makes the object, usually delivered in France within 1 to 3 weeks (an estimate).
Your photo, and other people's
Use a photo you took, or an image you have the right to use. A licensed character can be printed for personal use, not sold. Your photos are never published in the gallery.
When objekto isn't the right choice
- You want a file to print at home, with no order: a mesh generator such as Meshy or Tripo gives you the file directly (see the Meshy comparison).
- You need an exact copy of a complex object to a tenth of a millimetre: a 3D scan is more reliable than a photo.
- You need delivery outside the area served: objekto delivers in France.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn an image or a photo into a 3D-printed object delivered to me?
Send the photo to objekto with the size you want: an organic shape becomes a one-piece 3D model; for a functional object, the AI designs the parts from the photo and your dimensions. You see the delivered price before you order; delivery in France.
Can I get a figurine made from a photo?
Yes: a photo of a figurine, an animal or a character becomes a one-piece 3D model that can be printed in full colour. For a stylised figurine designed to your dimensions, describe it instead: see custom figurines.
Do I need several photos?
One is enough for an organic shape seen from the front. For a technical part, add several views and the main dimensions.