Guide reviewed by SculptOK ·
1. Choose the type of image you need
Open Gallery and choose Depth Map for grayscale height images, AI Image for source artwork, or Product Image for presentations of completed projects. Following shows work from accounts you follow and requires login.
For a relief workflow, look for an intentional depth map. A grayscale photograph represents brightness; its shades do not necessarily describe the heights you want to carve. A product photograph helps you understand a project’s presentation but is not itself a ready-to-use relief mesh.
2. Search creators and tags
Use the gallery search field to search by username, nickname or tags. Popular tags provide another starting point. Start with a subject or creator, then inspect the returned work rather than assuming every image with the same tag is suitable for the same process.
Contest pages help you discover themed projects and credited winners. Compare the source, depth image and finished result when the creator has supplied all three.
3. Open the details and inspect the selected image
Open a gallery item to read its description and creator attribution. When it has several attachments, select each image separately: the source artwork, depth map and product photograph can have different resolutions and bit depths.
The details panel shows available image dimensions and bit-depth information for the selected image. If bit depth says Not available, it has not been established. Do not infer 16-bit precision from a 4K label: pixel dimensions and the number of grayscale levels are different properties.
Inspect lettering, subject boundaries, background height and transitions. A large image can still contain unclear detail; a smooth image may lack the height separation needed for a small carving.
4. Compare documented creator projects
Sunar’s CNC-carved MDF relief shows a source design, depth image and photographed carving. Heli P.’s resin relief includes creator-supplied source and finished images. Each case distinguishes the creator’s documented process from new SculptOK demonstrations.
5. Check download conditions and plan the next step
Review the download controls and displayed credit conditions for the specific item. Public gallery display or a downloadable file does not establish a commercial reuse license; check the creator’s stated terms or obtain permission for your intended use.
For a grayscale-height workflow, inspect the depth image in 3D, set the model dimensions and thickness, and verify the exported mesh in your CAM application or slicer. For 2D photo engraving or vector artwork, use the corresponding image-processing or SVG workflow.
Common questions
Is every gray image in the gallery a depth map?
No. Choose Depth Map and inspect the item and its description. Grayscale appearance alone does not establish that shades represent surface height.
Does 4K mean a 16-bit depth image?
No. 4K describes pixel dimensions. Bit depth describes the available numerical levels per channel; check the selected attachment’s details.
Can I download a ready-made STL from every gallery item?
No. A depth image and a 3D mesh are different files. Check what the creator supplied; use the depth-to-3D workflow when you need to convert grayscale height data into relief geometry.
Can I commercially reuse any public gallery artwork?
Public visibility does not establish reuse rights. Follow the creator’s stated terms or obtain permission for your intended use.