{"id":161154,"date":"2020-11-02T11:20:35","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T03:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facfox.com\/?post_type=kb&amp;p=161154"},"modified":"2020-11-02T11:20:35","modified_gmt":"2020-11-02T03:20:35","slug":"how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a 3D Model From Photos and Images"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Whether for a personalized gift or for decorations around the home, creating a 3D print from a photo presents many opportunities for enhancing the world around you.<\/p>\n<p>There are many ways you can 3D print from photos, and you needn\u2019t be a professional 3D artist. All you need are photos in high resolution and an ounce of 3D printing skills. And, of course, time.<\/p>\n<p>Creating a 3D model may be the only difficult part of the process, and there\u2019s usually no way around this. You will have to learn a few tricks. Thankfully, there\u2019s plenty of easy-to-use software out there.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">How to Turn a Picture Into a 3D Model<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161164 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/a-3d-portrait-toolfarmcom-180723.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"202\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Techniques for creating 3D models from photos depend on the number of photos. While a <strong>single photo<\/strong> is okay, <strong>multiple photos<\/strong> guarantee a more detailed and accurate 3D model.<\/p>\n<p>For a single photo, methods include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Smoothie 3D, a free online platform,<\/li>\n<li>the extrude tool, found in many CAD programs,<\/li>\n<li>an AI-powered tool, and<\/li>\n<li>lithophanes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the following, we\u2019ll look at each of these four methods in detail before moving on to multiple-photo conversion.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Single Photo: Smoothie 3D<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161163 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/making-a-giraffe-in-smoothie-3d-youtubecom-180723.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"202\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/smoothie-3d.com\/site\/page_index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Smoothie 3D<\/a> is a free online platform used in the creation of 3D models from a single picture. The software uses one image to create an online digital model that resembles what you get when you use a scan or photogrammetry.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, this software won\u2019t be of much help if you need asymmetrical models with plenty of details. In fact, Smoothie 3D will require a bit of \u201cdrawing\u201d (on the app) in order to turn those parts into textured 3D models. This process should take a short time if you are familiar with the software interface.<\/p>\n<p>Once your modeling phase is done, you may decide to print yourself or send your design to <a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\" target=\"_blank\">a 3D printing service<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Smoothie-3D provides a simple solution and makes 3D printing a photo as easy as possible. The best part is that no prior modeling experience is required, and neither do you have to download any software on your PC.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Single Photo: Extrude Tool<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161162 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/extrusion-youtube-180723.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"202\" \/><\/p>\n<p>An extrude tool creates new geometry from faces, vertices, or edges. It will help you create the third axis from your 2D file (picture) based on some algorithms. You will end up with new geometry, and your model will have volume.<\/p>\n<p>This tool is mostly found in computer aided design (CAD) software. Your task is therefore to choose the CAD tool that best suits you, whether that\u2019s a professional tool or something a little less pricey.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xxl\">Single Photo: AI<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161161 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/3d-image-of-a-face-created-using-ai-kingstonacuk-180723.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"201\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In September 2017, the world was introduced to an <a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cs.nott.ac.uk\/~psxasj\/3dme\/\" target=\"_blank\">AI-powered tool<\/a> that can turn your face photo into a 3D model. The tool was the result of research from two UK universities, who detailed their research in <a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/1703.07834.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">this paper<\/a>. According to <a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2017\/9\/18\/16327906\/3d-model-face-photograph-ai-machine-learning\" target=\"_blank\">The Verge<\/a>, the researchers taught the AI system how to extrapolate a face from a single photo by feeding it many photographs and corresponding 3D models.<\/p>\n<p>Having the ability to create such 3D models with ease could have several applications in today\u2019s digital world, including the much-hyped area of VR. It also makes it super easy to 3D print from photo.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Single Photo: Lithophanes<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161160 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/an-illuminated-lithophane-diyphotographynet-180730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"202\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A lithophane is an image \u201ccarved\u201d into a translucent material, whereby a backlight reveals the contents. They\u2019ve been around since the early 1800s, though they haven\u2019t always 3D printed.<\/p>\n<p>Thicker areas prevent light from passing through, appearing darker, while thin areas appear brighter.<\/p>\n<p>To create a lithophane, you will first need to create a 3D model from your photo. Here are some tools you can use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/3dp.rocks\/lithophane\/\" target=\"_blank\">Image to Lithophane<\/a> (free and readily accessible)<\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ransen.com\/phototomesh\/Photo-To-StereoLithographic-File.htm\" target=\"_blank\">PhotoToMesh<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Cura (13.11 and above)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once you have your STL file, load it into your slicer program to slice it into layers that will guide your printer. Then print.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/formlabs.com\/blog\/how-to-make-your-own-3d-printed-lithophane\/\" target=\"_blank\">Formlabs<\/a> recommends a high-resolution SLA (stereolithography) printer over conventional FDM printers. They argue that FDM printers produce thick layers, which will affect the appearance of your image.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">What About Multiple Photos?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161158 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/photo-manipulation-youtube-180730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"255\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Several options present themselves when using multiple photos. The first, of course, is to simply make use of some of the same tools described above. If, however, you\u2019re interested in a more detailed model, you can seek the services of a 3D designer or take on the task of learning tools like Zbrush or, yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, there\u2019s the option of photogrammetry, which involves taking several photos of your subject and collecting a series of points in space from the images. If you choose this path, be sure to take plenty of pictures of your object in as many angles as possible. Then, upload your photos to photogrammetry software to generate a 3D printable file.<\/p>\n<p>Take note of the fact that you need high-quality images if you want to get an excellent rendering of your 3D model. 3D printing from photo largely relies on the quality of your pictures.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Multiple Photos: Optimizing Your Pictures<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161157 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/photo-manipulation-youtubecom-180730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"202\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To optimize your pictures, you\u2019re going to need the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A high-resolution digital camera: You need digital files, and you need them in high quality.<\/li>\n<li>A lighting device. Proper lighting is key to improving your shoot.<\/li>\n<li>A tripod: You\u2019ll want to stabilize your subject and your camera as much as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A couple of things to watch out for when shooting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Overexposure<\/li>\n<li>Even lighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You are some photo editing programs you can use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>iPhoto<\/li>\n<li>Adobe Lightroom<\/li>\n<li>Adobe Bridge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Multiple Photos: 3D Modeling<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161156 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/a-2d-portrait-turned-3d-model-yo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If possible, take 30 to 40 pictures at different angles and ensure they are of high quality before uploading them to your photogrammetry software like. Here are a few example tools:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acute3d.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Acute 3D<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.agisoft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Photoscan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/recap\/overview\" target=\"_blank\">Recap<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The magic of 3D scanning happens through some algorithms. Once you have a good set of photos, most of the work is left to the software.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"headline headline--xl\">Multiple Photos: Inspecting Your Model<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-161155 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/3d-printed-faces-youtube-180730.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It should be easy to immediately notice any issues with your model. Nevertheless, keep changing the viewing angles because some flaws are difficult to detect at first glance. Be especially keen with the structural details.<\/p>\n<p>Some flaws you can fix using smoothing and sculpting tools. But if you feel your model looks too different from the original object, you may need to take a new set of photos. This may be the better option in order to avoid the frustration that can come from repairing models. Just remember, the more accurate your photos, the better.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether for a personalized gift or for decorations around the home, creating a 3D print from a photo presents many opportunities for enhancing the world around you. There are many ways you can 3D print from photos, and you needn\u2019t be a professional 3D artist. All you need are photos in high resolution and an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":161164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"kbtopic":[47],"kbtag":[157,344,345],"class_list":["post-161154","kb","type-kb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","kbtopic-design","kbtag-3d-modeling","kbtag-digital-sculpture","kbtag-photo"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Create a 3D Model From Photos and Images - FacFox Docs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether for a personalized gift or for decorations around the home, creating a 3D print from a photo presents many opportunities for enhancing the world around you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Create a 3D Model From Photos and Images\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Whether for a personalized gift or for decorations around the home, creating a 3D print from a photo presents many opportunities for enhancing the world around you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FacFox Docs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@facfox3d\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-create-a-3d-model-from-photos-and-images\",\"name\":\"How to Create a 3D Model From Photos and Images - 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