<p>Unfortunately, with only a .PNG or other file format that is traditionally two dimensional, you are missing some critical information. Unless your objective is to print something "flat with thickness," you can't create a 3D model. If your objective is to print something flat with thickness, even a program such as Inkscape with the Path to OpenSCAD extension will accomplish your goal. </p>

<p>I believe that Tinkercad will import images and allow you to extrude them to create the thickness aspect. Another program which supports such activity is Fusion360 (free for hobbyists) which would convert your drawing to a sketch. You'd have to add some width to the lines in order to extrude them in any program you select. It will also be necessary to trace the drawing to convert it to a vector file type. Inkscape excels in this task.</p>

<p>Lastly, you can arbitrarily add a third dimension to the diagram by importing it with SolveSpace. It is another free program which allows one to import a DXF file. Note that DXF is a vector file not raster, excluding your existing PNG format. It might be easier to use Inkscape to create the vector file, add width to the lines, then save it in DXF form and load it to SolveSpace. At that point, it becomes extremely challenging due to the complexity of the drawing.</p>

<p>Perhaps a hint or two (image, sketch, drawing) of your final objective?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-01T01:55:29.820Z
2019-01-01T01:55:29.820Z
fred_dot_u
<p>Suppose I have an image like this below that I want to print in 3D. What would be the best format to convert it in?</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/by9JH.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/by9JH.jpg" alt="2D image for 3D printing"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-31T23:45:11.010Z
Is the image the only source of the data you wish to print in three dimensions? Do you have a data file in "typical" database style from which you can extract the points?
fred_dot_u
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-01T00:36:08.693Z
@fred_dot_u hey! happy new year! no, I only have a two dimensional image but I have a png version with a transparent also
Aerodynamika
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-02T22:06:22.050Z
Even if you had the data, that would not print well
Chris Stratton
<3d-models><2d>
I want to print an image of a network in 3D — what's the best way to convert it?
Aerodynamika
# I want to print an image of a network in 3D — what's the best way to convert it?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-12-31)

Suppose I have an image like this below that I want to print in 3D. What would be the best format to convert it in?

[![2D image for 3D printing](https://i.sstatic.net/by9JH.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/by9JH.jpg)

**Tags:** 3d-models, 2d
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Is the image the only source of the data you wish to print in three dimensions? Do you have a data file in "typical" database style from which you can extract the points?  
> **username_0**: @fred_dot_u hey! happy new year! no, I only have a two dimensional image but I have a png version with a transparent also  
> **username_2**: Even if you had the data, that would not print well  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-01-01. Score: 4

Unfortunately, with only a .PNG or other file format that is traditionally two dimensional, you are missing some critical information. Unless your objective is to print something "flat with thickness," you can't create a 3D model. If your objective is to print something flat with thickness, even a program such as Inkscape with the Path to OpenSCAD extension will accomplish your goal.

I believe that Tinkercad will import images and allow you to extrude them to create the thickness aspect. Another program which supports such activity is Fusion360 (free for hobbyists) which would convert your drawing to a sketch. You'd have to add some width to the lines in order to extrude them in any program you select. It will also be necessary to trace the drawing to convert it to a vector file type. Inkscape excels in this task.

Lastly, you can arbitrarily add a third dimension to the diagram by importing it with SolveSpace. It is another free program which allows one to import a DXF file. Note that DXF is a vector file not raster, excluding your existing PNG format. It might be easier to use Inkscape to create the vector file, add width to the lines, then save it in DXF form and load it to SolveSpace. At that point, it becomes extremely challenging due to the complexity of the drawing.

Perhaps a hint or two (image, sketch, drawing) of your final objective?


---

