Depth Studio & Depth Map Mastery

What this tutorial covers

• Choose free deterministic relief, Fast Nano Pro, or queued HiTem3D HD.
• Isolate subjects and restore fine surface texture before export.
• Export smooth 16-bit height maps for wood or metal carving.

1. Prepare the source photograph

Upload a clear source image and isolate the subject when a busy background would interfere with the relief. Keep important edges and features visible in the working image.

2. Choose a relief method

Select the available relief engine or deterministic method that suits the source. Read the displayed price before a paid operation and wait for the result or use the supported recovery flow.

3. Inspect the depth adjustments

Review the relief in 3D and adjust the available depth controls while watching facial features, boundaries and the background floor. Avoid treating a shaded preview as a measurement of the final cut.

4. Download and check the production file

Choose the depth export required by the receiving software. Confirm its physical size and depth interpretation after import, then test the setup on suitable scrap before a finished piece.

Validate the workflow on your machine

Treat the finished file as a controlled starting point, not a universal machine recipe. Confirm the artwork dimensions after import, verify focus and lens selection, and run a small test on scrap from the same material batch before committing the production piece. Change one variable at a time when tuning speed, power, frequency, line interval, or pass count. Record the machine, source wattage, lens, material finish, focus method, and final settings with the saved job. That short production note makes the result repeatable for the next operator and prevents a strong screen preview from being mistaken for a proven burn.