Depth Studio · 7 minute guide
Depth Studio & Depth Map Mastery
Choose free deterministic relief (free account) or AI Sculpt Fast and HD Relief; try any height map signed out in Test Depth Map, then export 16-bit PNG height maps or an STL/OBJ mesh.
By Scott Bedow, Founder & Lead Developer · Published July 4, 2026 · Updated July 31, 2026
Manufacturing manager who runs CO2, diode and MOPA fiber lasers; builds and maintains every Reticle Red tool.
Method — Walked end to end in the live tool before publishing. Screens and step order match the current build; settings shown are starting points to validate on scrap.
What this tutorial covers
- Choose free deterministic relief, AI Sculpt Fast, or queued AI Sculpt HD Relief.
- Isolate subjects and preview fine surface texture before export.
- Export smooth 16-bit height maps or an STL/OBJ mesh for carving and printing.
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.