A free depth map generator with controls you can actually use

A depth map is a single-channel image in which brightness represents relative distance. It is not a photograph converted to ordinary grayscale: useful depth estimation separates the foreground, subject, and background according to scene structure. DepthCarve sends a compressed copy of the image to a depth model only after you press Generate, then returns a preview that you can compare directly with the source.

The free downloads include an 8-bit grayscale preview, an honestly labeled compatibility 16-bit container, and a low-resolution closed STL for import checks. The compatibility file is derived from the preview and does not pretend to add precision. After approval, the production job reads raw float EXR and encodes verified forward and inverse 16-bit PNG, a watertight STL, preview, and parameter manifest in one ZIP.

Automatic estimates often contain a narrow useful range surrounded by flat gray. Black and white points, Gamma, contrast, inversion, subject threshold, background flattening, source-detail blend, edge-preserving smoothing, taper, and a flat frame let the useful subject occupy the output range. Every adjustment updates the comparison and 3D relief without another model call.

For carving, a good map usually needs a quiet background and gradual transitions across the subject. For VFX, clean object boundaries may matter more than a flat border. The controls remain reversible until approval. Machine inputs then compare beam or tool diameter, depth step, stock thickness, tonal slices, slope, base, manifold topology, and the resulting bounding box.

PNG works when another application will interpret brightness: LightBurn, image editors, compositors, displacement tools, and custom pipelines. STL works when the next step expects geometry. The relief exporter builds a top surface, side walls, and a bottom face, producing a watertight mesh instead of a paper-thin height surface. It still needs slicing or CAM setup; it is not unreviewed G-code.

The approved production bundle uses MoGe2 raw float depth rather than the 8-bit preview. One ZIP contains the source EXR, verified true 16-bit forward and inverse maps, an 8-bit preview, a watertight STL, and a versioned parameter and validation manifest. Provider normals, point cloud, GLB, and camera links remain recorded in that manifest and are temporary.

A failed social-media effect costs a few seconds. A bad carve can cost a hardwood blank, a long machine slot, and a customer deadline. DepthCarve therefore keeps inspection, shaping, manufacturing checks, and preview files free, grants new accounts enough credits for five approved production jobs, and returns the reserved credit when a paid provider job fails. The database records job status and ledger entries, not the uploaded source image itself.

No depth model can infer hidden geometry perfectly from one picture. Hair, glass, repeating patterns, shallow relief, and disconnected objects can confuse any estimator. Treat the result as prepared production input, not ground truth. Inspect edges at full size, verify the intended foreground direction, set dimensions deliberately, and run a small scrap test before committing valuable material.