What you can make with PDFtoSTL
Any PDF with text or line art can become a 3D-printable relief. Here are the most common use cases and the settings that work best for each.
Rubber stamps & printing plates
Turn a logo, return address, or custom design into a physical rubber stamp. Upload the PDF, select Emboss and enable Mirror X (stamps print in reverse). Print in TPU or another flexible filament, glue it onto an acrylic block, and you have a custom stamp.
Set the extrusion height to 1.0–1.5 mm for a clear impression.
Signage & name badges
Design a sign or badge in any word processor or design tool, export to PDF, and convert to a multi-color 3MF. The Multi-color mode detects text and background colours and maps them to separate extruders — ideal for Bambu AMS or Prusa MMU printers.
For wall-mounted signs, use the Cutout tool after conversion to punch mounting holes at exact positions. Set the output size to match your build plate, or use the scale slider to resize.
Embossing & debossing plates
Embossing creates a raised pattern when the plate is pressed into material. This is the default extrusion mode — text and artwork are raised on a flat base, just like a rubber stamp. Enable Mirror X so the pressed result reads correctly, and print in a rigid filament (PLA or PETG).
Debossing creates a recessed impression. Enable the Deboss option to subtract text from the plate — channels are carved into the top surface. The extrusion height controls the channel depth. Set the base thickness thick enough to leave solid material under the channels (e.g. base 3 mm, extrusion 1 mm leaves a 2 mm floor). Both modes produce a single-piece STL, so no multi-material printer is needed.
Create an embossing or debossing plate
Logos & line art reliefs
Any vector logo or illustration in PDF form converts cleanly to a raised relief. PDFtoSTL preserves the exact vector geometry — Bezier curves, sharp corners, and fine strokes all translate to precise 3D contours.
Use the Eraser tool to remove any surrounding text or elements you don't want in the relief. The Min detail size slider is handy for filtering out tiny specks or artefacts. For multi-color logos, the Color Mapping dialog lets you assign each colour to an extruder.
Educational models & relief maps
Convert diagrams, charts, floor plans, or maps from PDF into tactile 3D models. Useful for teaching, accessibility (Braille-like raised text), and architectural visualisation.
For larger models, use the Scale slider or set a custom output size. Add cutouts for mounting holes or string loops so the model can be hung on a wall or pinned to a board.
If the PDF includes raster images (photos, satellite maps), enable Include Images and choose the Relief or Lithophane mode to create a physical heightmap from the image data.