DepRender

DepRender is a Windows desktop tool for previewing grayscale depth maps as interactive 3D surfaces.

It is designed for CNC, laser engraving, relief carving, and other workflows where a black-and-white image represents height. Load a depth map, adjust the curve, levels, smoothing, and height scale, and see the 3D result update immediately.

Features

• Load PNG, TIFF, JPG, and near-grayscale RGB images
• View depth maps as interactive 3D height surfaces
• Rotate, pan, zoom, fit, and reset the 3D view
• Edit curves with a live graph editor
• See curve and level changes update the 3D preview in real time
• Adjust black point, white point, gamma, height scale, and smoothing
• Invert depth maps when black/white height direction needs to be flipped
• View in grayscale or rainbow depth colors
• Toggle wire/grid overlay for surface inspection
• Export adjusted depth maps as 16-bit PNG files

Why Use It?

Flat grayscale depth maps can be hard to judge. Small changes in curves or levels may create harsh ridges, flat areas, or unwanted stepping once converted into a physical surface.

DepRender makes those edits visible immediately by showing the image as a 3D surface while you work.

Basic Use

1. Open a PNG, TIFF, JPG, or JPEG depth image.
2. Rotate or zoom the 3D preview to inspect the surface.
3. Adjust levels, gamma, smoothing, and the curve graph.
4. Switch between grayscale and rainbow view to inspect detail.
5. Export the adjusted result as a 16-bit PNG.

Controls

• Left mouse drag: rotate view
• Middle/right mouse drag: pan view
• Mouse wheel: zoom
• Double-click curve graph: add a curve point
• Right-click curve point: remove a middle point

Notes

DepRender currently exports adjusted 16-bit PNG depth maps. It does not generate G-code or CNC/laser toolpaths directly.

This is an early beta, so feedback and bug reports are welcome.