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Depth Map Generator

· Last updated：2026-06-07

Generate depth maps from images using brightness, saturation, and edge analysis. Creates grayscale depth maps where lighter pixels indicate closer objects and darker pixels indicate further objects.

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Written by the Elysia Tools team
Image355
Saturation50
Brightness31
Stereo27
Depth23
3D16
Edge15

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category
Design
Input types
file, select, checkbox, range, number
Output type
file
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes

Overview

The Depth Map Generator creates grayscale depth maps from standard images by analyzing visual cues like brightness, saturation, and object boundaries. By mapping lighter pixels to closer objects and darker pixels to the background, it provides a functional disparity map suitable for 3D effects, post-processing, and spatial analysis.

When to use

  • When you need a grayscale disparity map for 3D photo effects or parallax animations.
  • When preparing assets for depth-aware post-processing in design software to simulate lens blur.
  • When you need to isolate foreground elements based on visual depth cues like brightness and saturation.

How it works

  1. 1Upload a supported image file such as a PNG, JPEG, WebP, BMP, or TIFF.
  2. 2Select a calculation method like Brightness Based, Saturation Based, or the Combined algorithm to analyze pixel data.
  3. 3Adjust weights for brightness, saturation, and edges to fine-tune how different image properties influence the depth estimation.
  4. 4Apply optional smoothing blur or edge enhancement before exporting the result as a lossless PNG or other preferred format.

Use cases

  • Creating depth masks for 2D-to-3D image conversion in video editing software.
  • Generating displacement maps for 3D modeling and texture rendering applications.
  • Developing interactive 3D photos for social media platforms that respond to device tilting.

Compare alternatives

  • Calculate the difference between two images to identify changes or create comparison masks

  • Generate red-cyan 3D anaglyph images from regular photos.

  • Generate parallax animations from images.

Who it's for

Best for

  • Convert images in the browser.
  • Workflows where Depth Calculation Method matters, such as Combined (Recommended) or Brightness Based.
  • Repeatable jobs with images and the same settings every time.

Not ideal for

  • Fully automated batch jobs — this page is built for interactive use; use the API endpoint for scripts.
  • Files in formats this tool does not accept — it works with .jpg, .png, .webp, .bmp input.

Edge cases & common failures

  • Very large files

    Large files take longer and can hit browser memory limits — try a smaller sample first.

  • Skipping the output check

    Compare the first rows or pages of the output with the input before using it in production.

  • Files from unusual exporters

    Some files use format variants that do not convert cleanly — if the output looks wrong, re-save the file from the app that created it and try again.

Examples

1. 3D Parallax Landscape Creation

Landscape Photographer

Background

A photographer wants to add a subtle 3D parallax effect to a mountain sunset photo for a social media post.

Problem

Manually painting a depth map for complex mountain ridges and atmospheric haze is time-consuming.

How to use

Upload the sunset photo, select the 'Hue/Warmth Based' method to capitalize on atmospheric perspective, and set 'Smooth Blur' to 2.0.

method: hue, blur: 2.0, format: png

Outcome

A grayscale map where the warm foreground peaks are light and the cool, distant sky is dark, ready for parallax animation.

2. Product Shot Depth-of-Field

Graphic Designer

Background

A designer needs to apply a realistic lens blur to a product shot that was captured with a deep focus.

Problem

The original image lacks a depth channel required by professional blur filters in design software.

How to use

Upload the product image, use the 'Combined' method with a high 'Edge Weight' to sharply define the product's silhouette.

FAQ

What do the colors in the depth map represent?

By default, lighter pixels represent objects closer to the camera, while darker pixels represent objects further away.

Can I reverse the depth orientation?

Yes, use the 'Invert Depth Map' checkbox to make dark pixels represent close objects and light pixels represent far objects.

Which calculation method is best?

The 'Combined' method is recommended as it balances brightness, saturation, and edge detection for a more accurate result.

Does this tool use AI for depth estimation?

No, it uses deterministic algorithms based on image properties like brightness, saturation, hue, and edge analysis.

What is the maximum file size supported?

The tool supports image file uploads up to 20 MB.

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Outcome

A sharp depth map that allows the designer to apply a gradient blur, keeping the product in focus while blurring the background.

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