AI & 3D generation · Beginner

Depth map

A grayscale image showing how far each pixel is from the camera

What is a depth map?

A depth map is a grayscale image where each pixel’s brightness shows how far that point is from the camera. Usually near is bright and far is dark, or the other way round. 3D apps can render one as a pass, AI can estimate one from a single photo, and image and video models can use one to keep a scene’s layout.

Think of it like this

It is like fog that thickens with distance: the further away something is, the more it fades, until only the shape of the space is left.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Render: Lighting the scene and turning it into images or video.

How a depth map works

  1. 01For each pixel, the distance from the camera to the nearest surface is measured or estimated.
  2. 02Those distances are scaled to fit a range from black to white.
  3. 03The result is saved as a grayscale image the same size as the frame.
  4. 04Other tools read it to add blur, fog, 3D effects or layout guidance.

Depth map vs height map

PropertyDepth mapHeight map
MeasuresDistance from the cameraHeight above a surface
Changes whenThe camera movesNever; it belongs to the surface
Made byRendering or AI estimationSculpting, baking or painting
Used forBlur, fog and AI layout controlDisplacing or bumping a surface

A depth map describes one view of a whole scene; a height map describes one surface, wherever the camera is.

Where a depth map is used

  • Guiding AI image and video models to keep a scene’s layout
  • Adding depth of field and fog after rendering
  • Turning a flat photo into a parallax or 3D effect

Beginner tip

Check which way round your tool expects the map: some read white as near, others as far. A depth map that looks inside-out usually just needs inverting.

Terms related to a depth map

Depth map FAQ

Why are depth maps black and white?
Each pixel stores one number, its distance, so a single gray channel is enough. Tools show it from black to white for convenience; higher-precision depth maps store real distances that only look right after scaling.
How do I make a depth map from a photo?
Use an AI depth estimation tool, which predicts distance from a single image. For a 3D scene, render a depth or Z pass instead, which is exact. Phones with depth or lidar sensors can also save depth with a photo.
What is a depth map used for in AI?
Mostly as a guide. Image and video models can follow a depth map so the result keeps the same layout of near and far objects while the style, lighting or subject changes. AI camera moves on still photos often start from an estimated depth map too.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms