Depth-R Alternatives: Depth Map Generators Without a Subscription
Depth-R alternatives for depth maps for laser engraving, CNC and 3D printing: offline one-time software, free browser tools and cloud services, compared.
The short answer
Depth-R is a capable browser editor sold by subscription, from $26.90 a month or $169.90 a year. If you want to own your tool and keep photos off the internet, DepthGen Pro does the same core job offline for $39.99 once. For occasional maps, the free Depthue generator runs in your browser without uploading anything.
Disclosure: Depthue makes the options marked “By Depthue”. Each option is described from its own public documentation, including where it beats ours. Prices change; check each site before buying.
1.DepthGen Pro
By Depthue- Price
- $39.99 one-time
- Best for
- Offline production work, coins, batches
Desktop app for Windows and Apple Silicon with three local AI models, a Coin / Relief mode, detail transfer, a height brush and 16-bit PNG, EXR, STL and OBJ export. One licence covers both platforms.
2.Depthue depth map generator
By Depthue- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Quick private maps
Runs Depth Anything V2 in your browser with no upload, with black and white points, detail, smoothing, a 3D preview and PNG or STL download.
3.Depth-R
- Price
- $26.90/month, $99.90/6 months, $169.90/year
- Best for
- Online editing with live preview
Browser-based depth map generation from Design Gecko, with editing controls and PNG and STL export. Everything runs online.
4.SculptOK
- Price
- Credit packs
- Best for
- One-click cloud reliefs
Cloud service for depth maps, bas-relief and 3D models with background removal. New accounts get free credits.
Side by side
| DepthGen Pro | Depthue generator | Depth-R | SculptOK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 once | Free | From $26.90/month | Credits |
| Runs | Offline desktop | Browser, local model | Browser, cloud | Cloud |
| Image uploaded | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coin / relief mode | Yes | No | Not listed | Not listed |
| Manual height brush | Yes | No | Editing controls | Not listed |
| 16-bit PNG / EXR | Yes | No (8-bit) | Check the site | Check the site |
| STL export | Watertight, configurable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Batch processing | Yes | No | Not listed | Not listed |
Why people look for a Depth-R alternative
Depth-R is a good tool. People usually look elsewhere for one of three reasons:
- The subscription. A year of Depth-R costs more than four DepthGen Pro licences.
- Privacy. Customer portraits and memorial photos have to be uploaded to use a cloud service.
- Offline work. A workshop with unreliable internet cannot depend on a browser service.
The arithmetic
| Time | Depth-R (monthly) | Depth-R (yearly plan) | DepthGen Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $80.70 | $169.90 | $39.99 |
| 1 year | $322.80 | $169.90 | $39.99 |
| 2 years | $645.60 | $339.80 | $39.99 |
Prices change, so check the current pricing page. The shape of the comparison does not: a one-time licence wins after a few months.
What you give up
Depth-R's strength is convenience and editing in the browser on any computer. DepthGen Pro requires installing an app on Windows or an Apple Silicon Mac. If you work from several borrowed computers, a browser tool is more flexible.
Try the free route first
If the free generator covers your work, you do not need either paid tool. If you need coins, 16-bit, batches or a height brush, see DepthGen Pro or compare all options in the best depth map generators.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Depth-R cost?
At the time of writing, Depth-R's pricing page lists $26.90 for one month, $99.90 for six months and $169.90 for one year.
Is there a one-time payment alternative to Depth-R?
Yes. DepthGen Pro is $39.99 once with a lifetime licence and free updates, and it runs offline on Windows and Apple Silicon Macs.
Is there a free alternative to Depth-R?
The Depthue depth map generator is free, runs the Depth Anything V2 model in your browser and exports PNG and STL without uploading your image.
Does Depth-R work offline?
No. Depth-R's pricing page describes it as accessible through your web browser, and processing happens online.
Sources
Try DepthGen Pro.
DepthGen Pro is an offline AI depth map generator for Windows. It turns photos, logos and coins into 16-bit PNG, EXR, STL and OBJ files for laser engraving, CNC relief carving and 3D printing. One payment, lifetime licence.