View source for Blender Displacement Modifier

Yes, in Blender, you can use the '''Displacement Modifier''' to apply surface deformation based on an image (like a height map or displacement map). This is exactly what you're looking for when you want to apply a 3D surface deformation that you can then use for 3D printing.

=== '''Displacement Modifier for Surface Deformation Based on an Image:''' ===
The '''Displacement Modifier''' allows you to displace the geometry of your mesh based on the values from an image (grayscale map). You can use this technique to simulate surface detail such as bumps, wrinkles, and other complex surface features.

Here’s how you can set up the '''Displacement Modifier''' for surface deformation:

=== '''Steps to Apply Surface Deformation Using the Displacement Modifier:''' ===

# '''Prepare Your Model:'''
#* Ensure your model has enough		geometry (subdivisions) to respond to the displacement. If you’re		applying a large displacement effect, you'll need a high-resolution		mesh. You can subdivide your mesh if necessary.
# '''Apply Subdivision Surface Modifier (Optional but	Recommended):'''
#* If your mesh is low-poly, you can		apply a '''Subdivision Surface Modifier''' first to add		more geometry, which will make the displacement more pronounced and		smooth.
#* In '''Modifiers'''		tab, add the '''Subdivision Surface''' modifier. You can		increase the '''Level''' of subdivisions (e.g., 2 or 3)		to get a smoother result.
# '''Add the Displacement Modifier:'''
#* With your mesh selected, go to		the '''Modifiers''' tab and click '''Add Modifier'''		→ '''Displace'''.
#* The '''Displacement Modifier'''		allows you to displace the vertices of your model based on an image		texture.
# '''Set the Displacement Texture:'''
#* In the '''Displacement		Modifier''' panel, you will see a '''Texture'''		section. Click '''New''' to create a new texture, and		then select the '''Image or Movie''' option under the		'''Type''' dropdown in the texture panel.
#* Load your '''displacement		image''' (e.g., a grayscale height map). In this image, white		areas will push the surface outward, while black areas will push it		inward. Various shades of gray will create varying levels of		displacement.
#* You can use any image editing		software to create this displacement map, or you can download		height maps from various resources online.
# '''Set the Texture Coordinates:'''
#* The '''Texture Coordinates'''		section in the Displacement Modifier determines how the texture is		mapped onto the object. You can use:
#** '''UV''': If you’ve			unwrapped your model.
#** '''Object''': If you			want the displacement to follow a particular object’s			coordinates.
#** '''Global''' or			'''Local''': For world or local space mapping,			respectively.
# '''Adjust the Strength and Midlevel:'''
#* '''Strength''': This		controls how strong the displacement effect is. You can adjust this		to fine-tune how much the surface is displaced.
#* '''Midlevel''': This		controls where the neutral point of displacement lies. A midlevel		of 0.5 means the black areas of your displacement map will		correspond to the base level of the mesh (no displacement).		Adjusting this changes the balance of positive and negative		displacement.
# '''Optional: Apply Subdivision Surface Modifier After	Displacement:'''
#* If you want even smoother results		after displacement, you can add the '''Subdivision Surface		Modifier''' above the displacement modifier in the stack.		This will further smooth the displaced surface, making it more		suitable for 3D printing.
# '''Apply the Modifier for 3D Printing:'''
#* Once you're satisfied with the		displacement effect, you can '''apply''' the		Displacement Modifier to make the changes permanent (for 3D		printing).
#* To apply the modifier, click the		'''Apply''' button in the modifier panel.
# '''Export for 3D Printing:'''
#* With the displacement applied, your mesh will now have the		surface deformations baked into its geometry. You can then '''export		your model''' for 3D printing in a format like '''STL'''		or '''OBJ'''.

=== '''Important Notes:''' ===

* '''High-Resolution Mesh:'''	Displacement maps work best on a model with high enough geometry to	show the details. If your mesh is too low-poly, the displacement	might not show clearly, and the surface could appear jagged. You may	need to use the '''Subdivision Surface''' modifier or	apply a '''Multiresolution Modifier''' to add more detail	to the mesh before applying the displacement.
* '''Displacement vs. Bump Mapping:''' The	'''Displacement Modifier''' actually modifies the	geometry of the model (displacing vertices), whereas bump mapping	only simulates surface detail without altering the mesh itself. For	3D printing, you need the displacement to modify the mesh geometry.

=== '''Alternative: Using a Displacement Map with a Subdivision Surface Modifier:''' ===
In some cases, you may want to apply displacement through a material instead of using the Displacement Modifier. This method uses a '''Displacement Map''' in the '''Shader Editor''' (often with the '''Principled BSDF''' or '''Displacement''' node) and can be combined with the '''Subdivision Surface Modifier''' for a more advanced workflow.

However, for 3D printing, you need actual geometry modification, so the '''Displacement Modifier''' is the best way to achieve real surface deformation.
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=== '''Summary:''' ===
To apply surface deformation based on an image for 3D printing, the '''Displacement Modifier''' is the best tool in Blender. It allows you to apply a texture (like a displacement map) that deforms the geometry of your mesh based on the grayscale values of the image. After applying the modifier, you can export the deformed mesh for 3D printing with real surface detail. Make sure your mesh has enough resolution for the displacement to show clearly, and apply the modifier before exporting your model.