A photo cube puts your favourite picture inside solid K9 optical glass — a genuine three-dimensional engraving you can see from every angle, not a print on the surface. Each cube is laser-engraved by us at our studio in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, using up to 15 million individual points inside the glass, so the image never fades, tears or wears away.

The cube is the desk shape. Small footprint, and because it is as deep as it is wide, the engraving sits properly in the middle of the glass rather than close to one face. Choose the diamond-cut cube for a single portrait or a pet, or one of our rectangle photo blocks if the picture has a couple or the whole family in it.

Upload any clear phone photo and add text free of charge. If you'd like to see your crystal before we make it, tick the preview box when you order — it's free, we'll email it within 24 hours, and nothing is engraved until you're happy with it.

Questions we get asked

What is a photo cube?

A photo cube is a solid block of K9 optical glass with your photo laser-engraved inside it in three dimensions. The image sits within the crystal itself, so it has real depth from every angle and there is nothing on the surface to rub off. If you want the technical version, we have written up how they engrave inside glass.

Can you make cubes with photos of people and pets?

Yes — that is almost all of what goes into them. One face close up, or a single pet, is what suits the cube best. For a couple or a family group, a rectangle holds the detail better.

Which size cube should I choose?

Cubes come in 50mm, 60mm and 80mm. 60mm is the usual desk choice. 50mm is small enough that a group photo will not work in it; 80mm has real weight and is closer to a display piece. Our shape and size buying guide covers it in more detail.

Can you see the picture from all four sides?

You see it through all of them, but it faces one way — it is a single engraving suspended in the glass, not four separate images. From the sides you get the depth of it, which is arguably the better view.

Cube or rectangle?

Different, not better. The rectangle gives you more picture area for the money. The cube looks good from every angle and takes up less desk. If you are buying for a workplace, the cube — or see our sister site Awards-Time if it is for recognition or a milestone.

How quickly can I get one?

Free UK delivery in 2–3 working days as standard. 24-hour delivery is available as a paid option at checkout when you need it sooner.

Can I see it before you make it?

Yes. Tick the preview box when you order and we'll email you a free preview of your crystal within 24 hours. Nothing is engraved until you tell us you're happy with it.

Looking for a different shape or size? See our full range of 3D photo crystals.

Guides and further reading

The cube is one of the two shapes men are most often bought — see crystal anniversary gifts and retirement & long service crystals. Also worth reading: how 3D crystal photos are made · what they cost in the UK · can they fade? · 3D crystal photo gift ideas.