AI Render enables users to transform a standard 3D scene into a photorealistic architectural rendering using Google Gemini image generation capabilities.
The feature is designed to preserve:
- Scene geometry
- Cabinet dimensions
- Object positioning
- Camera angle
- Existing layout
while enhancing:
- Lighting
- Materials
- Atmosphere
- Interior styling
- Decorative elements
The rendering process is driven by a configurable Prompt Builder that combines scene data with user-selected rendering options.
What is 3CAD AI Render?
AI Render generates a photorealistic image from the current 3D scene.
Unlike the traditional renderer, AI Render uses Gemini image generation to enhance realism while preserving the original design intent. The result is suitable for customer presentations, marketing content, and design validation.
Opening AI Render
- Open a project in 3CAD Next.
- Navigate to the Render panel.
- Switch from Classic to AI mode.
- The AI Render Settings panel becomes available.
Rendering workflow
Step 1 – Select lighting
Choose the lighting scenario that best matches the desired atmosphere.
Available options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | Warm early morning light |
| Morning | Bright daylight |
| Afternoon | Natural afternoon sunlight |
| Golden Hour | Cinematic warm sunlight |
| Overcast | Soft, diffused daylight |
| Evening | Warm interior lighting |
| Night | Artificial lighting only |
| Studio | Professional photography lighting |
Default value: Studio.
Step 2 – Select floor material
Choose whether to keep the original flooring or replace it with a different material.
Available examples:
- Original
- Light Hardwood
- Dark Hardwood
- White Marble
- Dark Marble
- Light Ceramic Tiles
- Dark Ceramic Tiles
- Polished Concrete
- Herringbone Parquet
Selecting Original preserves the floor from the 3D scene.
Step 3 – Select wall material
Choose a wall treatment.
Available examples:
- Original
- White Paint
- Warm White Paint
- Light Grey Paint
- Dark Accent Wall
- Exposed Brick
- White Brick
- White Subway Tile
- Marble Backsplash
- Wood Paneling
Selecting Original preserves the existing wall materials.
Step 4 – Select ceiling style
Choose a ceiling treatment.
Available examples:
- Original
- White Flat
- White with Beams
- Exposed Wood Beams
- Full Wood Ceiling
- Coffered
- Vaulted
- Industrial
Selecting Original preserves the existing ceiling.
Step 5 – Add scene decorations
Decorative elements can be added automatically to enrich the scene.
Available categories:
- Plants & Flowers
- Kitchen Items
- Food & Drinks
- Textiles
- Lighting Fixtures
- Art & Accessories
Multiple categories can be enabled simultaneously.
Step 6 – Review generated prompt
The application automatically builds a prompt based on:
- Base prompt template
- Selected lighting
- Material overrides
- Decoration selections
The final generated prompt is displayed in the Generated Prompt section for transparency and troubleshooting purposes.
Step 7 – Generate render
Click Generate Render. The system performs the following actions:
- Captures the current 3D view.
- Builds the final prompt.
- Sends image and prompt to Gemini.
- Receives the generated render.
- Displays the result.
Comparing results
After generation, a comparison viewer displays:
- Original scene
- AI-generated render
A draggable slider allows visual comparison between the two images.
This helps verify that:
- Layout is preserved
- Geometry is unchanged
- Camera viewpoint is maintained
- Decorative elements are coherent
Downloading the render
When the render is completed:
- Click Download
- Save the generated image locally
Best practices
For optimal results:
- Use realistic room proportions.
- Ensure the scene is complete before rendering.
- Position the camera before starting the render.
- Use Studio lighting for catalogue-quality renders.
- Use Golden Hour or Evening for marketing imagery.
- Enable decorations when presenting the design to customers.
Techical requirements
To learn more about the technical requirements for the implementation of AI Rendering, see the article AI Rendering - Administrator Guide.