Convert a 2D Image to a 3D Model

How a flat picture becomes a 3D model

A 2D image has no depth information, so the AI has to make an educated guess about the parts it cannot see. It has learned from a very large number of 3D objects what things usually look like from every side. When you upload a picture, it first cuts the subject out from the background, then generates a 3D shape that matches the outline and shading, and finally turns that shape into a polygon mesh. An optional paint step adds colors to every side. If you want the full explanation, read how AI turns a photo into a 3D model.

Step by step

1. Pick an image with one clear subject. Photos, renders, toy pictures and clean character drawings all work.
2. Choose a style: Low Poly for a faceted game look, Smooth for clean rounded surfaces, Detailed to keep fine features.
3. Choose the polygon count from 50 to 100,000 triangles. Not sure? Read polygon count explained.
4. Generate and watch the live preview. Add Texture for color, or Refine for a cleaner surface.
5. Download GLB or OBJ for Blender, Unity, Godot, Unreal or the web, or an STL sized in millimetres for 3D printing.

Which 2D images work best

• One subject, plain background. The cut-out step works best when the object stands apart from what is behind it.
• A slight angle. A three-quarter view tells the AI more about depth than a straight front view.
• Even light, matte surfaces. Strong reflections and glass confuse the shape.
• Drawings: clean character art with clear outlines and shading converts well. Very flat art (logos, icons, text) has no depth to recover, so the result is often thin.

If the back of the object matters, open "More angles" and add pictures from the left, back and right. See single image vs multiple views for when that helps.

What you can do with the model

People use the results as game props and characters, as starting points for sculpting in Blender, for 3D printing figurines, for AR and web viewers, and for quick product mock-ups. To bring a model into a game engine, see using AI 3D models in Unity, Godot and Unreal. If the result looks off, this troubleshooting guide covers the common causes.

Questions