Guide reviewed by SculptOK ·
Choose AI 3D generation or depth-map-to-STL conversion
SculptOK AI 3D Model Generator generates a model from image references. Use it when your task is image-based 3D model generation. A generated model still needs inspection: a photograph does not provide measured geometry or a complete record of hidden surfaces.
If you already have a grayscale depth map and want to turn its height values into a relief mesh, use the separate 3D Lithophane Generator. That workflow sets physical width and thickness and exports a relief; it is different from AI image-to-3D generation.
1. Upload a clear source image
Open AI 3D Model Generator and upload a PNG, JPG, JPEG or WebP image. Keep the main image below 10 MB and wait for the upload to finish before generating.
Choose a source with a clear subject and visible boundaries. Inspect small parts, lettering and overlapping shapes in the source so you can compare them with the generated model. A cleaner reference helps you assess the result; it does not guarantee exact reconstruction.
Generation requires login. Review the credit amount shown beside Generate for your current configuration. The Advanced 3D interface notes that Ultimate membership does not waive its generation credit charge.
2. Select the model and Model Precision
Select Model offers Basic 3D and Advanced 3D. Model Precision changes with that selection. Check the controls and credit amount again after changing models.
The precision labels describe the available modes. They do not by themselves establish how accurately a particular image will be reconstructed. Inspect the actual result rather than treating a mode name as a guarantee.
| Model | Model Precision choices | Additional controls |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 3D | Basic, Standard, Advanced | The Advanced model’s texture, format and multi-view controls are not shown. |
| Advanced 3D | Rapid, Advance | Model Format is available. Apply Texture appears with Advance precision; multi-view references also require Advance. |
3. Add optional multi-view references for Advanced 3D
Advanced 3D shows Multi-view references. Turn it on to add Left, Right or Back reference images. Keep the main image uploaded and supply at least one additional reference when the switch is on; all three additional views are not required.
Enabling multi-view selects Advanced 3D with Advance precision and disables Rapid. Use views of the same subject with consistent proportions and appearance so the references describe one object.
The additional references accept JPG, JPEG or PNG, with a combined limit of 8 MB. Each image side must be greater than 128 pixels and less than 5000 pixels. These are the additional-reference rules; the main upload has its own format and size limits.
Wait for every upload to finish. If you decide not to provide additional views, turn Multi-view references off before generating. Extra views provide references, not a guarantee of dimensionally exact or manufacturing-ready geometry.
4. Choose Apply Texture and an available Model Format
Apply Texture appears only for Advanced 3D with Advance precision. No selects the geometry mode; Yes selects the texture mode. This control is not a background-removal switch.
Model Format is shown for Advanced 3D. Some formats are disabled for particular precision and texture combinations. Changing these settings can also change the selected format, so recheck Model Format before selecting Generate.
| Advanced 3D configuration | Formats enabled in the current interface | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid | GLB, OBJ, STL | Multi-view must be off; Apply Texture is not shown in this mode. |
| Advance + Apply Texture: No | GLB, STL | OBJ is disabled for this geometry configuration. |
| Advance + Apply Texture: Yes | GLB, OBJ | STL is disabled for this texture configuration. |
5. Generate and inspect the returned model
Check the source, active mode, format and displayed credit amount, then select Generate. Follow the queue and progress messages. Uploading an image or choosing a setting is not a completed generation.
When a model is available, inspect its overall shape, thin parts, open areas and the features that matter for your project. Compare all relevant sides with your references. A good-looking shaded preview alone does not establish correct dimensions, a closed mesh or printability.
If the interface reports that no model file was returned, do not treat a placeholder or an image as the finished model. Check History before submitting a new generation, especially after a timeout or interrupted connection.
6. Export the available file and check it downstream
The Export button reflects the file returned for that result. OBJ results use an Export ZIP download. Availability depends on the selected configuration and returned result; the page does not promise every format for every model.
Download the result and open it in the application you intend to use. For 3D printing, check units, dimensions, mesh integrity, thin features and supports in a slicer. For a textured asset, check that the downloaded package and receiving application load its appearance as intended.
If your task is CNC relief carving from grayscale height data, follow the depth-map-to-STL workflow instead. Prepare toolpaths and machine settings in appropriate downstream software.
Common questions
Is AI image-to-3D the same as grayscale-to-STL conversion?
No. AI 3D generation uses image references to generate a model. The separate depth-to-3D tool maps grayscale values into relief height and provides width and thickness controls. Choose the workflow for the result you need.
Can I add side and rear views?
Advanced 3D offers optional Left, Right and Back references. Enabling multi-view requires Advance precision and at least one additional reference alongside the main image.
Why is OBJ or STL disabled?
For Advanced 3D with Advance precision, Apply Texture: No enables GLB and STL; Apply Texture: Yes enables GLB and OBJ. Rapid has different available options. Check the active configuration before generating.
Does changing preview lighting fix the model geometry?
No. A shaded appearance is not a geometry measurement. Inspect the model from multiple directions and verify the exported file in your next application.
Is the generated model ready to print without checking it?
Do not assume this from the preview. Inspect the exported geometry, scale and thin features in a slicer, then prepare the job for your printer.