Getting Started with CAD2Real

CAD2Real transforms your architectural CAD models into photorealistic visualizations using AI. No rendering software, no complex setup, no waiting hours for renders. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get stunning results.

What You'll Need

CAD Software: AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Rhino, Vectorworks, or any 3D modeling software
Export Format: PNG screenshot, or 3D model (OBJ, glTF, GLB)
Google Account: For signing in to CAD2Real

Step-by-Step Guide

1 Prepare Your CAD Model

Set up your view in your CAD software. Choose the angle that best showcases your design. For best results:

Use a two-point perspective showing two facades
Position camera at eye level (1.6m height) for natural perspective
Include enough context - don't crop too tightly
Hide unnecessary layers (dimensions, annotations, grids)

2 Export Your View

The simplest method is taking a PNG screenshot of your CAD view. Most CAD software supports this:

AutoCAD: EXPORTTOIMAGE command or Print to PNG
ArchiCAD: File → Save as → Image (PNG)
SketchUp: File → Export → 2D Graphic
Revit: Export → Images and Animations

For 3D models, export as OBJ (with MTL for colors), glTF, or GLB format. When uploading OBJ files, select both the .obj and .mtl files together to preserve materials.

3 Upload to CAD2Real

Sign in with your Google account and upload your CAD image or model. The AI will automatically analyze your design and generate a photorealistic render with smart defaults:

Modern buildings → white thermal panels, anthracite roof, glass railings
Traditional buildings → plaster facade, terracotta roof
Golden hour lighting (most flattering)
Landscaping and context elements

4 Refine Your Render

Not happy with the first result? Simply describe what you want to change in natural language:

Example refinement prompts: "Make the facade wood instead of white"
"Change to evening lighting"
"Add a swimming pool in the garden"
"Make the roof darker"
"Remove the car, add more trees"

Best Practices for Great Results

Camera Angles

The AI preserves the exact geometry and perspective from your CAD image. Choose your angle carefully:

Corner view (two-point perspective): Most dynamic, shows two facades
Frontal view: Formal, symmetrical, good for facades
Aerial/drone view: Shows roof design and site context

Material Descriptions

Be specific about materials. Instead of "wooden facade", try:

Specific material prompt: "Horizontal Siberian larch cladding with silver-grey weathered patina"

Pro Tip: Use negative descriptions when the AI gets something wrong. If it keeps making the facade cream when you want white, say: "pure white thermal panels, NOT cream or beige"

Lighting Presets

Lighting dramatically affects the mood. Here are tested prompts:

Golden Hour (Most Popular) "golden hour sunlight, warm amber tones, long soft shadows, sky gradient orange to pale blue"

Blue Hour (Dramatic) "blue hour just after sunset, deep blue sky, warm interior lights glowing through windows"

Bright Midday "bright midday sun, crisp defined shadows, vivid natural colors, clear blue sky with white clouds"

Common Issues & Solutions

Geometry Changes

If the AI modifies your building's shape, add this to your prompt:

"Maintain EXACT geometry from reference image"

Wrong Elements

If the AI misinterprets an element (e.g., turns a screen into a wall):

"This vertical element is a METAL LOUVER SCREEN for AC units, NOT a solid wall"

Not Photorealistic Enough

Add more detail to your prompts:

Specify texture details ("visible wood grain", "subtle mortar joints")
Add imperfections ("slight weathering", "natural color variation")
Include reflections ("sky reflections on glass", "wet surfaces after rain")

Example Complete Prompt

Here's a full prompt that produces excellent results:

Complete render prompt Maintain geometry and perspective from reference image. Photorealistic architectural visualization, professional photography, 8K. Modern two-story house with clean white thermal insulation panels, matte finish, subtle horizontal joints. Roof: anthracite grey standing seam sandwich panels with metallic sheen. Base: rough hewn natural stone masonry in warm beige. Frameless glass balustrade with stainless steel handrail. Slim-profile anthracite aluminum window frames. Manicured lawn, ornamental grasses, dark grey Porsche Cayenne in driveway. Golden hour sunlight, warm amber tones, long soft shadows.

Video Walkthroughs

After you're happy with a static render, you can create video walkthroughs. Common camera movements:

Slow orbit: Camera circles around the building
Push-in: Gentle zoom towards the entrance
Tracking shot: Camera moves along the facade
Aerial descent: Drone-like view coming down

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Complete Guide to CAD2Real: From First Upload to Perfect Render