From CAD to Render: A Professional Workflow

Leverage the precision of your CAD drawings to create stunning, photorealistic renders with RenderHatch's powerful AI.

While RenderHatch is amazing with rough sketches, it truly shines when you provide it with clean linework exported from your favorite CAD program. This guide outlines the best practices for a seamless CAD-to-Render workflow.

Step 1: Exporting from Your CAD Software

The key to a good result is a clean input. When exporting from software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, follow these tips:

• Choose an Elevation or Plan View: Isolate the view you want to render. Avoid cluttered 3D views.
• Export as an Image: Export your view as a high-resolution PNG or JPG. A white background with black or gray lines works best.
• Simplify Your Drawing: Turn off unnecessary layers like dimensions, text annotations, and furniture unless they are critical to the final render. The cleaner the linework, the better the AI can interpret the architectural form.

Step 2: Uploading to RenderHatch

Use the "Sketch to Render" tool in the Studio. Even though your input is a clean CAD export, the process is the same. Upload your exported image file.

Step 3: Crafting the Perfect Prompt

This is where you give the AI its artistic direction. Since your input geometry is precise, you can focus your prompt entirely on the aesthetics.

"An ultra-photorealistic, 8K architectural render of this building. The walls are board-formed concrete and cedar siding. The environment is a lush forest in the Pacific Northwest during a misty morning. Soft, diffused natural light. Shot on a 35mm lens for a cinematic feel."

Refer to our Prompting Best Practices guide for more tips on writing effective descriptions.