RODIN: AI Image to 3D Model. Is it production ready?

RODIN: AI Image to 3D Model. Is it Production Ready?

Rodan is a new AI tool that can generate 3D models from images, or even simply from text. It aims to create production-ready results. However, you might be wondering: can it truly deliver? Since this is a paid service, another pertinent question is, how expensive is it? Is it worth the cost? These are the questions we will answer in this article.

You can access Rodan from the link provided in the video description. Once you register, you'll be greeted with an intro that explains what to expect from this tool. They talk about their emphasis, what the tool is good at, and even encourage you to look at other options. They also openly admit that the tool is still new and in its immature stages, which is refreshing honesty.

When you start using Rodan, your profile will display a link to their Discord for any questions and points-based system, the points of which we will discuss later within context. You can generate objects and assess how much they cost. Scrolling down, you will find recent objects generated by the tool, giving you an immediate impression of its capabilities.

To create your own model, you can press the plus button and choose to upload an image file or use the text input option. For instance, typing "a cartoony squirrel" will generate an image. If you like the image, you can confirm it, and it will be used for the 3D generation. Additional features include setting your model as private or public and previewing your 3D model quickly, with the option to redo the basic model free of charge.

Some predefined prompts are available, critical for specific designs, such as symmetric geometry, sharp edges, smooth edges, simple geometry, and complex geometry. This allows customization depending on the character you want to generate.

The next step is to confirm your model settings, including the number of polygons and enabling the hyper setting for better results, which usually costs three credits but currently only takes one. Wireframe viewing shows reasonable topology, which, while not flawless, is quite good.

Texturizing the model costs another credit, with options for PBR temperature and reference strength to fine-tune texturing. You can regenerate textures up to 15 times without additional credit costs. Confirming the texture finalizes the process without incurring more costs. From here, you can download your model for use in various applications like Blender, Maya, or game engines.

Using multiple images provides two options: multiview, for different angles of the same subject, and fusion, for merging unrelated shapes. Classic model sheets can be used in the multiview mode, which ensures each image is correctly assigned to its respective angle, optimized settings, and preview adjustment.

An additional tool in Rodan is a basic sculpting space to make adjustments to the generated 3D model. However, serious sculpting work would be better done in a more robust application like Blender. Generating textures can sometimes miss fine details, especially in more complex areas like eyes—a reminder that you may need to do manual adjustments.

In terms of pricing, individual credits can be purchased or obtained through a subscription service with tiers like Creator and Business. Prices vary depending on tier; with current discounts, the cost per model can be as low as $ 3 without a subscription, $ 1.60 as a Creator, and $ 0.92 as a Business subscriber. Without the discount, costs increase significantly.

Rodan is not yet suitable for high-end production, like Pixar movies. Still, it opens doors for many creators with lower budgets and technical knowledge requirements, making it possible to bring 3D visions to life affordably and efficiently.

Keywords:

• AI Tool
• 3D Models
• Image to 3D
• Text to 3D
• Production Ready
• Pricing
• Rodan
• Texturing
• Polygon
• Modeling
• Subscription
• Credits
• Blender
• PBR Textures
• Model Sheets
• Sculpting
• Multiview
• Fusion
• Creator
• Business

FAQ:

Q1: Can Rodan generate 3D models from both images and text? A1: Yes, Rodan can generate 3D models from both images and text inputs.

Q2: Is Rodan a free service? A2: No, Rodan is a paid service with options to purchase individual credits or subscribe for discounted rates.

Q3: How much does generating and texturing a model cost? A3: The current discounted rate for generating a model is one credit, and texturing costs another credit. Pricing varies depending on whether you buy credits individually or through a subscription.

Q4: Is Rodan suitable for high-end productions like Pixar movies? A4: No, Rodan is not yet suitable for high-end productions but is useful for many creators with simpler needs.

Q5: Can I use Rodan to generate complex hard surface models? A5: Yes, Rodan includes options for sharp edges and complex geometry, making it capable of generating more detailed hard-surface models.

Q6: What applications can I use these models in? A6: You can use the models generated by Rodan in applications like Blender, Maya, game engines, and more.

Q7: Does Rodan support multiple angles for generating models? A7: Yes, Rodan supports multiple angles for a single subject and can fuse different shapes together using its multiview and fusion modes.

Q8: Are there any inbuilt sculpting tools in Rodan? A8: Yes, Rodan includes a basic sculpting space for adjustments, though more detailed sculpting is recommended in specialized software like Blender.