5 AI tools turn 2D images into 3D

You can easily create 3D images from your 2D images using AI tools. You no longer have to rely on rendering 3D shapes, these tools will allow you to enjoy fast and varied results.

1. Alpha 3D

Using Generative AI, you can convert 2D images or text prompts into 3D images in Alpha 3D. Although this is a freemium software, new users will receive the first 50 credits of AI-generated 3D images for free.

Alpha 3D's visualization generator focuses on augmented reality (AR). Once created, AR 3D images can be used in Adobe Aero, one of Adobe's free applications, to create augmented reality scenes.

At the time of writing (June 2024), the 2D to 3D image model is only trained on a limited number of image types. Therefore, only images of shoes or furniture can be rendered into a 3D model. While this limitation prevents you from accessing more exploratory 3D visuals, it will hopefully change in the future to allow for more creative freedom. The 3D text-to-image model does not have the same limitations.

2. Make3D

This free browser-based application allows you to convert your flat photos into 3D images with depth perception capabilities. 3D images are not 3D models, they still look like photos but have the opposite dimensions of regular flat photos.

You can upload your own photos or use an image URL to upload. The quality of the resizing depends on the photo and how easily depth perception is achieved. You can use your 3D photos as embedded images on websites or download them for personal use anywhere.

For a free app, the results are quite good and fun to try, but they're not up to professional standards.

3. Tripo

Tripo adds dimension to your uploaded image, turning it into an amazing 3D render. You can upload flat images in PNG, JPEG, WEBP and BMP formats. You can also upload using text prompts for your work.

Free users are limited to 600 monthly credits that can be used to create and refine 3D images such as arranging and styling. Pro subscriptions start at $19.90/month and include 3000 credits. Premium subscription starts at $139.90/month and gets 25000 credits monthly.

The free version of Tripo produces similar results to the paid subscription versions, and they are good quality and accurate.

4. Meshy

New Meshy users get 200 free credits monthly and 50% off paid subscriptions. Paid subscriptions start at $8/month for Pro, $24/month for Max, and $48/month for Max Unlimited.

Each 2D image converted into 3D costs 5 credits (subsequent versions use more credits). Free users cannot access the AI ​​texture editing tool, and free users can only have one project in the queue at a time.

Premium services for Meshy have options to edit 3D renderings, thus providing better results.

5. Splines

Spline is a tool that allows 3D vector visualization. You can create 3D themes and scenes to use on animations and interactions on websites. It also has an AI 3D creator, allowing you to quickly create a 3D image, then edit it with tools available in Spline's software, accessible via browser or on the system-wide app. Mac and Windows systems.

While Spline offers some free features in its software, the AI ​​generator for 3D visualization is part of the premium Super plan, starting at $24/month.

With Spline's AI 3D image generator, you can create 3D images by uploading a 2D image or by using a text prompt to create your 3D image. You can also upload a 2D image and then use the text prompt to combine the 2D image into the 3D rendering. There are several other AI features in Spline's tools, such as AI textures to apply to images, remixing to find different image results, and AI style transfer.

Samuel Daniel

Update 26 June 2024