Importing and Rendering 3D Models in ArchRender
ArchRender lets you upload your own 3D models and generate photorealistic renders in minutes. This guide covers supported file types, exporting from design software, model orientation, camera controls, Render Mode settings, and best practices for strong results.
Supported 3D File Types
ArchRender supports:
OBJ
GLB
GLTF
FBX
These formats work best when geometry is clean, properly scaled, and free of unnecessary detail.
Exporting From Architecture and Design Software
Most architectural and design tools can export to one or more of the supported formats. When exporting your model:
Use a dedicated 3D view if available
Hide annotations, guides, and construction helpers
Remove unnecessary interior or exterior elements
Keep materials simple
Keep the model close to the origin
You do not need a fully detailed or heavily textured model. Clean geometry with basic materials often produces the most consistent results.
Importing Your Model Into ArchRender
Open ArchRender and switch to Render Mode
Click Upload 3D Model
Select your file from your computer
Wait for the model to process and appear in the viewport
Once uploaded, your model will be visible and ready for orientation, camera setup, and rendering.
Navigating the 3D Viewport
Use the viewport controls to position your view before rendering:
Drag to rotate
Scroll to zoom
Right-click to pan
These controls are for preview and framing. Your render will be generated from the camera view you set.
Axis Orientation After Import
Different 3D design tools use different axis systems. Some are Z-up, while others are Y-up. Because of this, a model may appear rotated or lying on its side after import.
This is normal and easy to fix.
If your model imports incorrectly:
Use the axis flip or rotation controls after import
Rotate the model until it sits flat on the ground plane
Confirm walls are vertical and the roof is oriented correctly
In most cases, you do not need to re-export the model.
Camera Controls and Aspect Ratio
Before rendering, set your camera composition using the camera controls.
Field of View (FOV)
The FOV slider controls how wide or tight the camera view appears.
Lower values create a tighter, telephoto look with less distortion
Higher values create a wider view, useful for interiors
For most exterior renders, a moderate FOV produces the most natural results.
Aspect Ratio
Choose an aspect ratio based on how the image will be used:
1:1 for square images
4:3 for traditional presentations
16:9 for web, video, and hero sections
3:4 and 9:16 for vertical layouts and social media
Aspect ratio affects composition, so select it before finalizing your camera angle.
Render Mode Settings
The settings panel in Render Mode controls the scene type, context, and style direction for your render.
Exterior vs Interior
Use the Exterior / Interior toggle to choose what you are rendering. This helps ArchRender apply the right assumptions for composition and scene context.
Season
Choose a season such as Summer. This affects the surrounding look and feel, including landscaping cues and overall environment styling.
Time
Choose a time of day such as Noon. This influences the lighting direction and intensity used for the render.
Environment
Choose an environment such as Suburban. This controls the broader setting around the building, like what kind of neighborhood context or surroundings are suggested.
Mood Board
Use Exterior Mood Board (or Interior mood board when in Interior mode) to select a mood board image. Mood boards help guide materials, colors, and overall style direction.
Tip: A mood board should be a collage of materials and inspiration, not a single photo of another house.
Material Details (Optional)
Use Material Details to describe key finishes you want included. This is especially useful when you have specific materials that must be respected.
Example:
White painted brick, slate shingle roof, copper guttering, dark bronze windows
Keep this focused on materials and finishes, but at the end you can add additional instructions, like adding people, for example.
Ultra Mode (2 credits)
Enable Ultra when you want higher realism and better results on textured models. Ultra uses more processing and costs 2 credits per render.
Generating a Render
Once your model is oriented and your camera is framed:
Set Exterior or Interior
Choose your Season, Time, and Environment
Optionally select a Mood Board
Optionally enter Material Details
Turn on Ultra if desired
Click Generate
Refining and Iterating
If the first render is not quite right:
Adjust materials in Material Details
Try a different mood board
Change Season, Time, or Environment
Switch back to the 3D viewer and reframe the camera using FOV or change the angle
Switch to Edit Mode to make changes without losing your entire render
Small changes often lead to major improvements.