Render Mode vs Edit Mode in ArchRender

If you’re new to ArchRender, understanding the difference between Render Mode and Edit Mode is key to getting the best results.

Both modes generate photorealistic images, but they’re designed for very different starting points and workflows. Choosing the right one will save you time, credits, and frustration.

What Is Render Mode?

Render Mode is built for turning clean, simple inputs into finished architectural renders.

It works best when your starting image is:

• A line drawing or elevation

• A black-and-white sketch

• A one-color massing model

• A SketchUp or CAD export with no textures or materials applied

Render Mode is designed to interpret form and geometry rather than override existing design decisions. When your input is neutral and uncluttered, ArchRender can accurately read proportions, rooflines, and massing, then apply realistic materials, lighting, and environment.

Use Render Mode when you want to:

• Turn drawings into first-pass renders

• Visualize a design early in the process

• Generate marketing imagery from plans or elevations

• Explore materials and styles from a neutral base

What Is Edit Mode?

Edit Mode is designed for working with images that already contain visual information.

This includes:

• Existing renders

• Textured 3D model screenshots

• Previously generated ArchRender images

• Images with materials, colors, or lighting already applied

Instead of starting from scratch, Edit Mode preserves the structure and composition of the image and applies targeted changes based on your prompt. It’s ideal for refining, adjusting, or re-imagining an existing visual without losing the original design.

Use Edit Mode when you want to:

• Change siding, roofing, or trim colors

• Adjust architectural style while keeping the same form

• Create variations without rebuilding the scene

• Change one area of a render (materials, furniture, landscaping) while leaving the rest alone

How to Use Selection Tools in Edit Mode

When you want to change one part of a render and leave the rest alone, use Selected area in Edit Mode. Whole image regenerates the full frame. Selected area regenerates only the highlighted region.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Edit Mode with a finished render (or switch from Render Mode with the edit action under a result). Upscaled versions can’t use area select, so edit the non-upscaled image first.

2. In the settings panel, under What to change, choose Selected area.

3. Use the toolbar on the image to mark what should change:

   • Brush (B): paint over the area.

   • Lasso (L): drag freehand, or click to place points. Close by clicking the first point, double-clicking, or pressing Enter.

   • Box (M): drag a rectangle.

   • Erase (E): paint to remove parts of the selection.

4. Optionally raise Edge blend so the edit softens into the surrounding image.

5. Write a prompt that describes only the change for that area (for example, “change the shutters to muted olive green” or “remove the car”).

6. Click Edit Selected Area.

Tips:

• Hold Alt (Option on Mac) with any tool to subtract from the selection.

• Invert flips the selection so everything except your mark is edited.

• Undo and redo are available from the toolbar (Ctrl/Cmd+Z and Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+Z).

• Only the highlighted area is regenerated. The rest of the image stays as it is.

Render Mode vs Edit Mode at a Glance

Render Mode:

• Best for line drawings and simple models

• No textures or colors in the input

• Builds the render from the ground up

• Ideal for early design and first visuals

Edit Mode:

• Best for textured or fully rendered images

• Preserves existing geometry and materials

• Makes controlled, targeted changes

• Ideal for revisions and refinements

Choosing the Right Mode

If you’re unsure which mode to use, ask yourself one question:

Do I want ArchRender to interpret my design, or adjust what already exists?

If you want interpretation, use Render Mode.
If you want adjustment, use Edit Mode.

Choosing the correct mode leads to faster results, better realism, and fewer wasted credits.

Pro Tip

One of the most common mistakes is trying to compensate for the wrong mode with a better prompt.

Even the best prompt can’t overcome:

• A heavily textured image in Render Mode

• A line drawing pushed through Edit Mode

Getting the mode and input combination right is the key to consistently strong results.