AI images to meshes / Stable diffusion & Blender Tutorial

DIGITAL GUTS
3 Jul 202306:49

TLDRThis tutorial demonstrates how to create 3D meshes from AI-generated images using Stable Diffusion and Blender. It covers the process of generating depth maps with ControlNet or Zoid, projecting these onto a plane to create dense geometry, and refining the model with subdivision and sculpting. The video also shows how to apply materials, create additional maps for shaders, and optimize the mesh with decimation. The result is an efficient technique for rapid concept development and composition arrangement.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The video demonstrates a technique to create 3D meshes from AI-generated images using Stable Diffusion.
  • 🔍 The process involves using a control net extension in depth mode to generate a depth map from an image.
  • 🌐 An alternative to control net is the Zoid depth model from Hacking Faces, which can be used online.
  • 🛠 In Blender, a plane is created and modified with the depth map to form the base geometry of the mesh.
  • 🎨 A material is applied to the mesh, using the original 2D image as the base color.
  • 🔨 Subdivision Surface modifier is used to smooth out sharp edges of the mesh.
  • 🔄 Mirroring and sculpting are performed to refine the mesh geometry.
  • 🔧 Decimation is used to optimize the mesh by reducing the number of triangles.
  • 🖼️ Additional maps like specular and normal maps are generated for shader effects using Shader Map.
  • 🎨 The final step includes applying these maps to the mesh for a realistic appearance.
  • 🚀 This technique allows for quick creation of multiple meshes for concept art and design.

Q & A

  • What technique is the video tutorial about?

    -The video tutorial is about creating 3D meshes from AI-generated images using a technique that involves displacement of projected images with depth maps.

  • What AI tools are mentioned for generating images?

    -The AI tools mentioned for generating images are Stable Diffusion and ControlNet.

  • How does the process of creating depth maps from images work?

    -The process involves using the ControlNet extension in-depth mode to analyze the image and build a depth map, or using the Zoid depth model from Hacking Faces for online generation.

  • What is the purpose of creating a plane in Blender?

    -The purpose of creating a plane in Blender is to apply a displacement modifier and use the depth map as a displacement texture, which helps in forming the initial 3D geometry.

  • How is the displacement modifier applied in Blender?

    -The displacement modifier is applied by selecting the depth map as the displacement texture in the modifier settings.

  • What is the role of the subdivision surface modifier in this process?

    -The subdivision surface modifier is used to smooth out the sharp edges of the generated geometry, creating a more refined and detailed mesh.

  • How can the generated mesh be optimized for better performance?

    -The mesh can be optimized by applying a decimate modifier to reduce the number of triangles without significantly affecting the overall shape and detail.

  • What additional maps can be generated for the shader process?

    -Additional maps that can be generated for the shader process include the shadow map, specular color map, and specular map for shiny surfaces.

  • How can the normal map be generated using Shader Map?

    -The normal map can be generated by dropping the main texture into the Shader Map and adjusting settings such as density and inverting the map for better results.

  • What is the final step in the tutorial for applying materials to the mesh?

    -The final step involves applying the normal map, specular map, and other necessary materials to the mesh in Blender to achieve the desired visual effects.

  • What is the potential application of this technique in the creative process?

    -This technique can be used for quick concepting, creating multiple meshes for compositions, and exploring various design ideas efficiently.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Mesh Creation with AI and Depth Maps

The speaker introduces a tutorial on creating unique geometry meshes using AI tools like Stable Diffusion. They explain the process involves projecting images onto a plane with the help of depth maps generated by AI. The tutorial assumes the viewer has knowledge of AI image generation and proceeds to demonstrate how to use the ControlNet extension in 'Depth mode' to analyze and create depth maps from an image. If ControlNet is not available, the Zoid depth model is recommended. The tutorial then moves on to creating a dense plane in Blender, applying a displacement modifier with the depth map, and creating materials with the base 2D image. The process includes smoothing the geometry, applying a subdivision surface modifier, and mirroring the object to create a complete mesh. The speaker also discusses optimizing the mesh by reducing the number of triangles using decimation.

05:00

🌟 Generating Shader Maps for Enhanced Visuals

In the second paragraph, the focus shifts to generating additional maps for shader processes to enhance the visual quality of the created meshes. The speaker suggests using Shader Map to create shadow and specular maps, which can be done by dropping the main texture into the respective map slots and adjusting settings like density for the desired effect. The tutorial also covers the application of these maps to the shader, including disabling the base color to see the effects of the normal and specular maps. The speaker concludes by encouraging the viewer to create multiple meshes using this technique for quick concept development and composition arrangement, and thanks the audience for watching.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI images to meshes

This term refers to the process of converting images generated by artificial intelligence into 3D mesh models. In the context of the video, the technique involves using AI tools like Stable Diffusion to create images that are then translated into 3D geometry through displacement mapping and depth maps. The script mentions this as the main focus of the tutorial, showing how to achieve this transformation.

💡Stable Diffusion

Stable Diffusion is an AI tool used for generating images from text descriptions. It is highlighted in the script as the software employed to create the initial images that will later be turned into 3D meshes. The tutorial assumes that viewers are already familiar with using AI tools like Stable Diffusion.

💡Depth maps

Depth maps are images that represent the depth information of a scene or object, essential for creating the illusion of three-dimensionality in 2D images. In the video, depth maps are generated using AI and are then applied to the images to create displacement, which helps in forming the 3D mesh structure.

💡ControlNet extension

The ControlNet extension is a feature within AI image generation tools that allows for the creation of depth maps in 'depth mode'. The script describes using this extension to analyze an image and build a depth path, which is crucial for the 3D mesh creation process.

💡Zoid depth model

The Zoid depth model is an online tool mentioned in the script as an alternative to the ControlNet extension for generating depth maps. It is used when the ControlNet extension is not available, providing a way to create the necessary depth information for 3D modeling.

💡Plane geometry

In 3D modeling, plane geometry refers to a flat, two-dimensional surface that can be manipulated and extruded to form more complex shapes. The script describes creating a dense plane geometry that will serve as the base for the 3D mesh, which is then modified with displacement to match the AI-generated image.

💡Displacement modifier

A displacement modifier in 3D modeling is used to alter the surface of a mesh based on an image or map. In the script, this modifier is applied to the plane geometry using the depth map as a reference, which allows the flat plane to take on the shape depicted in the AI-generated image.

💡Subdivision surface modifier

This modifier is used to increase the smoothness and detail of a 3D model by subdividing the polygon faces into smaller pieces. The script mentions applying this modifier to the geometry to get rid of sharp edges and create a smoother appearance.

💡Mirror modifier

The mirror modifier is a tool in 3D modeling software that creates a symmetrical copy of a selected object or part of an object. In the video script, it is used to duplicate parts of the mesh, creating a complete symmetrical model from an initially asymmetrical geometry.

💡Decimate

Decimation in 3D modeling is the process of reducing the number of polygons in a mesh to optimize it for rendering or to simplify the model without significantly affecting its appearance. The script describes using decimation to reduce the polygon count of the mesh from 200,000 triangles for better performance.

💡Shader maps

Shader maps are textures used in 3D rendering to define the appearance of materials on a model's surface. The script explains generating additional maps like specular and normal maps using Shader Map, which enhance the visual properties of the 3D model, making it more realistic in rendering.

Highlights

Introduction to the tutorial on creating AI-generated images and meshes using Stable Diffusion.

Explanation of the technique involving displacement of projected images with depth maps.

Using AI to generate images and then creating depth maps with the ControlNet extension in-depth mode.

Alternative method of generating depth maps using Zoid depth model from Hacking Faces online.

Creating a dense plane geometry in Blender for the mesh.

Applying a displacement modifier to the plane using the depth map.

Comparison between ControlNet depth and Zoid depth for better visual results.

Creating and applying materials to the mesh with a 2D image as the base color.

Using the Subdivision Surface modifier to smooth sharp edges on the mesh.

Mirroring the object in Blender to create symmetrical geometry.

Sculpting the mesh to refine the geometry and remove unwanted parts.

Applying a Mirror Modifier to the mesh to complete the symmetrical shape.

Decimation of the mesh to optimize the geometry without losing detail.

Generating additional maps for the shader process using Shader Map.

Creating a Shadow map and adjusting its density for better results.

Generating Specular Color and Specular maps for shiny surfaces.

Applying Normal and Specular maps to finalize the shader setup.

Demonstration of the final result with correct normals and specular maps.

Conclusion on the versatility of the technique for quick concepting and composition.