Top 15 AI Tools to Turn
Anything into 3D in 2026
Got a description, photo, video, or real object? These 15 AI tools can turn it into a 3D model. We tested every input method to show you which tool works best for what you have.
Four Ways to Create 3D with AI
Text Prompts
Type what you want, get a 3D model
Photos & Images
Upload pictures, convert to 3D
Video Input
Record video, extract 3D
3D Scanning
Scan real objects with phone
In 2026, you're no longer limited to one input type. The best tools support multiple methods, giving you flexibility based on what you have available.
TL;DR - Best Tool by Input Type
Best for Text Input
3DAI Studio
Access to all text-to-3D AI models. Try your prompt with different engines.
Try Text to 3DBest for Images
3DAI Studio
Multi-model access means trying different AIs with your photo.
Try Image to 3DBest for Video
Luma AI
NeRF technology works well with video input. Free tier available.
Best for Scanning
Polycam
Mobile LiDAR scanning with excellent results. Easy to use.
Bottom line: 3DAI Studio handles the two most common input types (text and images) best because you get access to all AI models. For video input, Luma AI is specialized. For physical object scanning, Polycam excels.
Understanding Different Input Methods
Before diving into specific tools, let's understand what each input method is good for. Choosing the right input type for your situation makes a huge difference in results.
Text Prompts (Text-to-3D)
Type what you want - "wooden chair," "sci-fi helmet," "medieval sword" - and get a 3D model in 30-60 seconds. This is the fastest method when you know what you want but don't have reference images.
Best for:
- • Rapid concepting and iteration
- • Creating variations of ideas
- • When you don't have reference photos
- • Game asset creation from descriptions
Photos & Images (Image-to-3D)
Upload a photo or concept art and convert it to 3D. Works with single images or multiple angles. More accurate than text when you have specific visual references.
Best for:
- • Converting product photos to 3D
- • Recreating specific objects you photographed
- • Turning concept art into 3D models
- • Character creation from reference images
Video Input (Video-to-3D)
Record a video walking around an object, and AI reconstructs it in 3D. Uses photogrammetry and neural radiance fields (NeRF). More accurate than single photos but slower processing.
Best for:
- • Maximum accuracy for real objects
- • Complex shapes hard to photograph in one shot
- • Capturing environments and spaces
- • When you need all angles covered
3D Scanning (LiDAR/Photogrammetry)
Use your phone or specialized scanner to capture real-world objects with depth sensors. Most accurate method but requires physical access to the object.
Best for:
- • Ultra-accurate replication of real objects
- • Architectural documentation
- • Product documentation
- • When you have the physical object available
The 15 Tools - Organized by Input Method
Text-to-3D Tools
3DAI Studio
Best Overall3DAI Studio gives you access to ALL major text-to-3D AI models in one platform. Type your prompt once, try it with Meshy's model, Rodin's model, Tripo's model - pick the best result. Different AI models interpret prompts differently, so having options dramatically improves success rates.
Strengths
- Access to all text-to-3D AI models
- Also handles image-to-3D input
- Fast iteration (30-60 seconds)
- Best value (1,000 credits/$14)
Limitations
- No video-to-3D (yet)
- Newer platform
Best for: Anyone doing text-to-3D who wants the flexibility to try prompts with different AI models. Covers both text and image input.
Meshy
Solid text-to-3D with fast generation and established plugins. Limited to one AI model means if your prompt doesn't work well, you have no alternatives. Poor value at 200 credits/$16.
Best for: Users needing Blender/Unity plugins immediately with low volume needs.
Rodin AI
Highest quality photorealistic output for text prompts. Excellent for product-style descriptions. Very expensive and locked to one AI model. Same quality available via 3DAI Studio at $29/mo.
Best for: Enterprise budgets prioritizing maximum photorealistic quality with dedicated support.
Tripo AI
Clean topology for game assets, auto-rigging features. Good for game-style prompts like "low-poly barrel" or "stylized character." Limited to 200 credits. Access included in 3DAI Studio.
Best for: Game character creation with auto-rigging needs and low volume requirements.
Masterpiece X
Conversational interface for text-to-3D. Interesting approach where you chat with AI to refine models. Results are inconsistent. More experimental than production-ready.
Best for: Experimenting with conversational 3D creation. Not reliable for professional work yet.
Image-to-3D Tools
Most text-to-3D tools also handle images. Here are tools specifically optimized for image conversion:
CSM.ai
Image-to-3D specialist focused on product photography. No text-to-3D capability. Good consistent results for product images. Expensive for what it offers since it only handles one input type.
Best for: Product-focused workflows where you only ever convert photos to 3D.
Alpha3D
E-commerce focused image-to-3D with batch processing. Good for converting entire product catalogs at scale. Specialized for product photography - less versatile for other image types.
Best for: E-commerce agencies handling large product catalog conversions.
Kaedim
Hybrid approach: AI generates initial model, human artists refine it. Higher quality but 4-24 hour turnaround. Not suitable for fast iteration but good for hero assets where quality matters most.
Best for: High-quality hero assets where turnaround time isn't critical.
Video-to-3D Tools
Video input uses photogrammetry or neural radiance fields (NeRF) to reconstruct 3D from multiple video frames:
Luma AI
Leading NeRF/Gaussian Splatting platform. Record video walking around object, get 3D reconstruction. Free tier available. Generation takes 5-10 minutes - slower than AI text/image tools but more accurate for real objects.
Strengths
- Free tier available
- Excellent video-to-3D quality
- Mobile app for easy capture
Limitations
- Slow generation (5-10 minutes)
- Not suitable for fast iteration
Best for: Video-based 3D reconstruction of real objects. Great for learning and testing with free tier.
Polycam
Mobile scanning app with LiDAR support (iPhone/iPad Pro). Capture video while LiDAR measures depth. Produces high-quality scans. Different workflow than AI generation - requires physical object access.
Best for: Scanning real objects you have physical access to. Excellent mobile scanning experience.
RealityCapture
Professional photogrammetry software. More complex than AI tools but produces ultra-accurate results. Requires good photography technique and processing time. Desktop application, not cloud-based.
Best for: Professional photogrammetry work requiring maximum accuracy and control.
3D Scanning Tools
These tools use depth sensors (LiDAR) or structured light to capture 3D geometry directly:
Scaniverse
Free LiDAR scanning app for iPhone/iPad Pro. Easy to use, good quality scans. Limited to iOS devices with LiDAR (iPhone 12 Pro and newer). Great for learning 3D scanning without cost.
Best for: Free LiDAR scanning on compatible iOS devices. Perfect for learning and testing.
3D Scanner App
Another mobile scanning app with more export options than Scaniverse. Supports various 3D formats. Good for professional mobile scanning workflows. Requires LiDAR-equipped devices.
Best for: Professional mobile scanning with extensive export format needs.
Revopoint 3D Scanners
Dedicated 3D scanning hardware (not phone-based). Higher accuracy than phone LiDAR. Good for professional scanning workflows. One-time hardware purchase plus free software. Better investment for frequent scanning.
Best for: Professionals doing frequent 3D scanning who want better quality than phone LiDAR.
Hybrid & Multi-Input Tools
Sloyd
Different approach: parametric 3D creation with AI assistance. More like smart templates than pure AI generation. Good for creating variations of object types (chairs, tables, buildings) with parameter controls.
Best for: Creating variations of similar objects with parametric control. Game asset libraries.
Which Input Method Should You Use?
Here's a decision framework based on what you have available:
Use Text-to-3D When:
- • You know what you want but don't have reference images
- • You're concepting and iterating rapidly
- • You need to create multiple variations quickly
- • Speed matters more than matching a specific reference
Fastest method: 30-60 seconds per generation
Use Image-to-3D When:
- • You have a specific reference photo or concept art
- • You need to match a particular look or style
- • You're converting product photos to 3D
- • The object exists and you photographed it
More accurate than text for matching specific visuals
Use Video-to-3D When:
- • You need maximum accuracy for a real object
- • The object is complex and hard to capture in one photo
- • You have access to the physical object
- • Turnaround time isn't critical (5-10+ minutes)
Most accurate for real-world objects
Use 3D Scanning When:
- • You need ultra-accurate replication of a physical object
- • You're documenting real-world objects or spaces
- • You have LiDAR-equipped device or dedicated scanner
- • Accuracy matters more than speed
Highest accuracy but requires physical access
The Multi-Input Advantage
In 2026, you don't need to choose just one input method. The smartest approach is using platforms that handle multiple input types:
Why Multi-Input Platforms Win
Use the best input for each situation
Have a photo? Use image-to-3D. Just an idea? Use text. Don't be limited by tool capabilities.
One subscription replaces multiple tools
Don't pay separately for text-to-3D tool, image-to-3D tool, video tool. One platform handles everything.
Simpler workflow and billing
One login, one interface to learn, one subscription to manage. Less administrative overhead.
Combine inputs for best results
Start with text-to-3D to explore ideas. Refine with image-to-3D when you find the direction.
This is why 3DAI Studio ranks #1 - it handles text and image input with access to all AI models. Add a specialized tool like Luma for video if needed.
Cost Comparison Across Input Methods
Here's what you pay based on input method and tool choice:
| Tool | Text | Image | Video | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3DAI Studio | ✓ All models | ✓ All models | ✗ | $14/mo |
| Meshy | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | $16/mo |
| Rodin AI | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | $99/mo |
| CSM.ai | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | $20/mo |
| Luma AI | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ NeRF | Free-$30 |
| Polycam | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ LiDAR | $10/mo |
Best Value: 3DAI Studio at $14/mo handles both text and image input with access to ALL AI models. Add Luma AI ($30/mo) if you need video input = $44/mo total for complete coverage.
Making Your Choice
Here's how to decide which tool(s) you need:
For Most Users: Start with 3DAI Studio
Text and image input cover 90% of use cases. 3DAI Studio gives you both with access to all AI models. Start here. Add specialized tools only if you need video/scanning capabilities.
Get StartedAdd Luma AI If You Need Video Input
If you're scanning real objects or need video-to-3D reconstruction, add Luma AI's free tier to test. Upgrade to paid if you do this frequently.
Add Polycam If You Have LiDAR Device
If you have iPhone 12 Pro or newer with LiDAR, Polycam provides excellent mobile scanning at $10/mo. Great supplement to AI generation tools.
Skip Single-Input-Only Tools
Tools like CSM.ai (image only) or Masterpiece X (text only) don't make sense when multi-input platforms exist at similar or lower prices.
Different Input Methods in Action
See text-to-3D and image-to-3D generation examples
Upload any image, get a 3D model in 30-120 seconds
All these features included • Access to ALL AI models • From $14/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a powerful gaming PC to run these AI 3D generators?
No. All the tools listed here (like 3DAI Studio, Meshy, and Rodin) are cloud-based. This means the heavy processing happens on their servers, not your computer. You can create professional 3D models using a standard laptop, a Chromebook, or even a tablet.
Are these text-to-3D tools actually free to use?
Most tools offer a free trial or a limited free tier. For example, Luma AI has a generous free tier, while 3DAI Studio and Rodin are paid professional tools. We recommend starting with free credits to learn, but for higher quality and commercial usage, a paid subscription (starting around $14/mo) is usually required.
Can I use AI-generated 3D models in commercial games or projects?
Yes. If you are on a paid plan with tools like 3DAI Studio, Meshy, or Tripo, you typically own full commercial rights to the models you generate. You can use them in indie games, client design projects, or sell them on marketplaces. Always check the specific terms of the free tiers, as some require attribution.
What file formats do these AI tools export?
The standard industry formats. Almost all tools export in .GLB (GLTF) and .OBJ, which work perfectly with Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, and WebGL. Some advanced tools also export .FBX or .STL for 3D printing.
Do I need to know how to use Blender to use these tools?
No. The generation process happens entirely in your web browser. However, knowing a little bit of Blender is helpful if you want to combine multiple generated objects into a larger scene or change the colors later. But for creating the object itself? Zero 3D skills required.
Ready to Turn Anything into 3D?
Start with the most versatile platform - text and image input with access to all AI models.
From $14/month • Both input types included • All AI models
Noah's Take
Real experience
"Theres so many tools now, its crazy. I basically use three from this list daily. The specialised ones are usually better than the all-in-one tools. Dont be afraid to try a few to see what fits your specific style."
Noah Böhringer
Student & 3D Hobbyist
Noah represents the next generation of 3D creators. As a student and passionate hobbyist, he tests AI tools to push the boundaries of what's possible with limited budgets, focusing on accessibility and ease of use for newcomers.