Is Trellis 2 Free? Pricing, Limits & How to Get Started

Short answer: the Trellis 2 model itself is completely free and open source. Microsoft released it under the MIT license, which means anyone can use it for any purpose, including commercial projects.

But "the model is free" and "using the model is free" are two different things. Here's the honest breakdown.

Option 1: Run Trellis 2 Yourself (Free, But Hard)

Since Trellis 2 is open source on GitHub, you can download it and run it on your own computer. No subscription, no credits, no limits. Completely free.

The catch is that you need serious hardware:

• A GPU with at least 16GB of video memory (an NVIDIA RTX 4080 or better)
• Python, CUDA, and several dependencies installed correctly
• Comfort with the command line

If you already have a powerful GPU and you're comfortable with Python, this is genuinely the cheapest option. You can generate as many 3D models as you want for zero cost.

But for most people, this isn't practical. A GPU with 16GB+ VRAM costs $500 or more, and the setup process involves cloning repositories, installing CUDA dependencies, and troubleshooting compatibility issues. There are open issues on GitHub where even experienced developers run into problems with GLB extraction and memory usage.

Option 2: Use Trellis 2 on 3D AI Studio (Easiest)

This is the option that makes the most sense for most people. 3D AI Studio runs Trellis 2 in the cloud, so you don't need a GPU, don't need to install anything, and can use it from any device with a browser.

Here's how the pricing works:

• Free credits when you sign up so you can try it without paying
• 10 credits per generation after that
• PBR textures always included at no extra cost
• Format conversion included (GLB, OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY)

That makes it one of the most affordable ways to generate 3D models online. For comparison, some other platforms charge 35 to 100 credits for similar quality.

You can learn more about the model on the Trellis 2 page or jump straight to the Image to 3D tool.

Option 3: Other Platforms

Several other websites have built interfaces around the same open source Trellis 2 model. They typically charge monthly subscriptions ranging from $2 to $72 per month, with different credit allocations.

Since everyone is running the same underlying model, the output quality is essentially the same. What differs is the convenience, the extra tools available (like format conversion, texture editing, and batch processing), and the pricing structure.

What You Get with Every Trellis 2 Generation

Regardless of where you run it, every Trellis 2 generation produces:

• A 3D model with full PBR materials (base color, metallic, roughness, alpha)
• Support for complex geometry including thin surfaces and internal structures
• Resolution up to 1536³ voxels
• GLB output format (convertible to OBJ, FBX, STL on 3D AI Studio)

There's no "free tier with lower quality" vs "paid tier with better quality" situation. The model is the model. What you put in (your image quality) determines what you get out.

Can You Use Trellis 2 Models Commercially?

Yes. The MIT license allows full commercial use. Models you generate with Trellis 2 are yours to use in games, apps, products, marketing, 3D printing, or anything else. No royalties, no attribution required.

This applies whether you run the model yourself or use it through 3D AI Studio. Either way, the output belongs to you.

How to Get Started for Free

1. Go to 3D AI Studio
2. Create a free account
3. Upload an image and generate your first 3D model using your free credits
4. Download in whatever format you need

The whole process takes about 2 to 3 minutes. If you want tips on getting the best results from your images, check out our Trellis 2 tutorial.

If you're deciding between Trellis 2 and other models, we also have a comparison of Trellis 2 vs Hunyuan 3D to help you pick the right one.