Best Open-Source Text-to-3D Tools on GitHub

Want to turn text into 3D models? Open-source tools like DreamFusion, Shap-E, Text2Mesh, and threestudio make it possible – free and accessible to everyone. These tools let you create 3D assets from text prompts, refine existing models, or even combine text and images for powerful results.

Quick Overview:

  • DreamFusion: Generates detailed 3D models using text prompts with advanced neural rendering.
  • Shap-E: Converts text to textured meshes or NeRFs, offering flexibility in output formats.
  • Text2Mesh: Enhances and transforms existing 3D models with text-driven texture and geometry updates.
  • threestudio: Supports text, images, or both for multi-modal 3D content creation with real-time previews.

Why Open-Source Tools?

  • Free to use and customizable.
  • Community-driven improvements.
  • Great for creators with limited resources.

Explore these tools to simplify 3D creation for games, architecture, and more!

This AI makes 3d models in SECONDS! | OpenAI Shap-e

OpenAI

DreamFusion

DreamFusion

DreamFusion is an open-source tool designed for creating 3D content from text descriptions. It uses 2D diffusion models and Score Distillation Sampling (SDS) to generate detailed and high-quality 3D assets.

Main Features

DreamFusion stands out in its ability to turn natural language inputs into precise 3D models. Key features include:

  • Neural Rendering: Uses advanced neural networks to produce high-quality 3D visuals.
  • View Consistency: Ensures objects look consistent from all angles.
  • Texture and Material Quality: Produces detailed textures with realistic materials.
  • Lighting Management: Handles complex lighting scenarios effectively.

This tool is particularly effective for organic models, such as natural shapes and textures, ensuring accurate geometry and surface details.

Setup Guide

Before starting, make sure your system meets these requirements:

  • A CUDA-compatible GPU with at least 16GB VRAM
  • Python 3.8 or newer
  • Git installed

To set up DreamFusion, follow these steps:

  1. Clone the repository and install the necessary dependencies:

    git clone https://github.com/dreamfusion3d/dreamfusion && cd dreamfusion && pip install -r requirements.txt
  2. Update the config.yaml file to suit your needs:

    • Set the rendering resolution.
    • Adjust optimization parameters.
    • Define the output directory.
  3. Run the tool with your text prompt:

    python run.py --prompt "your text description" --output_dir ./outputs

For the best results, use clear and specific text prompts that describe physical characteristics rather than abstract ideas. Depending on your hardware and the model’s complexity, the process typically takes 30–45 minutes.

Shap-E

Shap-E is OpenAI’s tool for converting text descriptions into 3D assets. This open-source project enables users to create both textured meshes and Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) from text inputs.

Core Features

Shap-E’s standout feature is its ability to generate two types of outputs: textured triangle meshes and NeRF representations. This gives users the flexibility to choose the format that best suits their needs.

How to Set It Up

To use Shap-E effectively, you’ll need to meet specific hardware and software requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. System Requirements

  • GPU: NVIDIA with at least 8GB VRAM
  • CUDA: Version 11.7 or newer
  • Python: Version 3.9 or later
  • RAM: Minimum of 16GB

2. Installation Steps

Run these commands in your terminal to install Shap-E:

git clone https://github.com/openai/shap-e
cd shap-e
pip install -e .

3. Configuring the Model

Shap-E’s default settings work for most scenarios, but you can tweak parameters in the config.py file to better suit your project. Here’s a quick reference:

Parameter Suggested Value Purpose
Resolution 64x64x64 Defines the model’s detail
Sample Count 512 Controls generation quality
Guidance Scale 15.0 Adjusts how closely results match the text

4. Generating 3D Models

To create a 3D model, use this command:

python scripts/generate.py --prompt "your description" --output_path ./output

For the best results, use detailed prompts that describe physical traits and geometric features. On supported hardware, the process usually takes 3–5 minutes per model.

sbb-itb-5392f3d

Text2Mesh

Text2Mesh

Text2Mesh refines existing 3D models by applying text-driven stylistic updates. Unlike tools that create models entirely from text, Text2Mesh focuses on enhancing and transforming pre-existing meshes.

Main Features

Text2Mesh specializes in texture and geometry adjustments, offering features like:

Feature Description Use Case
Texture Synthesis Generates detailed textures based on text input Adding materials like "rusty metal" or "polished marble"
Geometric Editing Makes subtle mesh changes guided by text prompts Tweaking surface details without altering the model’s structure
Multi-View Consistency Keeps the model’s appearance uniform from all angles Ensuring cohesive styling for complex shapes
Resolution Control Handles high-resolution textures for intricate details Producing assets suitable for games or animations

Common Uses

Text2Mesh is widely used across creative fields, including:

  • Game Asset Enhancement
    Game developers can quickly modify existing 3D assets, applying new styles and textures through simple text inputs. This speeds up iteration and adds variety to in-game models.
  • Architectural Visualization
    Architects and designers can experiment with different material finishes on 3D building models. Text2Mesh allows changes to surface textures while keeping the overall structure intact.
  • Character Customization
    Animation studios use Text2Mesh to create multiple character variations from a single base model. This simplifies the creative process and reduces production time.

The tool ensures the original geometry remains intact while applying advanced style transformations, making it ideal for projects that demand precise forms.

threestudio

threestudio

threestudio is a framework designed for creating 3D content using text, images, or a mix of both. It brings together various generation methods into a single, streamlined workflow.

Key Functions

threestudio includes a variety of tools aimed at flexible 3D content creation:

Function Capability Details
Multi-Modal Input Accepts text, images, or combined inputs Produces outputs like NeRF, mesh-based models, and point clouds
Real-time Preview Interactive viewport for instant feedback WebGL-based visualization running at 30+ FPS
Export Options Supports multiple formats for compatibility Includes .obj, .glb, .fbx, and point cloud formats
Batch Processing Manages multiple tasks at once Enables parallel processing on compatible GPUs

The framework is built to ensure precise geometry while offering plenty of options for customization. Its modular setup lets developers add custom plugins and renderers with ease. Everything integrates smoothly into a simple setup process.

Setup Guide

1. System Requirements

Make sure your system meets the following:

  • NVIDIA GPU with at least 8GB VRAM
  • CUDA 11.7 or newer
  • Python 3.8 or higher
  • 16GB of system RAM

2. Installation Process

Set up the framework by cloning the repository and preparing your environment:

git clone https://github.com/threestudio-project/threestudio.git
cd threestudio
conda create -n threestudio python=3.8
conda activate threestudio
pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Configuration

Adjust the configuration files to suit your setup:

  • Create a configs directory in the project root
  • Copy the default configuration template into the directory
  • Modify the settings to align with your hardware specifications

Thanks to its modular design, you can add custom components without losing compatibility with the main framework.

Conclusion

Text-to-3D creation is making strides as open-source tools make advanced 3D modeling accessible to a wider audience.

Open Source Benefits

Open-source text-to-3D tools bring several advantages that are drawing interest from creators and developers alike:

Benefit Impact Why It Matters
Cost Savings Cuts operational costs No need for pricey licenses or subscriptions
Hardware-Friendly Works on less powerful GPUs Affordable for creators with standard equipment
Customizable Access to source code Tailor features to specific needs
Community-Driven Backed by active contributors Frequent updates and shared knowledge

These features are helping independent creators and smaller studios step into the world of professional 3D content creation without traditional barriers.

The Road Ahead

The future holds even more promise for text-to-3D tools, with advancements that could redefine workflows.

AI-Powered Rigging: New AI technologies are simplifying animation processes, cutting down the time needed for character setup – a game-changer for developers and artists.

Better Asset Quality: Machine learning improvements are driving higher-quality 3D models, enabling tools to deliver even more polished results.

These developments are paving the way for professional-grade modeling to become even more accessible than ever before.

Related Blog Posts