Create stunning photorealistic images and videos from any CAD system, real life photo, or even a quick napkin sketch.
IMAGE RENDERS COMPLETE IN 60 SECONDS.
Lumion is architectural visualization software built around a 3D project scene. Teams import or synchronize a CAD/BIM model, then develop the view with context, materials, lighting, weather, landscape, and camera settings before producing stills, movies, or panoramas. Its connected Lumion View workflow can also bring real-time visualization into supported modeling applications for earlier design review.
Lumion is the stronger choice when an architecture team needs the model to remain the source of truth while it builds a reusable exterior or interior scene. Start with an imported or synchronized CAD/BIM model, then add site context, vegetation, people, material finishes, sun and sky, artificial lights, and saved cameras. That scene-based workflow suits coordinated design reviews, multiple camera outputs, walkthrough-style movies, and panoramic presentations. RENDERCAD is more useful when the decision already lives in a specific view: a SketchUp perspective, Revit viewport, facade study, interior angle, product model image, or slide screenshot. Upload that image to rapidly explore a polished presentation still without preparing a full Lumion scene, transferring model data, or rebuilding the environment on a local graphics workstation.
A Lumion project begins with geometry rather than a flat image. After import or a live connection from a supported design tool, the author can compose the environment, place assets, refine materials, set light and weather conditions, and establish cameras before rendering. This gives the team control over the relationship between the building, landscape, objects, and camera across several deliverables. It is especially useful when the same model must support changing viewpoints, a sequence of images, motion, or panoramic output. The tradeoff is that model preparation, import quality, asset placement, hardware capability, desktop installation, and scene maintenance remain part of the visualization task. RENDERCAD is a practical complement for a fast, view-led handoff. Use the clearest design viewport or reference image as input, describe the intended architectural mood and material direction, and generate still-image options for a client deck, concept review, marketing draft, or internal comparison. RENDERCAD does not replace Lumion when the project needs a maintained 3D scene, controlled camera animation, or panorama deliverables; retain Lumion and the underlying CAD/BIM model for those source-of-truth workflows. For current RENDERCAD API implementation guidance, see RENDERCAD developer documentation.
Screenshot the CAD viewport you already have, render in the browser, and download a client-ready still or video without exports, plugins, or GPU setup.
Modeled by CADSharp in Onshape. Rendered with RENDERCAD.
Add | Change | or Remove referenced objects with the stroke of a brush.
RENDERCAD uses a maintained selection of image-generation models for different rendering tasks. Results can vary by model and input, so compare generated output with the source design before relying on geometry, materials, or dimensions.
| Feature | RENDERCAD | Lumion |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative AI | Real-time architectural renderer with ray-traced rendering options |
| Output | Images + Video | Varies by tool |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Varies |
| Image Speed | Image renders complete in 60 seconds. | Real-time preview; final output varies by scene, ray tracing, resolution, and GPU |
| Video Speed | Videos complete in 2-5 minutes. | Varies by workflow |
| Scene Set Up | No separate local scene | Varies by workflow |
| Input | Screen Snip | Varies by tool |
| Materials | 2,600+ Textures | Library varies |
| Backgrounds | 1300+ Backgrounds | Tool-dependent |
| Conditions | 40+ Effects | Tool-dependent |
| References | Up to 6 Per Render | Varies |
| Hardware | Cloud (None Required) | Lumion Pro runs as a Windows desktop application; Lumion View availability depends on the supported modeling application |
| Install | None | Varies (web or app) |
| Cost | from $9/mo | Commercial subscription licensing; regional availability and education or trial terms vary. |
Side by side, feature by feature. See how RENDERCAD's AI approach compares with Lumion's interactive visualization workflow.
Skip a separate local scene build. Pick a condition, material, and background while RENDERCAD handles the image-generation step. Image renders complete in 60 seconds.
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RENDERCAD™
Use the browser workflow directly, capture a selected view with the desktop app, or start from the browser extension.
Get StartedCommon questions about RENDERCAD vs Lumion
With RENDERCAD, upload or snip a clear image, describe carbon fiber, and add a material reference when exact visual direction matters. Image renders complete in 60 seconds.
Upload a clear view, describe the brushed-aluminum finish you want, and add a material reference when the visual direction matters. Because the result is generated from an image, inspect the grain direction and surface details against your original design before using it in a final presentation.
Describe an environment such as a sunny forest or urban street and use a reference image when needed. Image renders complete in 60 seconds without building a local scene file or environment map.
Start with a clear source view, choose a simple background, and describe the studio look you want. RENDERCAD can generate a presentation image without requiring you to build a traditional light rig, but the lighting is image-based and should be reviewed rather than treated as a physically measured setup.
RENDERCAD can generate orbit-style motion from a single image using a Camera option. Because the motion is inferred rather than rendered from a complete 3D model, review geometry and hidden-side details before publishing the result.
The Seamless Loop option is designed to improve continuity between the end and beginning of a generated video. Inspect the transition before publishing because generative motion and loop quality can vary by image and model.
RENDERCAD processes generation in the cloud, so it does not require a dedicated local rendering GPU. You still need a supported browser and internet connection, and normal browser, upload, and download activity can use local device resources.
RENDERCAD image renders complete in 60 seconds. Competing real-time tools may preview quickly, but final output speed still depends on scene complexity, hardware, export settings, and output quality.
RENDERCAD starts at $9/month with credits that refresh monthly - predictable costs with no upfront investment or perpetual license fees.
RENDERCAD starts from a supported 2D image such as a CAD viewport capture, product photo, or drawing. You do not need to import the native 3D scene, but you may need to capture or export a clear image from the source application first.
RENDERCAD can generate a visual interpretation of a described or referenced material without requiring shader parameters. It does not guarantee physically measured or specification-accurate material behavior, so validate critical color, grain, reflectivity, and finish details against approved references.
Yes. A clear viewport capture can become a more polished visual for a design review. Image renders complete in 60 seconds, making it practical to prepare or iterate presentation options.
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