Turn SOLIDWORKS MBD annotation, section, and exploded 3D views into clear product visuals.
SOLIDWORKS Model-Based Definition organizes 3D product and manufacturing information (PMI), including dimensions, tolerances, datums, notes, and BOM data, around the CAD model. Teams can capture 3D views and publish annotated model communications in formats such as 3D PDF, eDrawings, and STEP AP242. Those structured views are useful manufacturing references, while a separately prepared viewport image can make the product's form, interfaces, and assembly relationships clearer for people who do not need to interpret every item of PMI.
SOLIDWORKS Model-Based Definition organizes 3D product and manufacturing information (PMI), including dimensions, tolerances, datums, notes, and BOM data, around the CAD model. Teams can capture 3D views and publish annotated model communications in formats such as 3D PDF, eDrawings, and STEP AP242. Those structured views are useful manufacturing references, while a separately prepared viewport image can make the product's form, interfaces, and assembly relationships clearer for people who do not need to interpret every item of PMI.
SOLIDWORKS MBD is especially useful when a part or assembly needs both an authoritative 3D definition and a concise visual explanation. An engineer might use a captured annotation view to orient a supplier to a critical datum scheme, a section view to show the wall, seal, or passage that a design review must discuss, or an exploded view to explain how a serviceable assembly fits together. In these situations, the underlying configuration, display state, and camera angle already carry valuable engineering context.
RENDERCAD can turn a clean version of that viewport into a presentation-focused still for a review deck, RFQ conversation, internal approval, product-sheet concept, or service communication. Preserve the geometry and viewpoint that make the relationship legible, but reduce visual clutter before capture. Product lighting, background treatment, and material emphasis can help a non-specialist read the form without changing the MBD record. This is an image workflow, not a replacement for model-based definition: keep the SOLIDWORKS model and its published 3D PDF, eDrawings, or STEP AP242 output as the source of truth for PMI, tolerances, inspection, and manufacturing decisions.
In SOLIDWORKS MBD, choose the part or assembly configuration and captured 3D view that answers one communication question. Use an annotation view when a small amount of PMI provides context, a section when an internal feature matters, or an exploded view when sequence and part relationships matter. Create a separate display state if needed, then hide selection highlights, temporary geometry, dense GD&T, dimensions, and inspection-only callouts that would obscure the silhouette. Retain only the annotations that support the visual story.
Frame the viewport with the important faces and interfaces visible, leave room around the model, and capture it at a readable scale. Submit that image to RENDERCAD to explore a polished still with lighting, materials, and a background appropriate to the review or presentation. Pair the image with the actual MBD, 3D PDF, eDrawings, or STEP AP242 deliverable when recipients need the complete annotated definition. Do not use the rendered image to validate dimensions, tolerances, or manufacturing requirements. For repeatable API workflows, start at RENDERCAD developer documentation.
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 | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Generative AI | Varies by tool |
| Output | Images + Video | Varies by tool |
| Resolution | HD / 4K | Varies by workflow |
| Image Speed | Image renders complete in 60 seconds. | Varies by scene/tool |
| 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 |
| Hardware | Cloud GPU | Often local GPU/CPU |
| Install | None | Varies (web or app) |
| Cost | from $9/mo | Varies widely |
Read the numbers. We trust you to know theirs.
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 solutions for SOLIDWORKS MBD users
The model can reinterpret curves and surface transitions from the 2D input. Compare the result with the source because edges and geometry can drift.
It accepts a clear viewport screenshot, so a separate local material, light, and camera scene is not required for the image-generation workflow.
It lets you describe motion, steam, lighting changes, or atmosphere for a generated clip. Added details may not exist in the source model.
Yes. An environment reference can guide the visual direction of reflections on metallic or glossy surfaces, but the result is not a physical reflection simulation.
Yes. Draw a mask around the product and direct the background region separately. Inspect the full result because unmasked content can still drift during generation.
Yes, if the license permits this use. A stock image can guide a background or environment, while placement and lighting remain generated interpretations.
Describe the intended anodized color and matte or satin finish, then review the generated metal appearance against an authorized material reference when color and finish matter.
Choose a suitable background and describe a reflective floor. Inspect the generated reflection for alignment, product fidelity, and unintended details.
RENDERCAD videos are generated at 720p.
If the source viewport is visible but a local renderer fails, capture a clear screenshot and use it as a RENDERCAD input. Image renders complete in 60 seconds.
Yes. Upload a photo of a foam model and prompt "Finished plastic product" to visualize the final look.
Describe the color code name (e.g., "Traffic Red") in the prompt.