Disclaimer: The interface has changed slightly since then, but the overall logic remains the same. Also, the software has solid alternatives worth considering.
What is Rodin and what is it used for?
Rodin is an AI tool for quickly generating 3D models based on 2D images or references. It helps artists and game designers save time by producing a usable base model without the need for full manual 3D modeling.
That said, a basic understanding of graphic and 3D tools (such as Blender, Photoshop, etc.) is still required to properly refine the result.
Tools:
- Rodin — geometry and material generation
- Blender — model refinement and optimization
- Photoshop (or equivalent) — texture adjustments and image editing
- AI tools (MidJourney, ChatGPT, Nano Banana, etc.) — references and additional angles
#1: Generating references
- Start with a source image (for example, a 2D asset).
- Clean it up: remove shadows, background elements, and unnecessary details. Use a solid background color and leave some empty space around the object — this will simplify further processing.
- Generate additional angles using MidJourney Video or another AI tool. The more angles you have, the more accurate the final 3D model will be.
Example MidJourney Video prompt:
2D model of a stylized cartoon boat, smooth rotation around its vertical axis, full 360-degree turn, seamless loop, studio lighting, white background, cinematic shading.
In some cases, a single angle may be enough, but generally, more references lead to better results.
#2: Generating geometry in Rodin
- Upload your prepared references → click GENERATE – PREPARING.
- You’ll get a draft model along with an auto-generated prompt.
If the result isn’t satisfactory:
- Use more detailed settings;
- Adjust reference positions;
- Click Redo (up to 50 attempts per generation);
- Use the History tab to pick the best result.
- Once you’re satisfied with the shape → click Confirm.
Rodin will generate the final geometry and move you to the material generation stage.
#3: Generating materials in Rodin
- Click Generate.
- If the result is not good enough — use Redo (up to 15 attempts within the same generation).
- Experiment with reference weights and the number of angles. You can add more images using the plus button.
- Use History to return to better results.
- Once satisfied, click Confirm and download the model.
default settings
#4: Reviewing and refining the model in Blender
- Import the file base.obj.
- Apply the shaded material.
- Optimize the model using the Decimate modifier (Ratio between 0.05 and 0.4).
Make a copy of the model beforehand so you can revert if needed. While adjusting the ratio, make sure the model does not deform.
- Enable Wireframe or press Tab to inspect the mesh.
BEFORE and AFTER the Decimate modifier
- Fix artifacts: minor texture issues can be corrected in Photoshop; small mesh distortions are best fixed via UV Editing.
#5: Applying a stylized 2D cartoon look
- Apply object transformations (rotation and scale). This helps avoid artifacts and issues in later steps, such as modifiers or export.
- Add an outline using the Solidify modifier:
-
- Go to Modifiers (wrench icon) → + Add Modifier
- Select Generate → Solidify
- Open the Material tab
- ****Go to Settings
- ****Enable Backface Culling/Camera
- Return to Modifiers
- Enable Normals/Flip
- Adjust Thickness (use negative values for an outline effect)
- Change the outline color:
-
- Apply the Solidify modifier by pressing Apply
- Enter Edit Mode by pressing Tab
- Select any face/vertex by clicking the LMB on it and press Ctrl + L to select the entire outline
- Go to UV Editing and load the texture in order for it to show up in this workspace
Select the UV island, scale it (S) and move it (G) to the desired color area. In Photoshop, you can pre-emptively add a color swatch specifically for the outline. Make sure it doesn’t overlap with the main UV layout.
- In Shading, replace Principled BSDF with Emission to remove shading and keep only flat texture colors.
#6: Export
- Apply all modifiers by pressing Apply.
- Make sure all materials are exported as textures (PNG files).
- Save the .blend file (including camera settings if needed).
- Additionally, export the model to a universal format such as FBX or GLB.
In summary, Rodin allows you to turn a 2D asset into a working 3D model in just a few hours. The rest is refinement and optimization based on your specific needs.
