Instantly Transform Your Sketches into Stunning Renders with AI: A Step-by-Step Control Net Tutorial
Hey guys, how's it going? It's definitely and in this video today, I'm going to be showing you how we can turn our rough sketches into realistic renders like these using AI! So as you can see here, the results are pretty incredible. All the images follow our inputs amazingly well, the scenes are able to change completely in terms of lighting and materials, but it keeps the object and geometry consistent, which is something people have wanted from AI renderers or AI tools for a while. To me, this opens up so many possibilities when it comes to using AI to test our concepts early on in the design process. I'm sure you guys are really gonna enjoy this video. If you do, please make sure to leave a like. And yeah, let's get into it!
Using Stable Diffusion and Control Net
For this video, we're going to be looking at Stable Diffusion, which is another text-to-image AI rendering method. However, we're also going to be using the Controller Extension. This is the key that allows us to keep our input from our image and use it along with the text-to-rendering method to control our geometry. It's such a game-changer from tools like Dolly and Mid Journey, which are popular for creating amazing images. With this one, we're now able to control the starting point for the AI. It gives us so much more creative control! The installation is included in this video, and I've included a few links down below that will help you install Stable Diffusion on your computer, the Controller Extension, and some other resources that I'm using. If you don't have a powerful computer, don't worry! There's a website down below called Run Diffusion, where you can use this AI method online in the cloud. It's a paid service, but it's incredibly cheap, only 50 cents an hour. It won't break the bank, and I definitely recommend trying it out if you're not tech-savvy and want to save yourself some installation headaches. If you enjoy it, maybe then you can install it on your computer. So yeah, let's get into it!
Loading Stable Diffusion
Okay, so I've loaded Stable Diffusion locally, and let me explain the UI a bit. The model I'm using is Realistic Vision, which I've found gives me the best results for this specific type of example. In terms of the tabs, the only one we're going to focus on in this video is "Text to Image." Here, we can input our prompts and negative prompts, and start generating images. The width and height can be controlled, but the main thing we need is the controller enabled. So make sure you have that, and if you need help, there are tutorials in the description or you can use Run Diffusion. Now, all we need to do is describe our scene a bit in the "Describe" box. This is where we provide the input for the AI to generate the image. The more descriptive, the better. Once we hit generate, the magic happens!
Example 1: Sketch to Realistic Render
So for the first example in our video, we're going to be looking at this scene. It's a true draft sketch of a living room apartment. We have a sofa, a chair, curtains, a lamp, and some timber floors. Let's see how Stable Diffusion recognizes what's going on in our image. All we need to do is drag and drop the image below the control net, hit enable, and choose the appropriate model, which in this case is control net scribble. Now, let's describe the scene in as much detail as possible. I already have a prompt prepared that I've used before, so I'll just copy and paste it here. Now, let's hit generate and see what happens! Look at that! Our first result is pretty amazing. The image on the right is what Stable Diffusion with Control Net is using to generate the scene. It matches our sketch incredibly well, and the geometry of the objects follows our initial sketch perfectly. This is why this method is so powerful!
Customizing the Prompts
Now, let's say we want to customize the prompts a bit. For example, let's change the color of the walls and have a patterned ceiling. By tweaking our prompts, we can see how the AI generates different results. So let's generate a new image with the modified prompts. As we can see, it has made the walls white, but it hasn't changed the ceiling yet. Let's experiment a bit more and see what happens if we change the color of the sofa to black. Ah, much better! Now we're getting the results we want. But what if we want to take it a step further and remove the red walls? Let's add that to the negative prompt and see how it affects the image. As you can see, removing the red walls made the image less red overall. The sofa isn't as red as we'd expect, but it still works. The geometry of the scene is still following our sketch well.
Exploring Different Preprocessors
Now, let's dive deeper into the UI and explore the different options available. We have batch count and batch size, which allow us to generate more than one image at a time. For beginners, it's recommended to increase the batch size first. We also have preprocessors, which allow us to extract specific information from the scene. Let's try using the Canny preprocessor and model, and see how it affects the generated image. As you can see, the lines in the image follow our sketch more closely. The AI is able to generate more detail and create a more refined result. It's important to note that the preprocessor and model need to align, so if you choose Canny, you should also choose Canny as the model. Experimenting with different preprocessors can give you different results and help you achieve the desired outcome.
Using Depth Processor for More Depth
Another interesting preprocessor to explore is the Depth processor. This allows us to create depth maps of our images, which can then be used by the AI to generate new images. Let's try generating an image using the depth preprocessor and see what we get. As you can see, the AI has generated a depth map of our image, where objects closer to us are brighter and objects further away are darker. Now, let's use this depth map to generate a new image. Look at that! The AI has filled in the background and created a scene based on the depth map. This gives us a lot of creative freedom to explore different backgrounds and compositions. It's a powerful tool for designers to quickly visualize ideas and concepts.
Using Layer Picks for 3D Animation
In addition to Stable Diffusion, we can also use other AI tools to further enhance our designs. One such tool is Layer Picks, which allows us to convert 2D images into 3D animations. By uploading our generated images to Layer Picks, we can transform them into interactive and dynamic visualizations. This can be a great way to engage clients or collaborate with a design team. AI is evolving at an incredible rate, and tools like this are revolutionizing the way we design. It's not about replacing human creativity, but augmenting it and providing new avenues for exploration.
Trying Run Diffusion for Cloud Computing
If you don't have a powerful computer or prefer not to install the software locally, there's another option available called Run Diffusion. This website allows you to use Stable Diffusion and Control Net through cloud computing. All you need to do is create an account and top up your balance. It may require a minimum amount, but it's an affordable option. The setup is already done for you, and you can access all the models and features without the hassle of installation. It's a great option for beginners or those who want to quickly test out AI rendering without the technical complexities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AI tools we've explored in this video, such as Stable Diffusion and Control Net, offer incredible possibilities for turning rough sketches into realistic renders. While it may not be perfect and may require some tweaking, the speed and convenience it offers cannot be ignored. It's a powerful tool for designers to explore different concepts, test ideas, and communicate with clients and colleagues. With the rapid advancement of AI, we can expect even greater capabilities and more refined results in the future. So go ahead and give it a try, and let me know how you're planning to incorporate AI into your design process!
FAQs
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Can I use Stable Diffusion and Control Net for interior design?
Absolutely! Stable Diffusion and Control Net can be used for various design disciplines, including interior design. It's a great way to quickly visualize different concepts and explore different materials and layouts.
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Can I use my own sketches as inputs?
Yes, you can use your own sketches as inputs for Stable Diffusion and Control Net. The AI will analyze your sketch and generate a realistic render based on your descriptions and prompts.
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Is it possible to control the AI more precisely?
While it may not be possible to have complete control over the AI's output, you can tweak your prompts and negative prompts to guide the generated image. It's all about experimentation and finding the right balance between input and generated output.
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Are there any limitations to using AI for design?
Like any tool, AI has its limitations. It's important to remember that AI is not a mind reader, and the generated images may not always match your expectations perfectly. However, it can be a valuable tool for generating quick concepts and exploring different design possibilities.
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Can I use AI-generated images for client presentations?
While AI-generated images can be impressive, it's important to remember that they are not photorealistic renders. It's best to use them for internal discussions, idea generation, and exploring different design options. When presenting to clients, it's recommended to provide more polished and refined visuals.
