Create Professional Renders from a Sketch with AI: Mastering Stable Diffusion and Controlnet Technique

Written by altArch - January 20, 2024


Welcome to our blog post on creating professional renders from a sketch with AI! Are you interested in quickly and easily transforming your building sketches into stunning architecture renderings? Look no further, because we've got you covered. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of using AI stable diffusion to create beautiful renderings from your sketches. Whether you're a technical expert or just starting out, this tutorial is designed to be accessible for anyone. So, grab your sketch and let's dive into the world of artificial intelligence!

Getting Started

To begin, you'll need to gather or draw a sketch of the building's interior or exterior. Don't worry if you're not an artist - this process is meant to be simple and understandable for all skill levels. In the description below, you'll find a link to a stable diffusion cheat sheet that will provide you with ideas to enhance your images. Additionally, we've created a zip file with all the necessary downloads. You can find the link in the description below.

First, head over to the website huggingface.co, where you'll create an account. Then, navigate to github.com and follow the prompts to sign up for another account. Next, download the required programs by visiting getforwindows.org. Follow the installation process, making sure to select the recommended settings. Once installed, navigate to your C drive and create a new folder named "AI."

Installing Stable Diffusion

In order to install Stable Diffusion, open the Git Bash window by holding the Windows key and pressing E. In the Git Bash window, type "CD" followed by a space, right click to paste the folder's location, and press Enter. Now, you're ready to install the Stable Diffusion files. Return to Windows Explorer and copy the link for Stable Diffusion web UI from the description below. Back in the Git Bash window, type "git clone" followed by a space, right click to paste the URL, and press Enter.

While the installation processes, return to the Hugging Face website and log in. Search for Stable Diffusion and select the Runway and Mount Stable Diffusion 1-5 option. Scroll down and download the weights and the v1-5 pruned EMA only checkpoint file. Please note that the download may take some time due to the large file size.

Next, you'll need to download a specific version of Python to ensure Stable Diffusion functions properly. Visit python.org and navigate to the downloads page. Search for version 3.10.6 and download the corresponding 32-bit or 64-bit option. When the download is complete, run the installer as an administrator and follow the prompts. Once the installation is finished, return to your downloads folder and locate the v1-5 pruned EMA only checkpoint file. Cut the file and paste it into the Stable Diffusion folder you created earlier in the AI directory.

Adding the Realistic Vision Model and Controlnet Extension

Now, it's time to download the Realistic Vision model. Use the link provided in the description below to access the model and click the download button. Once the download is complete, navigate to your downloads folder, cut the file, and paste it into the Stable Diffusion models folder.

Additionally, you'll need to download the Controlnet Scribble model. Find the link in the description below, scroll down to the scribble.pth file, and download it. Once downloaded, cut the file and paste it into the same models folder where you put the Realistic Vision model.

Running Stable Diffusion

Now that everything is set up, it's time to turn your sketches into stunning images! Open the Stable Diffusion Web UI by double-clicking the Web UI user batch file in the Stable Diffusion folder. This may take a while to load, so be patient. If it appears frozen, simply click inside the black screen to resume the download process.

Once the Stable Diffusion interface is loaded, you'll see a URL highlighted in the console. Copy this URL and open a new tab in your internet browser. Paste the URL into the address bar and press Enter to access Stable Diffusion.

Now, you need to add the Controlnet extension to Stable Diffusion. Copy the link for the Controlnet extension from the description below. Head back to Stable Diffusion and click on the Extensions tab. Select "Install from URL," right click to paste the link, and click Install. This process may take some time. Once the installation is complete, a message at the bottom of the screen will confirm the extension's installation. Restart Stable Diffusion by clicking "Apply and Restart UI" in the Installed tab.

Generating Renderings

Now comes the fun part - transforming your sketches into amazing images! In the Stable Diffusion window, switch your checkpoint to "Realistic Vision." Scroll down to the Controlnet section and enable it. Select the "Scribble" button, then upload your sketch. If your sketch has black lines on a white background, invert the preprocessor to change it to a black line on a white background. Make sure your model is set to "scribble."

Scroll back up and find the "Batch Count" option. Here, you can choose the number of images Stable Diffusion will generate for you. Set the batch count to five, or any other value that suits your needs. Please note that a higher batch count will require more processing time.

Next, copy and paste a prompt into the prompt field. The prompt should describe the architectural style or atmosphere you want your image to portray. In the description below, you'll find a link to a Stable Diffusion cheat sheet that will provide you with ideas for creating compelling prompts. Once you've entered your prompt, click "Generate" to start the rendering process.

Stable Diffusion will begin creating your images. To view the results, click on an image and then click it again to see a grid of all the generated renderings. Cycle through the images using the arrows on the left and right. Once you've selected your favorite, right-click and choose "Save" to download the image. Alternatively, you can click "Save" in Stable Diffusion to download the image.

That's it! You've successfully created professional renders from your sketches using AI stable diffusion. If you want to access Stable Diffusion more easily in the future, you can create a shortcut on your desktop by right-clicking the downloaded file and selecting "Create Shortcut."

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with a valuable introduction to creating architecture renderings using AI stable diffusion. With just a simple sketch and the power of artificial intelligence, you can bring your designs to life. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and explore the possibilities of AI-rendered images. Happy rendering!

FAQs

1. Can I use my own prompts for the rendering process?

Absolutely! While we provide a Stable Diffusion cheat sheet with prompt ideas, feel free to create your own unique prompts. The prompts you choose will determine the style and atmosphere of your rendered images.

2. How long does the rendering process take?

The rendering process time depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your sketches, the batch count you select, and the speed of your computer. A higher batch count will require more processing time. However, with a decently fast computer, you can typically generate several images within a reasonable timeframe.

3. Can I adjust the settings after generating the renderings?

Yes, you can always go back and modify the settings to generate different renderings. Feel free to experiment with different prompts, sketch styles, and batch counts to achieve the desired results.

4. Are there any other AI techniques I can explore for rendering images?

Definitely! Stable diffusion is just one of many AI techniques used for rendering images. If you're interested in exploring further, there are other AI models and algorithms available that can provide different artistic effects and styles. Don't be afraid to dive deeper into the world of AI rendering!

5. Is this AI stable diffusion software suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! AI stable diffusion is designed to be accessible for users of all skill levels, including beginners. With its user-friendly interface and straightforward process, anyone can start creating professional renders from their sketches. So don't hesitate to give it a try, even if you're new to the world of AI and rendering!

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