AI visualization within VW

[E|FA]

@Luis M Ruiz Sorry if this is off topic for this thread (and feel free to move this to a new thread): Since you're showing external AI tools, can you explain the benefit of using AI visualization within VW as opposed to exporting images from VW and using them in an external AI program?

[Luis M Ruiz]

@E|FA 

I’d like to share my personal experience with the emergence of AI image generators. When these tools first started appearing in our browsers, many of us had a wake-up call. Our peers were grappling with questions: What exactly is a prompt? How do you compose one effectively? What if the generated image isn't quite what you had in mind? Or, what if you liked the image but needed something slightly different? These were all valid and common concerns.

 

Over time, it became clear that we wanted our 3D models to serve as the foundation for these images, rather than relying on randomly generated, albeit impressive, fictional project images. Thankfully, other applications began offering solutions that allowed us to create images based on screenshots of our models. Some even included tools for editing parts of the image, such as adding furniture, changing textures, or adjusting props—almost like a quick Photoshop.

 

This was a step forward, but there were still limitations. For instance, if I wanted a different view of my model, I had to take another screenshot, upload it, and start the process over. While this wasn’t a huge problem, it did become a bit tedious.

 

Then, AI Visualizer was introduced—a game-changer. Integrated directly into our workspace, this tool allowed us to transfer whatever view we had on screen into the AI window effortlessly. The concept of prompts and creative expression was already familiar by this point, but the convenience of applying the same AI style across multiple views was a major benefit. Saved views became essential for organizing presentations.

 

As for the editing features, I do miss them. However, I’m confident that the Vectorworks team is taking note of what can be improved. In the meantime, using this AI visualization tool as an assistant is quickly becoming second nature. If I need an image for a PowerPoint presentation, I no longer browse the web—I simply create it.

[E|FA]

So it sounds like the main benefit of having the AI tool internally to VW is saving the step of exporting an image or screen capture.  It doesn't seem like it justified the use of development resources that could have been used for other improvements of features that can't be handled by existing external resources.  Nonetheless I understand that this is the road VW chose to take and I hope it is a valuable tool to other VW users.

[Luis M Ruiz]

Excuse me @E|FA, but was your question truly intended on learning the difference between an external app and this latest tool? or you just wanted to voice a personal discomfort/opinion on how our personnel is assigned to different areas/research?
I'd suggest you find a different avenue to get your opinion across. You asked me a direct question and I tried to help, please do not take advantage of my time in that way. I share my findings to contribute with our Vectorworks society as I am also a long time user. 

[Dave Donley]

@E|FA This is a tool.  A new tool, that may allow you to speed up your workflow with respect to imagery you use in your design.  Wherever you use raster images in Vectorworks, this tool can potentially help.  It is not just for rendering conceptual designs of 3D models.  Potential directions this feature can go include toward rendering workflows, helping generate texture and background content for rendering, but also for raster representations of objects in top/plan/section/elevation views, pattern fills, and also toward workflows more like multilayered image editing and may touch image effects.  Since Vectorworks users often use images in their designs (even when they use it for 2D drawings only) I personally and professionally feel this new capability is important to deliver to our users.  If you never use images in your Vectorworks drawings or models I suppose this could be irrelevant - Vectorworks has a diverse user base and different users get value from it through different use cases for sure.

 

[Dave Donley]

Also the thought of "design without limits" comes to mind, we are easing development for partners to provide plugins, as well as developing and improving Vectorworks' built-in features.  Feel free to use any visualization tools you like in combination, truly!

[E|FA]

8 hours ago, Luis M Ruiz said:

Excuse me @E|FA, but was your question truly intended on learning the difference between an external app and this latest tool? or you just wanted to voice a personal discomfort/opinion on how our personnel is assigned to different areas/research?

@Luis M Ruiz Both.  I am still trying to wrap my head around how the AI rendering works and what the benefits are, and at the same time I wish that development resources were used elsewhere.  My rendering skills are sub-par.  I have never put the time into learning the full power of VW rendering and rely almost entirely on Shaded & Hidden Line. I've watched and appreciated all of the great modeling & rendering webinars you've made, so I'm well aware of what I'm missing.  I would probably want to use a tool that simplified things.  I haven't tried external AI rendering options or VW AI rendering so I was asking to understand if there's a real difference.  If there isn't, then you are correct about my implied "discomfort/opinion" and I do think resources could be better used elsewhere.  That said, my comment that "Nonetheless I understand that this is the road VW chose to take and I hope it is a valuable tool to other VW users" was not intended sarcastically.  There are a multitude of VW features that I don't use, yet I understand that they are mission critical to others.  At the same time, I didn't think it was a problem to express support of some feature development over others on the forum.

 

8 hours ago, Luis M Ruiz said:

I'd suggest you find a different avenue to get your opinion across. You asked me a direct question and I tried to help, please do not take advantage of my time in that way. I share my findings to contribute with our Vectorworks society as I am also a long time user. 

As I said, I didn't think it's improper to ask questions and voice opinions on the forum.  I did not intend to be insulting nor to waste your time.  I appreciate the time and information you provide on the forum. I read almost all of your posts, and I'm well aware that few, if any, VW employees do as much.  I also see that other users engage with your posts and must find them useful.  I'm sorry that I upset you.

[E|FA]

9 hours ago, Dave Donley said:

Potential directions this feature can go include toward rendering workflows, helping generate texture and background content for rendering, but also for raster representations of objects in top/plan/section/elevation views, pattern fills, and also toward workflows more like multilayered image editing and may touch image effects.

@Dave Donley Thanks for the added input as to where future development may go.  Hopefully the AI rendering will become seamlessly integrated and provide features that are integral to VW. When Materials were first released, they were hampered by the fact that they could not be applied to everything (e.g. Door & Window PIO), yet that was eventually corrected.  Right now, AI in VW seems like it's jumping on a trend without being fully worked out.  

 

9 hours ago, Dave Donley said:

Vectorworks has a diverse user base and different users get value from it through different use cases for sure.

I agree completely.  At the same time, there's a large group of users who are hoping that existing tools that are more central to critical workflows are fixed, improved, and updated comprehensively, and would forego any new features to get more value from VW.  The top 3 Wishlist posts all have to do with no new features or Stairs, Windows, and Doors.

Edited August 9 by E|FA
typo, link

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

I am reminded of a crossroads that took place in the early 90's.   Around 1990,  a lot of images appeared that were rendered from 3D programs, but when compared to what an artist could do with Photoshop, they paled somewhat to the casual observer.  To a 3D person, they were transformative.

 

Both system thrive today, but largely remain separate.  I wonder if there will be any difference in the foreseeable future with AI.

[Luis M Ruiz]

@E|FA Water under the bridge. Let's all move on and keep helping each other.

[Neil Barman]

14 hours ago, E|FA said:

I haven't tried external AI rendering options or VW AI rendering so I was asking to understand if there's a real difference.

@E|FATo see the differences, after watching the AI Visualizer material that we have made, I recommend doing the course "Stable Diffusion: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques" by Ben Long on Linkedin Learning. What that course provided to me are tips and tricks to with our AI Visualizer of course but also a tremendous appreciation for having the AI Visualizer built into Vectorworks and not having to install/manage my own Stable Diffusion server or use a separate third-party service. Also, that course helped considerably to understand where such AI technology is currently at both in terms of its strengths and weaknesses.