Getting Started with Sloyd
Wondering where to start? This article explains the different tools within Sloyd and when to use them.
TL;DR
Sloyd gives you two complementary AI workflows inside one browser-based platform:
Workflow
Best For
Key Benefits
Parametric AI (Template Editor)
Hard-surface props, buildings, weapons, vehicles, wearables
• Instant, clean topology and UVs • Sliders + text prompts for fine control • Unlimited previews & downloads on paid plans
Generative AI (Image-to-3D & Text-to-3D)
Highly specific references, organic objects, concepting
• Upload a photo or type a prompt—Sloyd builds the model for you • High-detail meshes with baked textures
• Unlimited generations with paid plan
Use Parametric AI for precision and easy edits, then switch to Generative AI when you need original, detail-rich meshes. Mix and match in a single project—Sloyd handles the heavy lifting.
Deep Dive: Two Workflows, One Creative Playground
1. Parametric AI (Template Editor)
How it Works Professional artists craft modular templates. You drive them with sliders, toggles, or natural-language prompts to reshape geometry, add details, and apply materials in real time.
Stand-Out Features
Visual WACK Widget – Click any part to reveal adjustable parameters.
Quick Palettes & Toon Shader – Swap colors or switch to cel-shading for stylized renders.
Snapshot Camera – Export transparent PNGs for marketing art at any angle.
When to Choose Parametric AI
You need dozens of building variations for a game level—fast.
Clean topology and light polygon counts are non-negotiable.
You plan to rig, animate, or 3D-print the model later.
2. Generative AI (Image-to-3D & Text-to-3D)
How it Works Upload a reference photo or type a prompt. Sloyd’s Generative AI synthesizes a high-detail mesh and textures—no 3D skills required.
Presets for Perfect Output
Preset
Tri Count
Ideal Use
High Quality
~40 k
Cinematic renders, concept art
Low Poly
~5 k
VR, mobile, web games
3D Printing
Solid mesh, no UVs
Tabletop minis, prototypes
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use evenly lit, clutter-free photos.
Keep prompts focused on one object plus style keywords (“low-poly wooden crate”).
For printing, use the 3D printing preset.
Use the style presets in text-to-3D
Current Limitations & Workarounds
Generative models are less editable; you can retouch materials, but geometry is fixed. Hidden features
Faces and ultra-complex scenes may need manual cleanup—use Parametric AI for precision parts, then layer Generative AI assets as background props.
Choosing the Right Tool Inside Sloyd
If you need…
Use…
Clean, game-ready props you can tweak forever
Parametric AI
A perfect replica of a client’s product photo
Generative AI (Image-to-3D)
Wild creatures or imaginative concepts from a sentence
Generative AI (Text-to-3D)
Hundreds of house variations for a city block
Parametric AI + randomize
Quick render for marketing
Either workflow → Snapshot Camera
Use-Case Spotlights
Indie Game Devs – Populate levels with optimized assets, then export GLB or FBX.
3D Printing Hobbyists – Generate minis: use 3D-Print preset, export STL.
Graphic & Motion Designers – Drop transparent PNG renders straight into Figma or After Effects.
Educators & Students – Teach 3D fundamentals without touching Blender.
Getting Started in Under 5 Minutes
Sign Up at sloyd.ai – Free tier includes Parametric AI previews.
Pick Your Workflow – Template Editor for structured assets, Generative AI for unique forms.
Iterate & Export – Unlimited downloads on paid plans; GLB, FBX, OBJ, or STL.
Share Links – Collaborate or gather feedback instantly.
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