--- title: "Using Render Design | Gendo" description: "Transform sketches, CAD screenshots, or design images into high-quality architectural renders." lang: en json-ld: --- [![Gendo](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/homepage/gendo-logo-white.png)](/) [Features](/product)[Solutions](/workflows)[Resources](/resources)[Pricing](/pricing) About [Log In](https://app.gendo.ai/sign-in)[Start creating ](https://app.gendo.ai/sign-up) [Back to Guides](/resources?tab=guides) Feature Guide 6 min read # Using Render Design Transform sketches, CAD screenshots, or design images into high-quality architectural renders. Scroll to explore Contents 1. Introduction 2. Feature Overview 3. Workflow 4. Tips Introduction ## What is Render Design? The Render Design tool transforms sketches, CAD screenshots, SketchUp viewports, or any design image into high-quality architectural renders. It gives you full control over prompts, image references, and output style to produce presentation-ready visuals directly on the canvas. This tool works with a wide range of inputs — from rough hand-drawn sketches to detailed 3D model exports. Feature Overview ## Understanding the interface ### The Render Panel With your image selected, click 'Render Design' from the contextual toolbar or the right-hand panel. This opens the Render settings where you can control the output. The panel provides prompt input, image reference options, and style controls to shape your result. ![The Render Panel](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-prompt-ideas.png) Workflow ## Step by Step 1 ### Upload your base image You can upload, copy-paste, or drag and drop one or multiple images at once onto the canvas. Place your sketch, CAD screenshot, SketchUp viewport, or design image — along with any reference images or materials you need. Select the image to activate the contextual toolbar. ![Upload your base image](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-step1.png) 2 ### Open the Render panel Click 'Render Design' from the contextual toolbar to open the Render settings panel. **You must have your image selected for the contextual toolbar to be visible.** ![Open the Render panel](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-step2.png) 3 ### Write your prompt Describe the scene you want to create. For example: 'A modern timber-clad residential building surrounded by mature oak trees, warm afternoon light, photorealistic.' You can also use the **Prompt Enhancement** button to enhance your prompt, which usually outputs better results. ![Write your prompt](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-step3.png) 4 ### Add an image reference Adding a reference image significantly improves the quality and accuracy of your renders. Drag or upload a photograph, material sample, or precedent image into the Image Reference area of the Render panel. This gives the AI a visual anchor for style, materiality, and atmosphere — resulting in outputs that are far more aligned with your design intent. ![Add an image reference](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-step4.png) 5 ### Generate and compare Hit 'Generate' and your render will be produced in 10 to 40 seconds. Once complete, you will need to add the output to the canvas. Each generation produces two outputs — you can add both to the canvas, compare them side by side, and keep iterating until you achieve the result you are looking for. ![Generate and compare](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/render-panel-step5.png) Pro Tips ## Get Better Results Add a reference image to anchor the AI's output to your intended style, materiality, and atmosphere. Include material and lighting descriptions in your prompt for more controlled results. Use the Render tool in combination with Enhance to further refine output quality. Generate multiple variations and compare them side by side on the canvas. Reference specific architectural styles or photographers in your prompt to guide the aesthetic. ## Related Tutorials [View all](/resources?tab=guides) [ ![Using the Material Tool](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/material-tool-overview.png) Feature Guide ### Using the Material Tool Change materials on specific surfaces without modifying the rest of the design. ](/resources/learn/material-transfer) [ ![Using the Enhance Tool](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/gendo-post-render.png) Feature Guide ### Using the Enhance Tool Improve the visual quality and realism of an existing image while preserving the original design. ](/resources/learn/enhance-renders) [ ![Using the Style Panel](https://assets.gendo.ai/marketing/style-mood-before.png) Feature Guide ### Using the Style Panel Transform the visual appearance of an image while preserving the architectural structure. ](/resources/learn/style-transfer) [Gendo ](#) A living canvas for visual exploration, iteration, and decision-making. ### Product - [Product](/product) - [Pricing](/pricing) - [FAQs](/faqs) ### Company - [About Us](/about-us) - [Career](/career) - [Environmental Statement](/about/environmental-statement) - [Blog](/resources/insights) - [Contact Us](/book-call) ### Connect - [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/gendo-ai) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/gendo.ai) - [YouTube](https://youtube.com/@Gendo-ai) © 2026 Gendo. All rights reserved. [Licenses](/licenses)[Terms of Service](/terms-of-service)[Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)