How do you apply different styles and effects to your models with Instant Meshes?

1 Installation and setup

Before you can use Instant Meshes, you need to download and install it from its official website. You can choose between Windows, Mac, and Linux versions, depending on your operating system. Once you have installed it, you can launch it and drag and drop any 3D model file into the main window. You will see a preview of your model and some options on the left panel.

2 Mesh generation and orientation

The first step to apply different styles and effects to your models is to generate a quad mesh from your original geometry. To do this, you need to adjust the target edge length and the smoothness parameters on the left panel. The target edge length determines how many quads will be created, and the smoothness controls how much the mesh will follow the curvature of the model. You can also use the brush tool to paint regions where you want more or less detail. After you are satisfied with the result, you can click on the Solve button to generate the mesh. You can then use the orientation tool to align the mesh edges with the features of the model.

3 Wireframe and toon shading

One of the simplest ways to add style and effect to your models is to use the wireframe and toon shading options on the left panel. The wireframe option will show you the outline of the quads on your mesh, which can create a cool and artistic look. You can adjust the wireframe color and thickness to suit your preference. The toon shading option will apply a flat and cartoonish shading to your mesh, which can enhance the stylized appearance. You can adjust the toon color and contrast to create different effects.

4 Curvature and texture mapping

Another way to add style and effect to your models is to use the curvature and texture mapping options on the left panel. The curvature option will show you the variation of the surface normal on your mesh, which can highlight the shape and details of your model. You can adjust the curvature color and scale to create different effects. The texture mapping option will allow you to apply a texture image to your mesh, which can add realism and variety to your model. You can adjust the texture scale and rotation to fit your mesh.

5 Export and import

The final step to apply different styles and effects to your models is to export and import them into your preferred 3D software. To export your mesh, you need to click on the Export button on the left panel and choose the format and location of your file. You can choose between OBJ, PLY, and STL formats, depending on your needs. To import your mesh, you need to open your 3D software and load your file as a new object. You can then adjust the lighting, materials, and rendering settings to further enhance your model.

6 Tips and tricks

To get the most out of Instant Meshes, you can use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of your model, and the right mouse button to rotate and pan the view. Utilize keyboard shortcuts such as B for brush, O for orientation, W for wireframe, T for toon shading, C for curvature, and X for texture mapping. You can also take advantage of the undo and redo buttons on the top right corner to revert or repeat any changes you made to your mesh. Moreover, use the snapshot button on the top right corner to save a screenshot of your model with the current style and effect applied. Lastly, access the online documentation and tutorial videos of Instant Meshes with the help button on the top right corner.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?