Sketch → Render in Minutes
Transform your sketches into detailed, photo-realistic architectural visuals with Fenestra’s Sketch → Render workflow
Shaun McCallum
August 11, 2025
Sketch To Render
Got a sketch you want to turn into a polished architectural or interior visualisation—fast? You’re in the right place.
In past guides, we’ve covered more complex workflows like:
- Creating multiple images from a single source
- Material edits with Conversational Edit
- Redesigning spaces for AI video
This time, we’re keeping it focused.
If you’ve got a sketch, scribble, or a 3D model screenshot, and you’re still exploring design ideas (no fixed materials yet), Sketch to Render is where Fenestra really shines.
Sketch I’m working with. Use mine if you’re looking to explore.
Step 2 – Pick the ‘Sketch to Render’ Preset
- Go to Render Settings → Workflows
- Choose Sketch to Render
Select the Sketch To Render Preset
Step 3 – Add a Reference Image
Choose a reference image to guide the AI. This can be:
- One of our preset style images
- An image from a past project
- A photo that inspires you
- Pretty much anything you’d like for your outcome image to be inspired by
The AI uses this image to capture lighting, materials, form, and overall mood—more than you’d get from text prompts alone.
This was the image I used as a reference, feel free to use it yourself.
Step 4 – Hit Render
Notice the image has:
- Details filled in
- Structure preserved
- No random buildings or form loss
First render - no cherry picking. No prompting just base parameters.
Step 5 – Refine with Advanced Settings
In the Advanced tab you can:
- Set time of day
- Choose type of visual
- Pick an environment
Adjust Reference Image Strength:
- 0 → Almost no influence
- 1 → Maximum influence, strong match to your reference
- Pro tip: 0.5–0.7 often gives the best balance
Add prompt details for:
- Specific materials (light timber, brick, concrete)
- Location (Norway, Spain, Scotland) to influence landscape and light
After some simple preset selection and prompt definition. I keep my prompts simple just express what materials or lighting you’d like to reinforce
Take It Further
Once you’ve got your base render:
- Edit specific materials
- Try different times of day
- Test seasonal changes (snow, autumn, summer)
We’ll cover editing and re-styling your render in the next guide.
Try Sketch to Render now → Launch Fenestra
Try Sketch to Render now
Get Started!