AI image generation is advancing rapidly. So many designers and engineers are asking a natural question: What role does professional product rendering play now?
In a new episode of SOLIDWORKS LIVE Design, Mike Sande and SOLIDWORKS Visualize expert Jesse Sprague discuss whether AI can really replace rendering, or whether these tools will work together.
Watch the SOLIDWORKS LIVE Design Episode
Key Questions in the Episode
In this episode, the experts discuss three questions that many professionals are asking right now:
- Does rendering still take too long for everyday work;
- Can people really see the difference between a quick render and a highly polished image;
- Has AI replaced professional product visualisation?
These questions are especially relevant for teams creating images for marketing, technical documentation, product launches, and internal design reviews.
How Rendering Has Changed
Modern rendering has become much faster. GPU rendering, Fast Mode, AI denoising, and DSPBR materials have played a major role in this change.
These tools help reduce setup time and make it easier to achieve a high-quality visual result faster.
The episode also discusses when rendering can be more convenient and effective than traditional product photography. This is especially useful when a product is still in development or needs to be shown in different variations.
Where AI Fits into the Visualisation Workflow
AI is already becoming part of visualisation workflows. It can help users test ideas faster, explore visual directions, and speed up the preparation of assets.
But this does not necessarily mean that AI completely replaces rendering.
Professional rendering is still important when accuracy, control, realistic materials, correct lighting, and high-quality product presentation matter.
Why Rendering Skills Still Matter
In an AI-assisted future, rendering skills may become even more valuable.
A specialist who understands lighting, materials, composition, and the technical details of a product will be able to guide the result more effectively. AI can speed up the process, but the professional decision still remains with the designer or engineer.