A Tripo AI Alternative for Texturing Your Own Models
Tripo AI is a full 3D generation platform: text or image to 3D, AI texturing with PBR, segmentation, rigging and an API. If you only need to texture a model you already have, The3DAI AI 3D Texturing Studio is a focused, simpler tool: upload the mesh, describe the look, and AI paints it from four sides, with a brush to repaint any part.
The3DAI vs Tripo AI
Tripo AI facts are from their own pages, checked 2026-10-17 (sources below). Prices change; check their site for current numbers.
| Feature | The3DAI Texturing Studio | Tripo AI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Credits: 2 per AI view, 8 for a full 4-view texture (about $0.40 on Basic, $0.23 on Pro), 12 or 16 with 6 or 8 views. Brushes and PBR maps are free. Plans from $4.99/month for 100 credits, or a one-time 200-credit pack for $9.99 | API: 1 credit = $0.01; a texture is 10 credits ($0.10), HD 20 ($0.20), 8K 30 ($0.30); Smart UV 20 credits (as of October 2026). Web plans: see tripo3d.ai |
| Free tier | 60 free credits for new accounts, enough for 7 full textures | Check tripo3d.ai/pricing for the current free plan |
| Install needed | No | No: web app and API |
| Your own GPU needed | No: the AI runs on our servers, the 3D view runs in your browser | No |
| Formats | Upload GLB, GLTF, OBJ, FBX, STL or PLY (up to 60 MB). Download a textured GLB or the texture PNG | Texture API takes GLB, GLTF, FBX, OBJ or STL up to 150 MB |
| PBR maps (normal, roughness, metallic) | Yes, free: normal, roughness, metal and ambient-occlusion maps made in your browser from the painted texture and packed into the GLB. They are derived from the colour, not painted by the AI | Yes, on by default |
| Keeps your UVs | Yes by default ("Keep my UVs"). Overlapping UVs get a warning and a one-click "Make new UVs". Models with no UVs get new UVs automatically | Not stated in the texture API docs; materials are baked into base textures by default |
| Repaint just one region | Yes: brush a part and repaint only that part with AI, or fix seams and spots by hand with the free Heal and Paint brushes | Yes: Tripo says you can "repaint specific areas with precision" |
| Runs in the browser | Yes | Yes |
When to pick Tripo AI
- You need PBR materials generated by the AI itself, or 8K textures.
- You want to texture with four reference images (front, left, back, right) or texture parts separately.
- You also want to generate, segment and rig models, or you need an API for volume (from $0.10 a texture).
When to pick The3DAI
- You just want to upload your own model and paint it, without learning a big platform.
- Your file is a PLY, or an STL or scan with no UVs: we make UVs for you.
- You want a low monthly start: $4.99 for 100 credits, or a one-time pack.
- You also use free in-browser 3D tools: viewers and format converters.
How to texture a 3D model with AI on The3DAI
- 1
Upload your model
Drop a GLB, GLTF, OBJ, FBX, STL or PLY file, or pick a sample. Keep your own UV map, or let the studio make new UVs.
- 2
Describe the texture
Write what the surface should look like, or pick a style or a prompt idea.
- 3
Paint with AI
Auto paints 4, 6 or 8 views. Turn the model to paint any spot again, or brush one part and repaint only that.
- 4
Fix and finish
Heal seams and paint by hand for free, then make normal, roughness, metal and AO maps in your browser.
- 5
Download
Get a textured GLB with its maps, or the texture PNGs to use in Blender, Unity, Unreal or Godot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Also on The3DAI
Other texturing comparisons
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Tripo API pricing (credit costs): https://developers.tripo3d.ai/en/pricing
- Tripo texture API docs (formats, PBR, multiview, bake): https://developers.tripo3d.com/en/docs/models-texture.md
- Tripo site summary (repaint specific areas): https://www.tripo3d.ai/llms.txt
Tripo AI is a trademark of its owner. The3DAI is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Tripo AI. This page compares public information to help you choose.