What is Trellis 2 and Why Should You Care?
Trellis 2 (also known as trellis-2, trellis.2, or TRELLIS.2) is Microsoft's revolutionary open-source AI model that transforms single images into high-quality 3D assets. Released as a CVPR 2025 Spotlight paper, it represents a major leap forward in AI-powered 3D generation.
Whether you're a game developer, 3D artist, or hobbyist, trellis-2 makes 3D asset creation accessible to everyone—no expensive software or years of modeling experience required.
Key Features That Make Trellis 2 Stand Out
- High-Quality Output: Generates detailed 3D models with intricate shapes and textures
- Multiple Export Formats: Outputs Radiance Fields, 3D Gaussians, and meshes
- Open Source: Available for free with models up to 2 billion parameters
- Flexible Editing: Allows easy modifications and variant generation
- Fast Generation: Creates 3D models in seconds, not hours
How to Use Trellis 2: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prepare Your Input Image
For best results with trellis-2, your image should have:
- Single object focus — Clear subject without cluttered backgrounds
- Good lighting — Even illumination, minimal harsh shadows
- Clear silhouette — Strong contrast between object and background
- High resolution — At least 512x512 pixels recommended
Pro tip: Remove the background before processing for significantly better results.
Step 2: Choose Your Generation Method
You have three main options for using trellis 2:
Option A: Hugging Face Demo (Easiest)
- Visit the Microsoft TRELLIS Space
- Upload your image
- Click Generate
- Download your 3D model
Option B: Local Installation (Most Powerful)
# Clone the repository
git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/microsoft/TRELLIS.git
cd TRELLIS
# Install dependencies
. ./setup.sh --new-env --basic --xformers --flash-attn --diffoctreerast --spconv --mipgaussian --kaolin --nvdiffrastOption C: trellis-2.com (User-Friendly)
Visit trellis-2.com for a streamlined web interface with additional features.
Step 3: Configure Generation Settings
Key parameters to understand:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1024 | Balance of quality and speed |
| Texture Size | 2048 | Sharp textures, reasonable file size |
| Seed | Fixed number | Reproducible results |
| CFG Strength | 7.5 | Controls adherence to input image |
Step 4: Generate and Export
Once generation completes, trellis-2 outputs:
- GLB file — Universal format for web and game engines
- PLY file — 3D Gaussian representation
- MP4 previews — Video renders of your model
Understanding Trellis 2's Output Formats
3D Gaussians
Perfect for real-time rendering and visual effects. The sample_gs.mp4 preview shows this representation.
Radiance Fields
Great for photorealistic rendering. Check sample_rf.mp4 for preview.
Mesh with Textures
The most versatile format for traditional 3D workflows. Export as GLB for maximum compatibility.
Best Practices for Optimal Results
Do This ✅
- Use images with removed backgrounds
- Choose objects with clear, defined shapes
- Test with different seed values
- Start with default settings, then optimize
Avoid This ❌
- Multiple overlapping objects in one image
- Extreme close-ups or tiny subjects
- Heavy motion blur or low resolution
- Transparent or reflective objects (challenging for AI)
Common Issues and Solutions
"Back side looks wrong"
Cause: Single images can't show hidden areas
Solution: Use images with symmetrical objects or multiple reference angles
"Textures are blurry"
Cause: Low texture size setting
Solution: Increase to 2048 or 4096
"Model looks low-poly"
Cause: High decimation or low resolution
Solution: Increase resolution, reduce decimation target
Hardware Requirements for Local Trellis 2
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| GPU VRAM | 16GB | 24GB+ |
| System RAM | 32GB | 64GB |
| Storage | 50GB free | SSD preferred |
| OS | Linux | Linux (Windows experimental) |
FAQ About Trellis 2
Is Trellis 2 really free?
Yes! Trellis-2 is open-source under the MIT License. You can use it for personal and commercial projects.
Can I use Trellis 2 for game assets?
Absolutely. Export as GLB, then optimize in Blender for game-ready assets. You may need to reduce polycount and create LODs.
How does Trellis 2 compare to paid alternatives?
Trellis 2 often produces results comparable to or better than paid services like Meshy or CSM, especially for single-object generation.
What GPU do I need?
Minimum 16GB VRAM (RTX 4080/A100). For optimal experience, 24GB+ is recommended.
Can I train my own Trellis 2 model?
Yes, training code is available. You'll need significant compute resources and the TRELLIS-500K dataset.
Next Steps: Level Up Your 3D Workflow
Ready to create amazing 3D assets with trellis-2? Here's your action plan:
- Start simple — Try the Hugging Face demo with a clear product image
- Experiment — Test different seed values and settings
- Learn post-processing — Import into Blender for refinement
- Go local — Set up local installation for unlimited generation
Visit trellis-2.com to start generating 3D models from your images today!