# How to Use Meshy: Complete Beginner's Tutorial

> URL: https://help.meshy.ai/en/articles/9991793-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial
> Language: en
> Last updated: 2026-08-16T06:29:22Z

Meshy is an AI-powered 3D generation platform that turns text prompts and photos into ready-to-use 3D models — no prior 3D modeling experience required. Whether you're making game assets, 3D prints, concept art, or creative prototypes, this guide walks you through everything you need to get started.

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/44066be4d5e9d7c8-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

# Free Credits & Plans

Every new Meshy account comes with **100 free credits per month** — no credit card required. Credits reset on the 1st of each month (UTC). Here's what each task costs:

| Task                               | Credits |
| ---------------------------------- | ------- |
| Text to 3D — Model Stage (Meshy 6) | 20      |
| Text to 3D — Texture Stage         | 10      |
| Image to 3D (with texture)         | 30      |
| Image to 3D (without texture)      | 20      |
| AI Texturing / Retexture           | 10      |
| Smart-Rig (rigging & animation)    | 0       |
| Text to Motion                     | 3       |

## For Individuals:

- **Free plan:** Lower queue priority, CC BY 4.0 license on outputs, no API access, no credit top-ups.

- **Pro ($20/mo):** 1,000 credits, API access, Free Retry on generations, 10× faster queue.

- **Premium ($40/mo):** 3,000 credits, API, 12 Free Retry's, higher queue priority

- **Ultra ($50/mo):** 8,000 credits, API, 40 Free Retry's, highest queue priority.

## For Teams:

- **Studio ($60/mo):** 4,000 credits, highest priority, ideal for teams.

- **Enterprise:** fill out a form [here](https://www.meshy.ai/contact), and select "Enterprise Solutions" from the topic drop-down

# Getting Started: Create Your Account

Head to [meshy.ai](https://www.meshy.ai) and sign up — Google, Discord, or email all work. Once logged in, you'll land in the **Workspace**, where all generation tools live.

# Creating Your First 3D Model

Meshy offers two core generation methods: **Text to 3D** and **Image to 3D**.

## Text to 3D

Turn a written description into a fully textured 3D model.

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/0821300c05cd990e-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

**How it works:**

1. Select **Model** from the left sidebar

2. Click the Text to 3D icon at the top left

3. Choose **Meshy 7** as your AI model (recommended for best quality)

4. Write a prompt describing your model

5. Click **Generate** — the **Model Stage** runs first (20 credits). You get a clean white mesh you can download immediately.

6. Optionally click **Texture** to apply AI-generated PBR textures (+10 credits = 30 total)

**Prompt tips for best results:**

- Focus on one object, not a full scene

- Use 3–6 specific details: material, style, shape, color, pose

- ✅ Good: *"A sleek retro-futuristic helmet, brushed chrome, dark visor"*

- ❌ Avoid: smoke/fire/glowing energy effects, abstract concepts, ultra-fine details like individual hair strands

- For characters you plan to rig, add **"T-Pose"** to your prompt

**Free Retry:** On Pro+, you can regenerate once for free immediately after a generation — great for quick prompt tweaks without spending extra credits.

# Image to 3D

Turn a photo, sketch, or concept art into a 3D model.

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/a9e57343ff006010-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

## **Single image:**

1. Select **Model** on the left hand toolbar, then the **Image to 3D button**

2. Upload a clear, front-facing image on a plain background

3. Choose Meshy 7 → **Generate** (20–30 credits depending on texture)

4. Your model generates in ~60 seconds

## **Multi-view mode (paid plans only):**

For complex or asymmetric objects, upload up to 4 photos from different angles. Meshy reads each view directly — so logos, handles, and back panels accurately match your reference instead of being guessed by the AI.

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/58bec7761174f639-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

# Post-Processing Your Model

Once you have a base model, Meshy's post-processing tools let you refine it for any use case.

# AI Texturing

Apply photorealistic PBR textures to any model — Meshy-generated or your own upload.

1. Open the model in the Viewer

2. Click **Texture** and write a style prompt describing the look you want

3. Meshy generates albedo, metalness, roughness, and normal maps automatically

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/94de07202e5c6b84-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/f09e5ea31aa74af4-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

# Remesh

Optimize your model's polygon count and topology for your specific output.

- **Higher polycount** → more detail, better for 3D printing

- **Lower polycount** → better real-time performance in game engines

- **Triangle topology** → 3D printing, fast rendering

- **Quad topology** → further sculpting/editing in Blender or ZBrush

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/868d30513785ae0f-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

# Animation

Bring characters to life with auto-rigging and 500+ animation presets — **Smart-Rig costs 0 credits.**

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/58b7864a770e437c-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

1. Open the **Animation Panel**

2. Select your character type and place rigging points

3. Preview animation presets

4. Download your fully rigged and animated model

# Exporting Your Model

Meshy exports in multiple formats. Use this guide to pick the right one:

| Format   | Best For                                                            |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **GLB**  | Default choice — one file, preserves PBR textures, works everywhere |
| **FBX**  | Game engines (Unity, Unreal), rigged characters                     |
| **OBJ**  | Legacy tools — keep the .mtl + texture files together               |
| **USDZ** | Apple AR (iOS, Reality Composer)                                    |
| **STL**  | 3D printing (geometry only, no texture)                             |
| **3MF**  | Multi-color 3D printing — Meshy 6 and above                         |

*Tip: GLB → FBX → OBJ in order of cross-program reliability. OBJ is the most universal but the most lossy.*

# Explore the Meshy Community

Browse thousands of community-created models in the **Community** tab. Use filters, tags, and search to find inspiration — or share your own textured models to build a following.

![](https://cdn.meshy.ai/webapp-assets/help/40e56550c46d839a-how-to-use-meshy-complete-beginner-s-tutorial.webp)

# Learn More

- 📘 [Tutorial Blog](https://www.meshy.ai/tutorials) — practical tips and step-by-step walkthroughs

- 💬 [Discord Community](https://discord.com/invite/KgD5yVM9Y4) — connect with other creators

- 🔌 [API Documentation](https://docs.meshy.ai/) — integrate Meshy into your workflow (Pro+ required)

- 🧩 [Blender & Unity Plugins](https://docs.meshy.ai/) — use Meshy directly inside your favorite DCC tools

# FAQ

## How many credits does each task use?

See the credits table in the **Free Credits & Plans** section above. Quick summary: Text to 3D = 30 credits total (20 model + 10 texture), Image to 3D with texture = 30 credits. Free accounts get 100 credits/month — enough for 3 full generations.

## I need to refine my AI-generated model — what should I do?

Match the fix to the problem:

- **Lumpy surface** → apply Smooth modifier in Blender, or use Remesh in Meshy

- **Wrong texture style** → re-texture with a more precise style prompt

- **Missing backside detail** → re-generate using Multi-view Image to 3D with multiple reference angles

- **Needs rigging** → Remesh to Quad topology first, then use Meshy's Animation tool

## Why does my exported .obj file look wrong in another program?

Most common causes: the .mtl and texture files are separated from the .obj (keep everything from the export zip together), axis mismatch between programs (Y-up vs Z-up — fix on import in Blender), or PBR materials lost since OBJ doesn't support them natively. When in doubt, use **GLB** instead.

## What's the best way to convert GLB to OBJ?

Re-export directly from the same Meshy task — both formats come from the same mesh, so scale and orientation match perfectly. If you only have the GLB, open Blender → File → Import → glTF 2.0, then export as OBJ with Forward = -Z, Up = Y, Scale = 1.