Empoli vs Renderica

Empoli is an AI ecosystem for architects and developers that turns 2D plans into editable 3D models, supports client walkthroughs, and lists BIM validation. Its 2D-to-3D tool is built into Revit and can export to Revit, IFC, or VR-ready formats. Empoli RTR accepts FBX files exported from Revit, ArchiCAD, or SketchUp. It automatically applies lighting, materials, and detail to uploaded models, then creates a link clients can open on a laptop, tablet, or phone without installing software. Supported inputs also include floor-plan images, 2D drawings, PDF, AutoCAD files, and ZIP archives with textures. Empoli BIM is described as in development, with automated building-code validation and multi-discipline clash detection planned. Empoli is available on the web and iOS; the RTR app requires iOS 15.0 or later or iPadOS 15.0 or later. A free plan and a free 30-day trial are listed, with no credit card required for the trial. Users can access, export, or delete data from Settings.

Renderica uses AI to turn architectural sketches and plans into photorealistic renders. It extracts room dimensions and openings from a plan and conditions rendering on that geometry. Inputs include PDF, DXF, PNG, JPG, GLB, and GLTF files, as well as hand-drawn sketches, floor plans, CAD sketches, and Pinterest image URLs. The homepage lists compatibility with Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Rhino 3D, AutoCAD, Blender, 3ds Max, and Chief Architect. Users can select from 32 style presets and five lighting modes, provide Pinterest pins or image URLs as style references, and share a client review link or export a 4K PNG from the gallery. The Free plan costs nothing and includes three renders per month at 1024px; Starter costs $24 a month for 60 monthly renders at 2048px. Pro costs $59 a month and Studio costs $179 a month. Renderica says uploaded content is not used to train its own models. Its policy describes some stored assets as accessible through non-expiring unauthenticated URLs and is marked draft pending legal review. For non-rectangular rooms, openings may not be carved and angled walls may be omitted.