Mixboard - A Free AI Tool from Google for 3D Artists

Vasyl Lukianenko
3D Artist and Technical Author

Date: March 3, 2026 Updated on: March 6, 2026 Reading time: 6 min Views: 3661

Introduction

Unfortunately Google is closing this service in the near future. So this article will no longer be relevant by the end of September 2026!

Mixboard by Google Labs is a free AI-powered board for visual brainstorming. The tool combines the classic mood board format with generative artificial intelligence, allowing ideas to be quickly transformed into clear visual concepts.

Google Mixboard

For a 3D artist, Mixboard can become an effective tool during the concept stage. Instead of spending hours searching for references and manually assembling compositions, it is possible to define the visual direction of a project in just a few minutes - determining style, atmosphere, color palette, and material character.

The tool does not replace 3Ds Max and is not intended for final production rendering. Its purpose is to accelerate decision-making before detailed scene work begins.

Usage

Google Mixboard

After following the link and signing in with a Google account, a list of projects appears. Demo projects are available to help quickly understand how the tool works.

A new project can be created via the New project button, which opens the working board:

The canvas is in the center.
The AI interaction chat is at the bottom.
Navigation and element tools are on the left.

The interface is minimalistic and focused entirely on visual workflow without complex settings.

Adding Images

Images can be added to the board by:

Drag & drop;
Pasting from the clipboard;
Uploading via the "+" button;
Generating new images using a text prompt.

Example prompt:

modern kitchen, warm wood accents, soft natural light, architectural visualization, ultra realistic

AI generates several variations that immediately appear on the canvas.

Editing and Combining

Any image can be:

Modified with a refined prompt;
Combined with other elements;
Regenerated;
Replaced or removed.

The key advantage is the ability to compare multiple visual directions within a single workspace.

Quality and Characteristics

Mixboard performs well with interior and exterior scenes and supports multiple input languages.
The tool is designed for conceptual work. Image resolution is limited and not intended for high-resolution production rendering.

Practical Use Cases

1. Fast Interior Concept Based on 3D Stock References

At the concept stage, the goal is to define the project’s visual direction before modeling and scene setup begin.

In the example workflow, the board included:

An interior render from the 3D stock platform GreatCatalog;
Furniture and decorative element references.

From the GreatCatalog website - 3D stock models.

These elements were combined using AI into a single cohesive image. The result is a unified scene that makes it possible to evaluate how selected textures, color palette, and stylistic choices will look in the final visualization.

This approach is significantly faster than manually assembling compositions in Photoshop and also allows generating alternative camera angles.
It speeds up decision-making before moving into 3Ds Max.

The final result.

You can also get other angles, which is quite interesting.

2. Testing Lighting and Atmospheric Scenarios

Lighting dramatically affects how a scene is perceived. The same interior can look completely different depending on time of day and light character.

Instead of a series of test renders, you can load a base render into 3Ds Max and test different lighting scenarios through AI.

Picture from the Rats On The Roof competition

Rats On The Roof

Example requests:

Time of day:

same interior, soft morning light, calm atmosphere
same room with warm sunset lighting, cinematic mood
night interior with warm artificial lights, cozy feeling

Atmosphere:

moody dramatic lighting, strong contrast, deep shadows
bright airy Scandinavian daylight, soft shadows
luxury editorial lighting, high contrast, magazine style

Exterior and weather:

overcast cloudy sky, soft diffused light
golden hour exterior, warm sunlight
rainy weather, wet surfaces reflections
foggy morning atmosphere, light volumetric haze

mixboard create different light variations of exterior

Comparing variations on one board helps determine the strongest visual direction before final lighting setup in 3Ds Max.

3. Generating Texture Maps

Mixboard can be used to generate base textures.

Example prompts:

seamless concrete texture, neutral gray, high detail, realistic
beige fabric texture, soft fibers, seamless pattern, realistic
seamless wood texture, oak, top view, PBR texture

The generated images can serve as a starting point for further refinement in Photoshop or Substance 3D Sampler, followed by building a complete PBR set.

Mixboard does not automatically generate full PBR packages, but it allows quick testing of surface direction and color variations.

4. Converting a Sketch into a Realistic Visualization

Mixboard allows fast transformation of a sketch, floor plan, or clay render into a more realistic scene.

Possible input sources include:

An interior sketch;
A rough floor plan;
A screenshot from Viewport;
A basic 3D blockout without materials.

Example prompt:

turn this sketch into a realistic interior render
add natural materials and soft daylight
make it photorealistic architectural visualization

For more precise results, the style can be refined:

modern minimal interior, warm neutral palette, realistic materials

This makes it possible to evaluate the potential of an idea before detailed material and lighting setup in 3Ds Max.

Additional Commercial Applications

Mixboard can be used not only for creative experiments, but also as a tool for speeding up commercial processes:

Fast concept approval with clients before modeling;
Reducing the number of final-stage revisions;
Preparing visuals for commercial proposals;
Testing "sellable" lighting setups;
Creating stylistic variations for upselling;
Preparing visual briefs for teams;
Creating marketing previews for 3D stock platforms;
Accelerating project decision-making.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, Mixboard has several limitations:

Possible dynamic generation limits;
Performance depending on server load;
Weak rendering of people in scenes;
Resolution limitations (suitable for concept, not final render);
Potential quality loss after multiple edits;
No manual model selection or parameter control;
Not a production-level solution.

Conclusion

Mixboard is a tool designed to accelerate the conceptual stage of a project. Its main value lies in speed and the ability to compare multiple visual directions quickly.

It allows users to:

Define visual direction;
Test lighting and atmosphere;
Evaluate material interaction;
Prepare visuals for client approval.

When used correctly, Mixboard reduces trial and error and enables a more confident start to any project.
The key is understanding its role: it is a tool for ideas and direction, not for final results.

Important update

Unfortunately, Google is closing this project. And sends out support termination messages to all users.

Another project went into the graveyard of good services along with other ambitious ideas.

mixboard is shutting down on sep 28 2026

FAQ

1. What is Mixboard?

Mixboard is a free AI tool from Google Labs that allows users to create and edit images using text prompts, reference images, and combinations of both.

2. How can Mixboard help 3D artists?

Mixboard helps generate concepts, explore design directions, create mood boards, and develop ideas for interiors, exteriors, materials, and lighting before starting work in 3D software.

3. How is Mixboard different from traditional AI image generators?

Its key feature is the ability to combine multiple images and text prompts within a single project, generating new concepts from several sources at the same time.

4. Can I use my own images in Mixboard?

Yes. Users can upload their own images and use them as references to create new concepts, variations, and visual explorations.

5. Is Mixboard useful for architectural visualization?

Yes. It can be used to explore ideas for architecture, interiors, materials, furniture, lighting, and the overall atmosphere of a project.

6. Can Mixboard be used to create mood boards?

Yes. Mixboard works like an interactive AI-powered mood board, allowing users to combine multiple references and generate new visual directions.

7. Can Mixboard help during the concept design stage?

Yes. This is one of its primary use cases. It allows artists and designers to quickly explore different creative directions before moving into modeling and rendering.

8. Can Mixboard be used for materials and textures?

Yes. Users can combine images of materials, colors, and textures to experiment with different combinations and discover new design ideas.

9. Is Mixboard suitable for interior design concepts?

Yes. The tool performs well when generating interior design ideas based on multiple references, helping users find interesting styles and compositions.

10. Can Mixboard be used for exterior concepts?

Yes. Mixboard can generate ideas for building facades, landscape design, lighting, and overall architectural styles.

11. Can Mixboard replace 3D modeling?

No. Mixboard should be viewed as a concept development and reference-generation tool rather than a replacement for professional 3D modeling and rendering workflows.

12. Do I need to write complex prompts?

No. One of Mixboard's strengths is its ability to produce useful results even from relatively simple prompts combined with visual references.

13. Can Mixboard speed up project development?

Yes. It can significantly reduce the time spent searching for references, creating mood boards, and developing concepts for clients.

14. Is Mixboard suitable for beginners?

Yes. Thanks to its simple interface and visual workflow, Mixboard can be useful for both beginners and experienced professionals.

15. Is Mixboard free?

At the time of writing, Mixboard is available free of charge as part of Google Labs' experimental projects.

16. Should 3D artists try Mixboard?

Yes. If you regularly work with concepts, references, mood boards, and visual ideation, Mixboard can become a valuable addition to your creative workflow.

Vasyl Lukianenko
3D Artist and Technical Author

Vasyl Lukianenko is a 3D artist and technical author focused on practical workflows, optimization, and production-ready techniques. He publishes tutorials, courses, and tools to help artists work faster and get cleaner results.