Source: Google
What you need to know
- Google debuted Chimera Painter, a machine learning tool that turns sketches into 3D-renders.
- It's available on the web, and users can either create their sketches there or download a pre-set and build it out in an alternate app like Photoshop.
- Chimera Painter is ultimately a proof of concept that showcases the time-saving potential of machine-learning in digital art generation.
Google today debuted an experiment aimed at making building rendered art easier and faster with machine learning. The company shared Chimera Painter, a demo tool that automatically renders monsters from an outline you supply.
With Chimera Painter, Google is using machine learning to speed up the 3D art production process. You'll be able to, via the digital paintbrush, indicate different body parts and stylings on your sketch. Google provides a very detailed list of parts for your sketch. This means you can go paint with a brush as broad "head" or something as granular like "foot bottom." When you click transform, the tool will read all these colors and build an appropriate render — you can see this in the main image at the start of the article.
You'd naturally need to have some artistic skill to make the best use of a tool like this. Indeed, Google is pushing it as a demo-application, a proof of concept that'll help video-game creators be more imaginative in their creation.
Or, as Google's Andeep Singh Toor said:
It is our hope that these GAN models and the Chimera Painter demonstration tool might inspire others to think differently about their art pipeline. What can one create when using machine learning as a paintbrush?
You can try the tool for yourself here. It's possible to either draw one yourself on the web, or create a detailed outline in an app like Photoshop, and then uploading it to the Chimera Painter app to generate your creature. If you're interested in learning more, Google has a fuller explanation of the technical work that went into in building this. Artist or not, you never know what you could create.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Here's why the Apple TV 4K won't compete with Google TV anytime soon
Apple is finally updating the Apple TV 4K with a new chip and a desperately-needed remote upgrade, but it's too pricey, and too late compared to the Chromecast with Google TV. Google TV may still have a few bugs, but Apple's new box is way too expensive to put up a good fight.

Apple launches AirTags, a Mini LED iPad Pro, and more at Spring event
Apple's Spring Loaded event was packed with new upgrades and product launches, including the long-rumored AirTags. Here's a look at everything Apple announced at its event.

Latest Virtual Desktop update lets you play 120Hz PC VR games on Quest 2
Virtual Desktop has long been one of the best VR apps you can buy, and now the latest update supports the new 120Hz refresh rate of the Oculus Quest 2 for supremely smooth PC VR gaming.

Break a sweat with these great Oculus Quest 2 exercise games and apps
Do you prefer your workouts to challenge your full body? Do you care more about aerobics or muscle training? Do you need a high-speed soundtrack or a high score to motivate you? Or do you want a game first and foremost, with exercise as a happy bonus? Whatever your preferences, we have the best Oculus Quest 2 VR experiences to keep you healthy while staying indoors.