- ArtCraft how to use: Access the web app or desktop build, then work in the main creative workspace
- Core workflow: Choose a creation type, add prompts and references, generate, then edit and export
- Prompt control: Structure prompts around subject, environment, composition, camera, and style
- 3D Editor: Build scenes with spatial depth using images, presets, and camera controls
- Iteration rule: Change one variable at a time when refining results
Getting Started: How to Use ArtCraft
ArtCraft is an open-source AI creative studio for artists, designers, and filmmakers. If you are wondering how to use ArtCraft for the first time, the path is straightforward: open the web workspace or install the desktop application, then pick the creation type that matches your goal. The platform supports image generation, video-oriented creation, and spatial 3D workflows, so the first decision is always what kind of content you want to produce.
Web Workspace
- No installation required
- Works in modern browsers
- Best for quick starts
Desktop App
- Dedicated window workflow
- Builds via official releases
- Windows and macOS paths
Crafting Apps
- PhotoCraft, FilmCraft, VectorCraft
- LightCraft, PrintCraft, EffectCraft, DesignCraft
- Each targets a discipline
Use the browser workspace to learn the basics before installing anything. Once you settle into a repeatable workflow, move to the desktop release from the official download page for a dedicated setup.
Step-by-Step: Your First ArtCraft Project
The complete beginner workflow moves from opening the workspace to exporting a finished piece. Follow these five steps in order.
Open ArtCraft
Access the web experience or desktop application and enter the main creative workspace, where projects, generation tools, and editing controls are available. Review the tools before starting.
Choose a Creation Type
Select an image, video, or 3D-oriented workflow, pick a starting canvas or scene, and decide whether to begin from text, an image, or an existing preset.
Add Prompts and References
Describe the intended result in natural language. Optionally import a reference image to guide composition, subject identity, pose, or style. Set the subject, environment, and visual direction clearly.
Generate and Review
Run the generation, inspect the output in the workspace, and compare it with your creative intent. Adjust the prompt, reference, or scene setup and generate again if needed.
Edit and Export
Use editing and compositing tools to refine the selected result, confirm the best version, and save or export the finished image, video, or 3D composition.
Start with a single-subject text-to-image generation before attempting 3D compositing. Mastering one workflow first makes the scene-based tools much easier to learn.
Image Generation: Prompts, References, and Edits
Most ArtCraft how-to-use questions center on image generation. The platform combines prompt-based generation with reference-guided creation and direct editing, so you are never limited to a single prompt.
The five main image workflows, and when to use each, are summarized below.
| Workflow | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Text-to-Image | Generates from a natural-language description | Original concepts, style exploration |
| Reference Guidance | Uses an imported image as visual direction | Consistent poses, layouts, appearance |
| Image Editing | Changes selected elements, keeps the concept | Fixing details, alternate versions |
| Background Replacement | Swaps the backdrop, keeps the subject | Product and portrait variations |
| Controlled Composition | Directs framing, viewpoint, and hierarchy | Posters, cinematic scene design |
A practical prompt structure looks like this: [subject], [appearance or action], in [environment], [composition and viewpoint], [lighting and mood], [visual style]. Define one primary subject, describe the environment, then add framing and lighting details before generating.
For reference-led work, use a template like: "Use the reference image as guidance for [subject, pose, layout, or appearance]. Preserve [elements to keep]. Change [elements to modify]." Separating what stays from what changes is the single biggest quality lever in reference workflows.
Do not change every part of a prompt at once. Keep the successful elements, refine one target issue, and compare the new result with the previous version. Single-variable iteration produces far more predictable improvements.
How to Use the ArtCraft 3D Editor
The 3D Editor serves workflows that need more than a flat image: 3D compositing, scene setup, and image-to-location tasks. The process is scene-driven rather than purely prompt-driven.
Start with an Image or Preset
Import an image or select a preset that establishes the subject, environment, or overall visual direction.
Set Up the Scene
Place the main subject and arrange environmental elements with a clear foreground, middle ground, and background.
Adjust Spatial Relationships
Move elements closer to or farther from the camera, align subjects with the environment, and check scale, perspective, and depth continuity.
Control the Camera
Choose the viewing angle, set framing and camera distance, and balance the subject against the surrounding space.
Generate the Spatial Composition
Generate the scene, inspect perspective and depth, and return to the scene or camera controls for refinement.
For scene prompts, structure around space: "[subject] positioned in [location], with [foreground elements], [background elements], viewed from [camera angle and distance], using [lighting and atmosphere]."
If a 3D scene does not look right, reduce the number of objects, reposition the core elements, and preview again before adding more content. Complex scenes fail quietly; simple scenes reveal problems clearly.
Choosing the Right Workflow and Tools
ArtCraft's ecosystem spans multiple creation paths. Matching the workflow to your output type saves significant time.
| Capability | Workflow Summary | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Image creation | Generate and refine with supported image models | Concept art, illustrations, reusable assets |
| Video creation | Motion-oriented creation tools | Short sequences, animated concepts |
| 2D compositing | Combine and adjust flat visual elements | Posters, layered graphics |
| 3D compositing | Spatial content and perspective control | Scene mockups, camera-aware compositions |
| Background processing | Separate or modify backgrounds | Cutouts, subject isolation |
| Scene control | Manage positioning and visual relationships | Repeatable, precisely staged layouts |
For moving-image concepts, describe the opening visual state, add subject or camera movement, specify pacing and atmosphere, and state continuity requirements. Video prompts succeed when motion and framing are described together.
The broader app family covers specialist needs:
| App | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PhotoCraft | Image and photo editing | Raster images, photo compositions |
| FilmCraft | Video and motion | Video projects, visual sequences |
| EffectCraft | Effects and treatments | Stylized looks, finishing passes |
| VectorCraft | Vector graphics | Icons, scalable artwork |
| LightCraft | Lighting workflows | Atmosphere and illumination control |
| PrintCraft | Print production | Physical output preparation |
| DesignCraft | Layout and composition | Posters, documents, PDF work |
ArtCraft is developed as an open-source project. You can follow development, review code, and report issues through the official GitHub repository, and join the official Discord for roadmap discussions.
Setup Checklist and Troubleshooting
First Project Checklist:
- Open the web workspace or install the desktop app
- Choose an image, video, or 3D workflow
- Write a structured prompt with one primary subject
- Import a reference image where visual guidance helps
- Iterate one variable at a time and export the final result
When something fails, diagnose by category before requesting help:
| Issue | Likely Cause | First Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Generation fails | Prompt or settings problem | Simplify the prompt, confirm inputs, retry |
| Asset not appearing | Upload incomplete | Retry upload, verify file format, reopen project |
| Wrong output type | Model mismatch | Match model to still vs. motion content |
| 3D scene looks wrong | Spatial setup | Check objects, camera, scale; simplify scene |
For account and product support, use the official support page and include the workflow you were using plus any error details.
FAQ
Q: How do I start using ArtCraft without installing anything?
Open the ArtCraft web workspace at app.getartcraft.com in a modern browser, sign in or begin the available creation workflow, and start with a simple text-to-image generation before exploring 3D tools.
Q: What is the best prompt structure for ArtCraft image generation?
Use [subject], [appearance or action], in [environment], [composition and viewpoint], [lighting and mood], [visual style]. Define one primary subject and refine one variable at a time between generations.
Q: How do I use a reference image in ArtCraft?
Import a suitable reference, state which elements should be preserved and which should change, combine it with a focused prompt, and review the generated variations to confirm the reference influence supports your intent.
Q: When should I use the 3D Editor instead of standard image generation?
Use the 3D Editor when you need spatial depth, controlled camera viewpoints, or image-to-location workflows. Standard image generation is better for flat concepts, style exploration, and quick iterations.