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Getting Started

What Mensula is

Section titled “What Mensula is”

Mensula is a Barcelona-based startup creating next-generation tools for architects to do their work in the contemporary world.

It’s a digital architecture platform that integrates AI natively into the architect’s workflow — streamlining tasks while keeping the creative design process at the center.

Mensula is modular: a set of interconnected tools that engage with the different phases of a project, from the earliest sketches to the construction stage. The first available module is Renders.

The platform is currently in open beta — a testing period prior to full public launch. It’s open to everyone, and you may still run into the occasional rough edge as we keep refining the experience.

What Mensula Renders does

Section titled “What Mensula Renders does”

The Renders module generates AI-assisted architectural visualizations from drawings or 3D models. It’s designed so you stay in control of the process — at Mensula we believe creative control should always remain in the architect’s hands.

Main features:

  • Photorealistic image generation from sketches, drawings, or 3D models, using a range of integrated AI models (Google, OpenAI, Stability, Topaz, and others).
  • Tools for modifying specific areas of an image.
  • In-app mask creation.
  • Layer-based collage workflow.
  • Integration of transparent (PNG) images.
  • Integrated AI support chat to help you improve control over the image-making process.
  • Version history for comparing alternatives.
  • Library of Elements — store PNG images by category (furniture, vegetation, people, etc.) and reusable text prompts to bring into new images.

The interface is simple, well-designed, and intuitive, with the ability to organize images by project and by project view.

Signing up

Section titled “Signing up”

Mensula is in open beta and free to start. To create your account:

  1. Go to app.mensula.io.
  2. Sign in with your email (we’ll send a 6-digit code) or with your Google account.
  3. That’s it, you’re in. New accounts start with free credits to explore.

If you’re a university or institution interested in volume access, write to [email protected].

Your first render

Section titled “Your first render”

Once you have access:

  1. Log in at app.mensula.io using a magic code sent to your email, or with Google.
  2. Create a project from the home screen.
  3. Upload a reference — a sketch, wireframe screenshot, or 3D viewport capture. You can also start from text only and bring images in later.
  4. Generate — choose a model, adjust parameters, and click Generate.
  5. Refine — use masks and inpainting on specific regions to iterate on details, lighting, or materials.

The first render takes a few seconds to a minute depending on complexity. You’ll start with a free credit allowance to experiment.

Do I need to be an architect?

Section titled “Do I need to be an architect?”

No. We’ve designed Mensula around architects’ needs, but if your workflow has parallels with the architectural process — visualizing space, iterating on designs from references — Mensula will likely fit you too.

Where to go next

Section titled “Where to go next”