Complete Guide

Master Gouash in Minutes

Learn everything you need to create stunning architectural visualizations, from your first image to professional-quality videos

Getting Started

Gouash is your AI design brief and visualization workspace for architecture and interiors. The Create page is your main studio — collect references, generate options, and refine outputs.

1

Access the Create Page

After signing in, click 'Create' in the navigation or go to /app to access your design workspace.

2

Enter Your Vision

Use the prompt box at the bottom to describe the design you want to create. Be as detailed as you like.

3

Generate and Refine

Click Generate and watch your vision come to life. You can then edit, animate, or create variations.

Open Create Page
Gouash Create Interface Overview

The main Create interface with all key components

Canvas & Moodboards

The Canvas is your free-form visual workspace for building moodboards. Open it from the Create page by clicking the Canvas / Moodboard button. Think of it as an infinite digital pinboard where you collect, arrange, sketch, and annotate everything that defines a project before you generate a single render.

What is a moodboard?

A moodboard is a curated collage of references - chandeliers, materials, flooring, furniture, windows, curtains, and color palettes - that captures the look, feel, and direction of a design. It is the language designers use to understand a client's needs, brainstorm and align on ideas, and lock in a cohesive aesthetic before committing to a full visualization.

Understand client needs - gather their inspiration images in one place to confirm you are aligned on taste and intent.

Brainstorm ideas - mix materials, palettes, and furniture freely until a direction emerges.

Feed the AI - send the finished board straight into Design mode with the Use button to generate on-brief renders.

The Gouash Canvas workspace with toolbar, tool rail, and settings panel

The Canvas: top action bar, left tool rail, and right settings panel

A tour of the interface

The Canvas is built from three zones. Here is what every part does.

Top action bar

  • Project name - rename your moodboard inline.
  • New / Open / Save - start fresh, reopen a saved board, or store your progress.
  • Download - export the board as an image.
  • Save to Gallery / Use - send the board to your gallery or push it into Design mode as a reference.

Left tool rail

  • Select (V) - move, resize, and rotate any element.
  • Draw (B) & Erase (E) - freehand annotations and corrections.
  • Rectangle, Circle, Line - frame groups and draw connectors.
  • Text & Image - add labels and drop in references.
  • Undo / Redo / Delete / Zoom - manage the board state.

Right settings panel

  • Brush - brush color, brush size, and eraser size.
  • Shape - fill color, stroke color, and stroke width.
  • Text - text color, font family, and font size.
  • Canvas - background color, zoom, and layer order.

The settings panel, tab by tab

Whatever tool you pick, the right panel updates with the exact controls you need.

Brush settings tab

Brush tab

Color, brush size, eraser size

Shape settings tab

Shape tab

Fill, stroke color, stroke width

Text settings tab

Text tab

Color, font family, font size

Canvas settings tab

Canvas tab

Background, zoom, layer order

Build a moodboard in five steps

1

Open the Canvas

From the Create page, click the Canvas / Moodboard button to open your infinite workspace.

2

Collect references

Use the Image tool to add chandeliers, materials, flooring, furniture, windows, curtains, and color palettes - anything that captures the brief.

3

Arrange and group

Switch to Select to drag, resize, and rotate items. Use rectangles and lines to group related references and connect ideas.

4

Annotate

Add Text labels ('oak floor', 'brass') and freehand Draw arrows to explain your thinking and align with the client.

5

Save or send to AI

Save the board, or hit Use to push it into Design mode and generate a render that matches your moodboard.

A finished living room moodboard built on the Canvas

A finished moodboard: references, labels, arrows, and a palette

From board to render

Once a board feels right, the Canvas does more than document the brief - it drives the generation. Press Use to send the moodboard into Design mode as a reference, and Gouash produces a render that respects the materials, palette, and mood you assembled.

Pro tip

Keep one clear color palette strip and 6-8 strong references per board. Too many competing directions make it harder for both your client and the AI to lock onto a single vision. See full before-and-after examples on the home page.

Open the Canvas

Understanding Credits

Credits are the currency for creating designs in Gouash. Different operations cost different amounts of credits based on quality and complexity.

Image Generation

Create or edit images

720p / 1080p / 2K5 credits
4K resolution9 credits

Video Generation

Animate your designs

Per second of video6 credits
4 second video24 credits
8 second video48 credits

Pro Tip

Start with lower resolutions to experiment with ideas, then use 4K for final renders. This helps you maximize your credits while exploring creative options.

Credits Purchase Interface

Getting More Credits

  • Subscription Plans: Get monthly credit allowances with Starter (100), Standard (350), or Professional (900) plans
  • Credit Packs: Purchase additional credits anytime at $0.10 per credit
  • No Expiration: Your credits never expire, use them whenever you need

Creating New Images

The Design mode is your starting point for creating entirely new architectural visualizations from text descriptions. Simply describe what you want to see.

Select Design Mode

Click the "Design" button (with sparkles icon) to enter generation mode. This is active by default when you open the Create page.

Add Reference Images (Optional)

Upload up to 5 reference images to guide the AI. These can be inspiration photos, sketches, or existing designs you want to use as a starting point.

Write Your Prompt

Describe your vision in detail. Include architectural style, materials, lighting, atmosphere, and any specific elements you want in the design.

Design Mode Selection

Toolbar: folder icon, design mode (highlighted), edit mode, upload, and prompt input

Intent-Based AI Understanding

Gouash is specifically trained for architecture and interior design. It understands architectural terminology, design styles, and spatial concepts. You don't need to be overly specific - the AI intelligently interprets your intent.

Instead of writing:

"Generate an image of a room with white walls and wooden floor..."

Simply write:

"Scandinavian minimalist living room with warm oak flooring"

Editing Existing Images

The Edit mode allows you to modify existing images using natural language instructions. Transform any design by describing the changes you want.

1

Select an Image to Edit

Upload a reference image, select from your gallery, or use a previously generated design from your history.

2

Switch to Edit Mode

Click the 'Edit' button (with wand icon) to activate editing mode.

3

Describe Your Changes

Write what you want to change: 'Change the sofa to dark blue velvet' or 'Add floor-to-ceiling windows on the left wall'.

Examples of what you can edit

  • - Change materials (wood, marble, concrete, etc.)
  • - Modify colors and textures
  • - Add or remove furniture and objects
  • - Adjust lighting and atmosphere
  • - Transform architectural elements
  • - Change the time of day or season
Edit Mode Toolbar

Toolbar with Edit mode selected (highlighted)

Example Edit Prompts

"Change the ceiling to exposed wooden beams"

Material modification

"Make it evening with warm ambient lighting"

Lighting change

"Add a large abstract painting above the fireplace"

Adding elements

Creating Videos

The Animate mode transforms static images into immersive walkthrough videos. Create cinematic animations of your architectural designs.

1

Start with an Image

You need an image to animate. Either upload one or use a design you've already generated.

2

Switch to Animate Mode

Click the 'Animate' button (with film icon) to enter animation mode.

3

Configure Duration

Open Settings to choose video duration: 4, 6, or 8 seconds. Longer videos cost more credits.

4

Add Motion Direction (Optional)

Describe camera movement in your prompt: 'Slow pan to the right' or 'Zoom into the fireplace'.

Video Duration & Credits

4s

24 credits

6s

36 credits

8s

48 credits

Animation Prompt Tips

"Slow cinematic pan from left to right revealing the living space"

Horizontal pan

"Gentle forward movement through the entrance hall"

Walkthrough motion

"Static shot with subtle ambient movement and light changes"

Ambient

Best Practices for Videos

  • - Use high-quality source images for best results
  • - Simple camera movements work best
  • - Avoid complex multi-directional movements
  • - Interior shots with clear depth work well

Generation Settings

Click the gear icon to access generation settings. These control the output quality and format of your designs.

Aspect Ratio

Choose the shape of your output image:

16:9

Landscape

9:16

Portrait

1:1

Square

Resolution

Higher resolution = more detail, but costs more credits:

720pBasic (5 credits)
1080pHD (5 credits)
2KHigh (5 credits)
4KUltra (9 credits)
Generation Settings Panel

Aspect ratio, resolution settings, and generate button

Video Duration

Only applies when using Animate mode:

4 sec

Quick preview

6 sec

Standard

8 sec

Extended

Writing Effective Prompts

Gouash is optimized for architecture and interior design. Here's how to write prompts that get the best results for your architectural visualizations.

Architectural Styles

Mention specific styles: Modern, Art Deco, Brutalist, Mediterranean, Japanese, Industrial, Victorian, etc.

Materials & Textures

Specify materials: Polished concrete, travertine marble, walnut wood, brushed brass, white oak, etc.

Lighting & Mood

Describe atmosphere: Golden hour light, dramatic shadows, soft ambient glow, morning sunlight, etc.

Context & Environment

Add surroundings: Ocean view, forest setting, urban skyline, courtyard garden, mountain backdrop, etc.

Room Types

Specify spaces: Open-plan living, chef's kitchen, master suite, home office, rooftop terrace, etc.

Details & Accents

Add specifics: Indoor plants, statement chandelier, built-in shelving, fireplace, artwork, etc.

Example Architecture Prompts

"Modern minimalist villa with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking infinity pool, white concrete walls, warm wooden accents, golden hour lighting"

Exterior - Modern Luxury

"Industrial loft apartment with exposed brick walls, steel beam ceiling, polished concrete floor, large factory windows, vintage furniture mixed with contemporary pieces"

Interior - Industrial

"Japanese-inspired zen garden courtyard with raked gravel, moss stones, bamboo water feature, minimalist wooden pavilion, soft morning mist"

Landscape - Japanese

Example Interior Prompts

"Scandinavian living room with pale oak floors, white walls, large linen sectional sofa, wool textured rug, statement floor lamp, indoor fiddle leaf fig plant"

Living Room - Scandinavian

"Luxury master bathroom with Calacatta marble walls and floor, freestanding copper bathtub, double vanity with brass fixtures, floor-to-ceiling window with garden view"

Bathroom - Luxury

"Contemporary home office with built-in walnut shelving, mid-century modern desk, leather Eames chair, natural light from skylight, curated book collection and art objects"

Office - Contemporary

Prompt Structure Formula

[Style] + [Room Type] + [Key Materials] + [Lighting/Mood] + [Notable Features]

Example: "Art Deco hotel lobby with terrazzo floors, emerald velvet seating, brass accents, dramatic pendant lighting, geometric patterns, and a statement marble reception desk"

Using the Windows App

Gouash offers a standalone Windows application for rendering and creating stunning animations of architecture or urban design related models. Use your API key to connect and transform your 3D models into photorealistic visuals. Requires an internet connection to work.

1

Generate Your API Key

Go to your Profile page and navigate to the API Keys section. Click 'Generate API Key' to create a new key.

2

Copy the API Key

Click the Copy button to copy your full API key to clipboard. Keep this key secure - it provides access to your account.

3

Open the Windows App

Launch the Gouash Windows application on your computer. Make sure you have an active internet connection.

4

Paste Your API Key

Click the Key icon at the top of the app to open the API configuration. Paste your API key and connect to authenticate.

5

Start Rendering

You're all set! Simply create your 3D model, position your camera to frame the perfect shot, and optionally add textures for extra detail. When ready, click the Capture button to take a screenshot directly from your viewport. Then write a descriptive prompt to guide the AI, and hit Render for a stunning photorealistic image or Animate to bring your design to life with beautiful motion.

Security Note

Your API key is like a password - don't share it publicly. If you suspect it's been compromised, you can revoke it and generate a new one from your Profile page.

Gouash Windows App

The Gouash Windows app for rendering architecture and urban design models

What You Can Do With the Windows App

  • Works with any Windows-based 3D software including Revit, 3D Studio Max, Maya, Rhinoceros, SketchUp 3D, Blender, Cinema 4D, and many more
  • Render architecture and urban design models into photorealistic images
  • Create stunning animations from your 3D model screenshots
  • Send up to 5 reference images per render request
  • All renders automatically appear in your web gallery
  • Credits are deducted from your account (same rates as web)
Manage Your API Key

Ready to Create?

You've learned the essentials. Now it's time to bring your architectural visions to life with Gouash.