---
name: tripo-3d
description: Make textured 3D models (GLB) from a prompt or a picture with Tripo, and rig characters so they can move. Use when the user wants a 3D model, a game asset, a character for animation or a figure to print. Needs TRIPO_3D_API_KEY.
---

# Tripo 3D

Key: `TRIPO_3D_API_KEY`. Get one at https://developers.tripo3d.ai/en/keys

Base URL: `https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3`. Every reply is `{"code":0,"data":{...}}`; a non-zero `code` is an error with a `message`.

## From a prompt

```bash
curl -s -X POST https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3/generation/text-to-model \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRIPO_3D_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"prompt":"A chunky robot mascot holding a coffee cup","model":"v3.1-20260211","texture":true,"pbr":true}'
```

## From a picture

Upload it, then pass the token:

```bash
curl -s -X POST https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3/files -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRIPO_3D_API_KEY" -F file=@character.png
# -> data.file_token
curl -s -X POST https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3/generation/image-to-model \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRIPO_3D_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"input":"FILE_TOKEN","model":"v3.1-20260211","texture":true,"pbr":true}'
```

## Poll and download

```bash
curl -s https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3/tasks/$TASK_ID -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRIPO_3D_API_KEY"
```

Poll every few seconds until `status` is `success` (or `failed`). The GLB is at `data.output.model_url` and a preview at `data.output.rendered_image_url`.

## Rig a character

```bash
curl -s -X POST https://openapi.tripo3d.ai/v3/animations/rig \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRIPO_3D_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"input":"TASK_ID_OF_THE_MODEL","model":"v3.0-20260909","rig_type":"biped","spec":"mixamo","out_format":"glb"}'
```

`POST /v3/animations/rig-check` with `{"input":"TASK_ID"}` says first, for free, whether a model can be rigged.

## Notes

- Credits left: `GET /v3/account/balance`. A textured model costs about 20 to 30 credits (1 credit = $0.01). Failed tasks are free.
- Accounts made on tripo3d.com (China) use `https://openapi.tripo3d.com/v3` instead.