3D-generated images and animations are not difficult to find in today’s daily life. You’ll undoubtedly encounter visual works created by the 3D rendering process on countless occasions, such as blockbuster movies, skincare advertisements, or a magazine you’ve subscribed, and the billboards near the food court.
Now you may realize visuals on these platforms are used to attract you, or let’s say, their target customers. The truth is many industries can’t deny the power of using 3D rendering services in their marketing. It is now a crucial part of the job of architects, interior designers, marketers, engineers, manufacturers, and many other professionals. Stunning their clients with the design, impressing the jury with their vision, or sharing the new idea with their team, they are all beneficiaries of 3D rendering services. Thus, we’ve prepared the most frequently asked questions about 3D rendering in this article. Please keep reading to find out what is 3D rendering, what is the working process, and how to use it in modern society.
What is 3D Rendering?
To start with the definition, 3D rendering is the process of creating a 2D image from 3D digital scene using a computer. CGI professionals use specific techniques and special software to generate a 3D image. Here, the first thing to be clear is that 3D rendering is a process. During the process, 2D or 3D data are collected and used to contribute to the final result.
During the 3D rendering process, 3D models are inevitable. From building the 3D models, the real process starts. To create a realistic environment, there are more steps needing to be done, such as adding photorealistic textures and materials, and setting right lighting to make the scene natural. Moreover, optional effects may help bake the atmosphere. For example, a luxury villa with a large swimming pool is more convincing if there are people swimming and relaxing in or near the pool. Imagine you’re a real estate developer and are selling one of your properties. Does the real-time 3D rendered image of the future house more powerful and persuasive than just showing your client the land with you picturing how the house will be like?
3D rendering of the 710 Edge project in Miami, USA, created by AIMIR
What is a 3D Render?
A 3D render is the final result of the 3D rendering process. It may include 3D rendering images, 3D animations, Virtual Reality tours, 360º panoramas, 3D models, 2D or 3D floor plans, 3D products and many other forms.
Who Uses 3D Rendering?
3D rendering now is used by a various people from a wide range of industries, We’ve listed the most popular ones as following:
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Architecture
3D modeling and rendering is no doubt the most powerful tool in the architecture industry now. Architects, interior designers, engineers and other professionals use 3D rendering to persuade their clients, juries and investors with their ideas visualized. Given the nature of architecture industry, where buildings are expensive and time-consuming to construct, 3D rendering services is a flexible tool to view the details of future structures, avoid possible design mistakes. Learn more about 3D Architectural Visualization.
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Real Estate
Since 3D rendering is a great tool for architecture industry, no one will deny its charm in real estate industry. With the help of exterior 3D rendering images, real estate agents are able to show the buyers what their home will look like. Interior 3D renderings are a good reflection of the indoor life, and real estate agencies can even use 3D rendering services as renovation ideas to show the house before its renovated. Also, there is no easier way than showing the potential buyers a virtual tour in and around the building to introduce the business.
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Interior Design
In the interior design industry, 3D rendering probably is the most frequently and most popular tool. Interior designers’ job is to design the indoor spaces for their clients. Therefore, it is inevitable to find a way to show their clients their design. We all understand it is not possible to actually renovate the interior home for review. Thus, 3D rendering services are the answer. It does not only showcase the designer’s vision in advance, but also allows modification anytime. Learn more about Interior 3D Rendering.
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Manufacturing
There is no more explanation needed to explicit the use of 3D rendering in manufacturing industry. Whether you’re designing a new hair dryer or a new water bottle, 3D modeling and rendering is the ultimate tool. Similar to the above industries, product design is also a process which needs 3D tool to design, render and finalize.
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Advertising & Marketing
In advertising industry, which is also the marketing industry, 3D visualization is the enchantment of the product or the service sold. Visual impression is a vital idea in advertising industry, and to achieve this, a strong visual presentation is the key to successful marketing. 3D rendering can be used on various platforms such as social networks, TV commercials, magazine advertising, and leaflets to attract new customers.
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Entertainment
Finally, 3D rendering, the entertainment industry is able to create a dynamic world to offer people relaxation, dreams and laughs. Today’s visual world is unprecedented massive and advanced. Thanks to CGI technology, people are able to enjoy video games, animations cartoons, and movies with the most impressive and realistic effects.
How Does 3D Rendering Work? What is 3D Rendering Process?
Let’s try to figure out how 3D rendering functions in order to understand it more.
Numerous calculations are carried out by the rendering engine in accordance with predetermined algorithms. The 3D artist’s program-created scenes and models are gradually processed and converted into flat visuals based on the mathematical data. Due to physics and the positioning of other items in the environment, the models acquire distinct lines, colors, tints, realistic shadows, and reflections during processing. As a result, every pixel of the image is improved, and they appear entire and complete. And this is how 3D rendering work.
3D Rendering Software
What 3D rendering software to use to produce such promising result? This is a tricky question, because there are countless 3D rendering software and platforms on the market, and each of them has their own merits and down sides. Some of the most popular 3D rendering software, apps and platforms:
- 3ds Max;
- V-ray;
- Lumion;
- Blender;
- Corona Chaos;
- SketchUp.
We’ve talked to experts and summarized some of the best 3D rendering software here: Best Free Rendering Software for creating 3D Architectural Visualization.
3D Rendering Process
No matter you’re an amateur or professional 3D rendering software user, or you’re in some industry who is looking for 3D rendering services, understanding 3D rendering process is vital. It will help prepare pre-production files and information, choose the suitable service, and know how to get the best result. Now, let’s take a look at the 3D rendering process.
Step 1: Understanding the Project
The whole project team including the project manager and relevant 3D artists need to understand the client’s requirement. This includes the client’s aim, the vision, and the purpose of the project.
Step 2: Creating the 3D Model
3D modeling is the process during which the 2D materials and information are summarized and produced into a 3D model using 3D modeling software. During this stage, the model is able to change according to the design.
Step 3: Applying Materials and Textures
This probably is the determining step. The final result will look realistic only when the materials and textures are right.
Step 4: Setting the Lighting and Post-processing
Here, there is no real lighting used. Even when the 3D artists want to create a scene with natural light, such as the seaside, they use artificial lights to reproduce realistic lighting.
Step 5: Final Delivery of High-res 3D Renderings
When the rendering drafts are confirmed, 3D artists will output the final high-res 4K/5K visual works upon request.
Also check our case studies about 3D rendering process: Real Estate Rendering for a Private House in California, USA.
Conclusion
On today’s market, 3D rendering is an artistic visualized presentation of people’s creative ideas, visions, and designs. There are various parts involved in 3D rendering, such as 3D modeling, adding materials, setting lights and post-producing. Each steps is subjected to the actual project, and is flexible with the best results possible.
In this article, we’ve tried our best to articulate the nature of 3D rendering, the 3D rendering process, people who uses 3D rendering, and other frequently asked questions about it. Hope it may help you understand 3D rendering more. If you’re looking for reliable 3D rendering services or teams to sell your idea or products, you’re welcome to contact us! AIMIR is a professional 3D architectural visualization studio from 2006, we’re devoted to delivering high-end photorealistic 3D renderings to the world!