3D rendering is the process of creating a photorealistic 2D image from 3D models. 3D rendering is the final step in the process of 3D visualization, which involves creating models of objects, texturing those objects, and adding lighting to the scene.
3D rendering software takes all the data associated with the 3D model and renders it into a 2D image. Thanks to new texturing and lighting capabilities, that 2D image may be indistinguishable from a real photograph, or it may look purposefully stylized — that’s up to the artist and the goal of the visualization.
.jpeg)
1. Create 3D objects or models using 3D modeling software.
There are a number of ways to create a 3D model, or an entire scene. Some sculpting applications allow you to create and shape polygons, ultimately forming a 3D asset. This type of modeling might, for instance, be particularly suited to creating organic assets — such as plants or people — as it is well suited to an artistic interpretation of somewhat irregular shapes.
2. Add materials to 3D objects.
Polygons define the shape of 3D objects, but by themselves they lack color or surface details. Artists are able to assign a texture to every polygon in a 3D object. Textures can be simple monochrome colors, or they can simulate the appearance of essentially any surface at all, from natural materials such as rock or wood to industrial metal or plastic surfaces.
3. Render the 3D image.
Once the 3D objects have been created and textured and the environment has been lit, the 3D rendering process begins. This is a computer-driven process that essentially takes a “snapshot” of your scene, from a point of view that you define. The result is a 2D image of your 3D scene. Rendering software can create a single image, or it can render many images in rapid succession to create the illusion of real-time motion.
