Hello, Umer here from Solid Render. Today we’ll discuss about What is 3D Rendering and what are the steps involved in rendering process.

Definition of 3D Rendering:

3D Rendering is the process of creating a three-dimentional model into a two-dimentional image. Imagine a sculptor creating a digital object on a computer. 3D Rendering takes that creation a step further by adding details to the objects like textures, lighting, and shadows to produce a final image.

 

3D Rendering Softwares collect all the data associated with the 3D Model and renders it in 2D image. Because of texturing and lighting techniques, that image can be Photo-realistic, or a Photograph or it can be more stylised and artistic.

How Does 3D Rendering Works?

Although the 3D Rendering and 3D Visualization may used mutually sometimes but actually 3D Rendering is creating a final high quality 2D image which means final step of 3D Visualization. 3D visualization is the process of communicating a 3D concept or some design idea.

Here’s how 3D Rendering works in simple terms:

1. Creating 3D Models or Objects by using 3D Softwares:

There are various ways to create a 3d model or object or an entire scene. There’s also a vast array of 3D modeling softwares available, each belongs to different skill levels and project types like Zbrush is renowned for its sculpting capabilities, perfect for creating organic shapes like people, plants and detailed characters or resulting in high quality 3d assets.

Other modeling tools like Autodesk Maya is the industry standard software with powerful features for creating modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering. It’s a versatile tool employed across various creative fields such as video games, film and animation, product design and architecture.

Alternatives to this approach some more 3d softwares are also available in the market according to your model design or concept you create your 3d model. 

2. Add Materials or Textures to Your 3D Model:

Polygons are the fundamental building blocks that define the shape and surface of 3d objects-it captures the basic structure. But without the artistry color and textures, they remain a blank canvas. The 3D Artist apply textures to every polygon in a 3d object. Textures are the storytellers of the 3D world. They can be as simple as a single color, or they can create a basic shape into a photorealistic image of wood, metal or even something entirely out of this world.

This is where the magic of 3D materials or textures comes in. They go far beyond just adding a splash of color or a touch of shine. With the right textures, however,  it’s possible to create those flat polygons into visual objects. Imagine a simple wooden table. By applying a texture with wood grain patterns, knots, and slight color variations, it can appear more natural and realistic. Similarly, when it comes to creating intricate details such as rows of rivets on metal or a bustling city scene, modeling polygon by polygon would be time-consuming. Instead, textures allow us to achieve this level of detail efficiently. They create the illusion of true 3D depth, bringing our creations to life seamlessly.

3. Add Lighting to the 3D Scene:

3D objects should look real, just like things in the world around us. This is particularly important tasks like architectural renderings and visualization, where a simple floor plan can turn into a clear vision what’s to come in future.

Realistic lighting is essential for bringing a collection of 3D objects to life. But 3d Artists don’t paint manually light and shadows themselves, 3D software has a built-in lighting tool box. It lets artists choose where the light comes from, how strong it is, and even what kind of light is like sunlight or a lamp. By adjusting these settings, they can create a scene that feels real and believable. 

Textures made with the Adobe Substance 3D toolset automatically follow the principles of physically based rendering (PBR), and thus will look realistic in every lighting conditions. So a wooden table will always look like wood, whether it’s under the sun, indoors, or even underground.

Certain surfaces and materials, like glass and ice, interact with light uniquely. They can reflect and refract light, creating interesting effects. Water and liquids reflect light, making it dance on their surfaces, while prisms can create small rainbows when light hits them in a specific way. By properly texturing and creatively lighting a scene, it can become captivating and dramatic.

4. The 3D Rendering Process:

Once you’ve built your 3D scene, with objects textured and lights set, it;s time to take a picture! This is where rendering comes in. It’s basically a computer program that captures a snapshot of your scene, just like you would with a camera. You get to choose the angle for the picture.

This “snapshot” can be a single image, like a beautiful painting of your 3D world. But some programs can take many snapshots really fast, one after another, creating the illusion of movement, like a movie.

At Solid Render Studio, we understand the impact of different rendering methods and choose the most suitable technique, like real time or ray tracing, to maximize the visual impact and effectively communicate your design intent to your audience.

Looking for stunning visuals? Explore our 3d rendering services at Solid Render. For further details, don’t hesitate to Contact Solid Render Studio today!