What is 3D Rendering? – A Simple Guide to Understand the 3D Rendering Process

What is 3D Rendering?

3D rendering refers to the visualization of an object or place in the form of an image with the help of 3D software. It is used by both artistic and technical professionals to create images that allow us to better advertise or explain designs and concepts to clients.

Few of the common applications of 3D rendering include; interior renders of spaces and rooms, product renderings, and architectural renderings of real estate. Moreover, 3D Rendering is also often used by entrepreneurs to visualize prototypes.

Read on further to learn about the 3D rendering process.

Understanding the 3D Rendering Process

The process below explains the 3D Rendering of 2D images. While the process is broken down into steps, a 3D illustrator doesn’t always follow this order and can alter the process according to the clients’ vision and the objective of the project. A simple overview of the 3D rendering process involves the following seven steps:

Step 1: Understanding The Project Vision

To construct a 3D rendering model, the 3D artist or illustrator must first understand the project vision. It can be done through using sketches, references images, and plans provided by the client. This helps 3D illustrators to visualize the project in their head and becomes the base of the 2D dimensional plan.

Step 2: 3D Modeling

The illustrator uses specialized 3D modelling software to build a digital model of the project. This phase is parallel to constructing a physical model structure, but in this, the model only exists digitally. Few popular 3D rendering software includes 3Delight, Indigo Render, and Artlantis.

Step 3: Texturing and Materials

In this step, the artist incorporates imageries to the 3D model to make them appear as realistic as possible. This is similar to painting and attaching materials to a physical model to give it a convincing appearance.

Step 4: Integrate Lighting

The illustrator uses rendering software to integrate lights in the 3D scene of the project to replicate real-world lighting. This allows the client to envision how a particular area or product can be influenced or elevated through lighting.

Step 5: 3D Rendering

This is the most crucial step of the entire 3D rendering process in which the computer produces a 2D image for the scene craft in the steps above. Rendering can take weeks to complete depending on the quality desired and the complexity of the scene.

Step 6: Review and Refine 

During this step, the generated drafts are provided to the client for review and feedback. These drafts are generally in a low-resolution format to speed up the alteration process. Revisions are made until and unless the desired results are achieved.

Step 7: Final Release

The approved final 2D image or images are delivered to the client in this step. The images will be provided in a specific size and format, depending upon the desired resolution.

We hope this article helps you to understand what 3D Rendering is and how it works.  So for your next interior project or product prototype, you’ll know where to head!