A render is a digital version of a 2D or 3D model created by computer software. The resulting image can be hyper-realistic or not, depending on what you’ll be using it for. Real-Time Rendering is used for interactive graphics and gaming and creates images fast. Pre-Rendering is best when speed isn’t so important, usually best for photorealistic animation and visual effects. The images can be viewed by anyone without special hardware or software.
How does 3D rendering software work? Modelling means making a computer model of an object. Layout involves placing objects in a scene. And 3D rendering makes complex computer calculations based on light, surfaces and more to generate a stunning image in a process called rasterizing.
3D graphics software was born in 1978 with a product called 3D Art Graphics, a set of 3D effects coded by Kazumasa Miyazawa for Apple. Today’s computers are so much more powerful, with the processing power for exceptionally complex rendering. Here’s what you need to know about 3D rendering.
Overview of 3D Buildings from Google Earth to SketchUp
A render is a digital version of a 2D or 3D model created by computer software. The resulting image can be hyper-realistic or not, depending on what you’ll be using it for. Real-Time Rendering is used for interactive graphics and gaming and creates images fast. Pre-Rendering is best when speed isn’t so important, usually best for photorealistic animation and visual effects. The images can be viewed by anyone without special hardware or software.
How does 3D rendering software work? Modelling means making a computer model of an object. Layout involves placing objects in a scene. And 3D rendering makes complex computer calculations based on light, surfaces and more to generate a stunning image in a process called rasterizing.
3D graphics software was born in 1978 with a product called 3D Art Graphics, a set of 3D effects coded by Kazumasa Miyazawa for Apple. Today’s computers are so much more powerful, with the processing power for exceptionally complex rendering. Here’s what you need to know about 3D rendering.
Benefits of 3D Rendering Software for Your Business
So why is rendering software such a good idea? For a start, it makes visualisation so much more exciting, simply because the images you render are so perfect. They’re super-clear, lit realistically and incredibly life-like. Your clients and colleagues will know exactly where you’re coming from instantly because rendering makes it so much easier to get ideas across accurately in a way that inspires people.
Rendering software saves time because you can quickly test different designs, making swift changes in real-time and showcasing the results so beautifully that there’s no risk of misunderstandings. It’s ideal for making fast virtual prototypes and test builds too, minimising the number of revisions you need to make along the way. And it’s great for automating the repetitive things you don’t want to spend time on: variations on the same design, generating multiple views of the same thing, setting how the natural light falls.
The software also gives you enhanced design quality and accuracy. It makes intricate, precise designs and challenging ideas a lot easier to achieve, and faster. You’ll be able to design very high-quality products and deliver exceptional services, which means you’ll enjoy your work more. And of course, saving all this time and effort ultimately saves money.
Make every presentation an excellent one. Convince stakeholders faster. Improve your turnaround times. Be more competitive. It all happens when you’re doing a dazzlingly good job with 3D rendering tools.
Use rendering software to simulate an infinite number of lighting conditions, bring every kind of environment to life, and make any material look real. The results are gasp-out-loud good, loved by everyone from animators to gaming designers, architects to landscape designers, and construction companies to engineers.
Types of 3D Rendering Software
Is there more than one kind of photorealistic rendering software? It’s a yes. There are three sorts of 3d rendering tools to choose from, each with its own focus.
Photorealistic rendering software gives you extremely realistic images and animations. Simulating real-world lighting and materials to perfection, this kind of rendering is mostly used by architects, product designers, and advertising agencies.
Non-photorealistic rendering software is the best choice when you want to be more artistic, is used by designers working in animation, gaming and film. Paint with it, draw with it and much more – it lets you use all sorts of expressive styles.
Real-time rendering software is perfect for making interactive and immersive visualisations in real time. Think video games, virtual and augmented reality, and the impressive walk-throughs used by architects.
How to Choose the Right 3D Rendering Software for Your Business
It’s an exciting choice but how, exactly, do you make it? Like any business buying decision, you’ll begin by exploring your wants, needs and goals. What level of realism are you aiming for? What sort of projects do you work on at the moment? Will that change? If so, when?
What do your clients and prospects expect? What are your closest competitors doing? Where do you want to be in five years’ time? What are your financial projections? And finally, what’s your budget?
Next, find out as much as you can about your options. What are the features, benefits, capabilities and limits of the software you’re thinking about? Is there support for enough file types, how many rendering choices do you get, how easy is it to use, is there support and if so how good is it? Is there anything crucial you really need to do that it doesn’t do?
It’s good to factor learning resources in as well. Does the software come with tutorials, videos, courses, documentation, and customer support? Will the provider help you get started? What sort of license will suit you best?
Once you’ve bottomed all this out you’ll be in the perfect position to make the right decision: photoreal, non-photoreal, or real-time 3D animation.
Inspired? Let’s go
Now you know what 3d rendering software is. It’ll save you time and money, and give you and your clients an inspiring way to explore designs, ideas, prototypes and creations. There’s a version to suit every kind of 3D design project. You design better and love the results more.
If that sounds good, why not test-drive 3D rendering software for your business? Go to a provider you can trust and you’ll get so much more than a download. At Elmtec we have the SketchUp expertise you need to get up to speed fast, and we give you the support you need in getting the most out of the 3D rendering software you choose.
