Skip to content
Search

3D rendering

lastmod 2026-03-03created 2025-12-304 edits

3D rendering is the 3D computer graphics process of converting 3D models into 2D images on a computer. 3D renders may include photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic styles.

Categories

Rendering methods

Rendering is the final process of creating the actual 2D image or animation from the prepared scene. This can be compared to taking a photo or filming the scene after the setup is finished in real life. Several different, and often specialized, rendering methods have been developed. These range from the distinctly non-realistic wireframe rendering through polygon-based rendering, to more advanced techniques such as scanline rendering, ray tracing, or radiosity. Rendering may take from fractions of a second to days for a single image/frame. In general, different methods are better suited for either photorealistic rendering or real-time rendering.

See also

  • Ambient occlusion
  • Computer vision
  • Graphics
  • Graphics processing unit
  • Output device
  • Digital image processing
  • Painter's algorithm
  • SIGGRAPH
  • Volume rendering

Favorite site

  • 3D rendering - Wikipedia
  • ScratchPixel - Learn computer graphics from the basics for free | GeekNews
    • [Recommended] [Original] Scratchapixel
    • An online education platform where you can learn computer graphics for free, from the basics to advanced topics
    • Systematically covers various topics such as 3D rendering, mathematical foundations, digital imaging, procedural generation, and tooling
    • Hands-on lesson structure, designed so you experience direct results before theory
    • Continuously evolving, with a Vulkan API course (new), a 3D programming blog (planned), and a book (forthcoming)
    • A free learning resource that lets developers and designers deeply understand the principles and implementation techniques of computer graphics
author Zer0 sitemap