Difference Between 3D Modeling And 3D Rendering

Updated on :October 18, 2023
By :Ashok Kumar

Any 3D implementation process involves both 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering. 3D Modeling is a method of developing an analytical illustration of an inert object. 3D Rendering is basically the process of creating two-dimensional images from a 3D model. Both 3D Modeling and 3D rendering services are greatly utilized by different industries like real estate, entertainment, manufacturing, medicine, engineering, and automotive.

Understanding 3D Modeling:

3D Modeling is the method of generating a 3D depiction of an object by handling edges, tips, and other different shapes in simulated 3D space. The imaginative and marvellous creatures and structures included in movies, video games, or any other animations are created with 3D Modeling. There is 3D production software with which experts create multi-shaped surfaces. By using this software, it is possible to depict a real-life object digitally by scanning the object into a set of data points.

How Does 3D Modeling Work?

3D Modeling is started with a basic shape like a sphere, plane, or a polygon. Modeling artists will develop upon this basic structure and modify them with the help of different tools. Usually, any complex structure is started with such a basic form of an idea, to begin with. 3D Modeling is an accurate effort of carefully placing distinct apexes in order to attain the perfect outlines of the planed object. The outer part of the structure consists of polygons that are sectioned into reduced shapes to develop a more detailed model. These smaller sections are very much necessary for animation purposes. If the animations require a character motion like the movement of joints like hands or legs, then the additional shapes have to make sure of smooth movements.

There are many 3D Modeling software that aid in the swift working of the process. Surfer, Cinema 4D, Blender, Adobe Fuse CC are few best 3D modelling software solutions.  There is a technique called mirroring where experts work on any one part of the object and automatically develop the same proportioned other parts. This helps in speeding up the large project of character/object design where experts can just work on one side of the characters, and the software will mirror the other part of the character along the expected dimensions creating an exactly even object. There are many other useful tools that provide an easy and swift changing of an object’s area. They ensure that the originality of the work is preserved, which is very crucial in Modeling of complicated structures that need more experimentation for a successful output.

Types of 3D Modeling:

3D modeling methods are usually of the below types.

Polygonal: A polygonal model characterizes different points in the 3D plane linked by line sectors to develop a polygon mesh. These polygonal meshes are consistent as they are characterized by a set of plane surfaces. Polygonal meshes are favourable since they are light, and the concepts can be swiftly rendered. 

Curve: This type of Modeling depends on curves to create surface configurations. Curve modeling can be based on configurable and practical relationships or on freeform, banking on the NURBS model (Non-uniform rational basis spline -It gives higher adaptability and accuracy for handling both analytic and modeled shapes) to define surface structures. The curves are determined by mathematical formulae that are developed by the experts utilizing control points. 

Digital Sculpting: Digital sculpting is a relatively new type of 3D Modeling where the artist sculpts a 3D object on a 3D surface of a computer with the material, the same as modeling clay. There are special software tools that push, pull, twist, pinch, and smooth that make it easy to build accurate sculpts that imitate real-life appearances and things.

Use of 3D Modeling in Architecture field:

In the traditional model of architecture, designs were often made on paper with pens and brushes. There was always a chance for wrong computations here and those being caught only after the start of construction.

But in the modern world, the 3D technology has completely influenced the architecture industry. Also, 3D Modeling saves a lot of time and money. The tedious traditional process of building physical models is also eliminated as the architects can adjust and change the design with growth in the project. The 3D models give the option for architects to add many angles and depth in designing. The clients can be looking at birds-eye view along with a detailed ground perspective. There is also the option of creating a touring 3D model for the inner designing view. Such advanced technologies give the clients a more detailed idea of what they will be provided, even before the commencement of the project. This can help the architects to quickly accommodate any changes from the initial plan for both pleasing the customer needs and also to adjust to any norms if required. E-commerce websites also have become extra influential in portraying the product details that have aided in decreasing the purchase queries from possible buyers. This has helped them to grow with better control and authority.

Understanding 3D Rendering:

Depending on the available data, a 3D rendering software will produce a photorealistic image of the given character or object. The images are produced depending on sets of available data in developing the texture, tone, and shape that a particular object in the image possesses. It is completely about using a conceptual and complicated gathering of digital data to develop an intense representation of the object. It is a process where the technical factors are converted into pleasant pictorial elements. Hence it is necessary to create a 3D object first before rendering any object. 3D Modeling is used to create any 3D character or object and use this as input data for 3D Rendering. Blender, Keyshot, 3ds Max, Modo are some of the best 3D Rendering software solutions that you can consider testing.

What are the steps involved in 3D Rendering?

1. The Rendering starts with 3D Modeling. In this process, a set of plane symmetrical shapes are linked together to create different shapes. This forms the base data for starting the 3D Rendering.

2. A Unique software is used to change the 3D model object. Here, the object will look like an unprocessed blueprint image. If the images created are a character, then the edges and tips are smoothed to create a product somewhat closer to the final output.

3. This unprocessed blueprint is then polished and completed using proper tone, shading, and filters. In this step, the detailed features of a character like hairs, fingers, clothes, or any other final additions to the objects are defined.

Rendering in the Real estate:

Success in real estate is dependent on how lively the visuals are presented in the market. 3D Modeling will provide the option for pictures and interior video tours, but 3D renderings give a more practical image. With this, the customer will have the best realistic experience of walking through a structure without the need to visit in person. It will be of great help if the structure is in a faraway location avoiding frequent back and forth visits. Even by staying remotely, there can be an assurance of the design changes. As 3D Rendering is used in real estate for architecture and construction, they are also used in the planning stage for renovating older properties. With this modern technology of 3D Rendering available, it has made a major change in the real estate segment, with sales having a major influence. There is still value for catalogs, but with the real-time feel of looking into the future house in the computer creates a much big impact on the customers. This gives an impactful and result-oriented sales for agents and also an effective study for customers to know each and every detail of property they wish to buy.

Difference between 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering:

As both technologies are used and have connections working together, they are also used for different occasions and objectives. Modeling is the base level for carrying out any visualization process. It is very important to know the purpose of the end project by looking at and analyzing the minute details.

Major differences are:

3D Rendering Is not possible without 3D Modelling:

3D Modeling is the base step in any successful 3D design. Rendering requires the data from 3D modeling design, that is further processed. These data are later tweaked with the help of many advanced 3D techniques in 3D Rendering software, and modern artists prefer to have a database or blueprint of 3D models in their system, that can be used in the times where there is an immediate requirement of optimal outputs for the customer. This will help to save a lot of time and also turns out to be value for money in crunch situations. The top-quality 3D rendering process can take more time than expected for the optimal output. Hence, a single 3D model can be used for different characters in a video/movie and in lifestyle objects with several backgrounds, aiding different motives. Created once, a model can represent manifold color varieties and design options.

Usage:

3D Modeling is used majorly for:

  • Aiding in enhanced project preparation
  • For knowing if there are any interventions between structures
  • Showcasing a graphical representation of the upcoming object
  • Avoiding confusion prior to the fixing of any system

3D Rendering is generally used for:

  • Helping in detailed design improvement and decision making
  • Smoothening the presentation and display graphics that aids in marketing
  • Showcasing the thoughts in various manners

Major differences in the industry application are dependent on the intent of usage. In real estate, an architect will influentially make use of 3D Modeling for showcasing the designs effectively, but a marketing guy will use the 3D rendering technique to showcase the designs more realistically and precisely to give a practical experience for customers. Every angle of the building can be observed, analyzed, and transformed with the successful execution of the 3D rendering technique.

Industries requiring prototypes like electronics, medicine, engineering, and software programming prefer to use 3D models. 3D Rendering is mostly useful in deep specifications and design images. It will give a point to point visualisation of the object or structure.

3D Rendering is very much useful in the entertainment industry, especially movies. It may be used in special animation movies or also in normal films that require to enhance their graphics. With the latest advancements in the 3D Rendering, the majority of bigger production units prefer to use them to get optimal output. 

Differences in Software:

There is a need for unique skills and awareness in usage in different software to precisely achieve success in both the areas of 3D techniques. The software for both 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering differs in the functioning and end results. There are both priced, and free software available.

Major Software used in 3D Modeling are:

  • 3D splash
  • Photoshop CC
  • Libre Cad
  • Self-CAD
  • Sculpt GL
  • Tinker CAD

Software used in the Rendering are:

  • Arion
  • 3Delight
  • Arnold
  • Clarisse
  • Artlantis

There are many software available for 3D visualizations. It is dependent on what is the aim of the intended output.

Summary:

It comes to the point that it is not possible to create a beautifully planned structure without a perfect base of the 3D model. Also, the final output of the object will look unfinished and raw without a good rendering process. Hence, both need to be working together to give a finely crafted output. But it is also necessary to analyze whether there is a requirement of a completely rendered 3D object for presentable purpose or just 3D model is enough to fit the requirement that may be useful in the future. Both the 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering give the best option to cut costs and improve the branding in the industrial process.

Currently, things have meaningfully manipulated for good, with experts being well equipped to give top services and are smartly using the boundless options available in 3D modeling and rendering services. If you are not sure about investing in a 3D Modeling software or a 3D Rendering software considering your budget, you can try some of the free and open source 3D Modeling software, and free and open source 3D Rendering software.

If these technologies are implemented successfully, then there are huge options to get a complete 3-Dimensional illustration of the future object, even before the commencement of the actual project. As there would be an increase in the intensity of customer fulfilment created via the 3D services, this will have a direct influence on an increase in sales and also branding value.

Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar

Ashok Kumar is a Content Writer at Brill Mindz Technologies a leading mobile app development company in India, UAE, and the USA delivering reliable services and technical solutions to businesses that want to transform the business into a mobile app for Android and iOS platforms.

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