3D computer graphics

3-D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2-D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2-D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, 2-D applications may use 3-D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and similarly, 3-D may use some 2-D rendering techniques.

The objects in 3-D computer graphics are often referred to as

1. 3-D modeling
   – the process of forming a computer model of an object's shape
2. Layout and CGI animation – the placement and movement of objects (models, lights etc.) within a scene
3. 3-D rendering – the computer calculations that, based on light placement, surface
   types, and other qualities, generate (rasterize the scene into) an image

The model describes the process of forming the shape of an object. The two most common sources of 3D models are those that an artist or engineer originates on the computer with some kind of

Before rendering into an image, objects must be laid out in a

Materials and textures are properties that the render engine uses to render the model. One can give the model materials to tell the render engine how to treat light when it hits the surface. Textures are used to give the material color using a color or albedo map, or give the surface features using a

• Examples of 3-D rendering
• 
  A 3-D rendering with ray tracing and ambient occlusion using Blender and YafaRay
• 
  A 3-D model of a

  flat shading
• 
  During the 3-D rendering step, the number of reflections "light rays" can take, as well as various other attributes, can be tailored to achieve a desired visual effect. Rendered with Cobalt.
• 
  A 3-D rendering of a penthouse

3-D computer graphics software produces

There are many varieties of files supporting 3-D graphics, for example, Wavefront .obj files and .x DirectX files. Each file type generally tends to have its own unique data structure.

Each file format can be accessed through their respective applications, such as DirectX files, and Quake. Alternatively, files can be accessed through third-party standalone programs, or via manual decompilation.

3-D modeling software is a class of 3-D computer graphics software used to produce 3-D models. Individual programs of this class are called modeling applications or modelers.

3-D modeling starts by describing 3 display models : Drawing Points, Drawing Lines and Drawing triangles and other Polygonal patches.^[9]

3-D modelers allow users to create and alter models via their 3-D mesh. Users can add, subtract, stretch and otherwise change the mesh to their desire. Models can be viewed from a variety of angles, usually simultaneously. Models can be rotated and the view can be zoomed in and out.

3-D modelers can export their models to files, which can then be imported into other applications as long as the metadata are compatible. Many modelers allow importers and exporters to be plugged-in, so they can read and write data in the native formats of other applications.

Most 3-D modelers contain a number of related features, such as ray tracers and other rendering alternatives and texture mapping facilities. Some also contain features that support or allow animation of models. Some may be able to generate full-motion video of a series of rendered scenes (i.e. animation).

Computer aided design software may employ the same fundamental 3-D modeling techniques that 3-D modeling software use but their goal differs. They are used in

Use of real-time computer graphics engines to create a cinematic production is called machinima.^[10]

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Not all computer graphics that appear 3D are based on a

Some video games use 2.5D graphics, involving restricted projections of three-dimensional environments, such as isometric graphics or virtual cameras with fixed angles, either as a way to improve performance of the game engine or for stylistic and gameplay concerns. By contrast, games using 3D computer graphics without such restrictions are said^{[by whom?]} to use true 3D.

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^[1]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 3D computer graphics.

Look up computer graphics in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• A Critical History of Computer Graphics and Animation (Wayback Machine copy)
• How Stuff Works - 3D Graphics
• History of Computer Graphics series of articles (Wayback Machine copy)
• How 3D Works - Explains 3D modeling for an illuminated manuscript

1. ^ "A Beginner's Guide to the Concept of 3D in Computer Graphics". ThePro3DStudio. Retrieved 2024-08-22.