3D computer graphics

Graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data

For the academic discipline, see Computer graphics (computer science).

For broader coverage of this topic, see Computer graphics workstation.

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Three-dimensional (3D)
computer graphics

Fundamentals

* Modeling
* Scanning
* Rendering
* Printing

Primary uses

* 3D models
* Computer-aided design
* Graphic design
* Video games
* Visual effects
* Visualization
* Virtual engineering
* Virtual reality
* Virtual cinematography

Related topics

* Computer-generated imagery (CGI)
* Animation
* computer
* skeletal
* 3D display
* Wire-frame model
* Texture mapping
* Motion capture
* Crowd simulation
* Global illumination
* Volume rendering

* v
* t
* e

3D computer graphics, sometimes called CGI, 3D-CGI or three-dimensional computer graphics, are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data (often Cartesian) stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering digital images, usually 2D images but sometimes 3D images. The resulting images may be stored for viewing later (possibly as an animation) or displayed in real time.[1]

3D computer graphics, contrary to what the name suggests, are most often displayed on two-dimensional displays. Unlike 3D film and similar techniques, the result is two-dimensional, without visual depth. More often, 3D graphics are being displayed on 3D displays, like in virtual reality systems.

3D graphics stand in contrast to 2D computer graphics which typically use completely different methods and formats for creation and rendering.

3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and similarly, 3D may use some 2D rendering techniques.[1]

The objects in 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Unlike the rendered image, a model's data is contained within a graphical data file. A 3D model is a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object; a model is not technically a graphic until it is displayed. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or it can be used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations. With 3D printing, models are rendered into an actual 3D physical representation of themselves, with some limitations as to how accurately the physical model can match the virtual model.[2]

## History

[edit]

Main article: History of computer animation

William Fetter was credited with coining the term computer graphics in 1961[3][4] to describe his work at Boeing. An early example of interactive 3-D computer graphics was explored in 1963 by the Sketchpad program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory.[5] One of the first displays of computer animation was Futureworld (1976), which included an animation of a human face and a hand that had originally appeared in the 1971 experimental short A Computer Animated Hand, created by University of Utah students Edwin Catmull and Fred Parke.[6]

3-D computer graphics software began appearing for home computers in the late 1970s. The earliest known example is 3D Art Graphics, a set of 3-D computer graphics effects, written by Kazumasa Mitazawa and released in June 1978 for the Apple II.[7][8]

Virtual Reality 3D is a version of 3D computer graphics.[9] With the first headset coming out in the late 1950s, the popularity of VR didn't take off until the 2000s. In 2012 the Oculus was released and since then, the 3D VR headset world has expanded.[10]

## Overview

[edit]

3D computer graphics production workflow falls into three basic phases:

1. 3D 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. 3D rendering – the computer calculations that, based on light placement, surface types, and other qualities, generate (rasterize the scene into) an image

### Modeling

[edit]

Main article: 3D modeling

The modeling 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 a computer with a 3D modeling tool, or models scanned into a computer from real-world objects (Polygonal Modeling, Patch Modeling and NURBS Modeling are some popular tools used in 3D modeling). Models can also be produced procedurally or via physical simulation.

Basically, a 3D model is formed from points called vertices that define the shape and form polygons. A polygon is an area formed from at least three vertices (a triangle). A polygon of n points is an n-gon.[11] The overall integrity of the model and its suitability to use in animation depend on the structure of the polygons.

### Layout and animation

[edit]

Main article: Computer animation

Before rendering into an image, objects must be laid out in a 3D scene. This defines spatial relationships between objects, including location and size. Animation refers to the temporal description of an object (i.e., how it moves and deforms over time. Popular methods include keyframing, inverse kinematics, and motion-capture). These techniques are often used in combination. As with animation, physical simulation also specifies motion.

Stop Motion has multiple categories within such as Claymation, Cutout, Silhouette, Lego, Puppets, and Pixelation.[9]

Claymation is the use of models made of clay used for an animation. Some examples are Clay Fighter and Clay Jam.[9]

Lego animation is one of the more common types of stop motion. Lego stop motion is the use of the figures themselves moving around. Some examples of this are Lego Island and Lego Harry Potter.[9]

### Materials and textures

[edit]

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 bump map or normal map. It can be also used to deform the model itself using a displacement map.

### Rendering

[edit]

Main article: 3D rendering

Rendering converts a model into an image either by simulating light transport to get photo-realistic images, or by applying an art style as in non-photorealistic rendering. The two basic operations in realistic rendering are transport (how much light gets from one place to another) and scattering (how surfaces interact with light). This step is usually performed using 3-D computer graphics software or a 3-D graphics API.

Altering the scene into a suitable form for rendering also involves 3D projection, which displays a three-dimensional image in two dimensions. Although 3-D modeling and CAD software may perform 3-D rendering as well (e.g., Autodesk 3ds Max or Blender), exclusive 3-D rendering software also exists (e.g., OTOY's Octane Rendering Engine, Maxon's Redshift)

* 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 Dunkerque-class battleship rendered with 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

## Software

[edit]

3-D computer graphics software produces computer-generated imagery (CGI) through 3D modeling and 3D rendering or produces 3-D models for analytical, scientific and industrial purposes.

### File formats

[edit]

Main article: List of file formats

There are many varieties of files supporting 3-D graphics, for example, Blender (.blend), Wavefront (.obj), .fbx 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.

### Modeling

[edit]

Main article: 3D modeling

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.[12]

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 (CAD)

[edit]

Main article: Computer-aided design

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 computer-aided engineering, computer-aided manufacturing, Finite element analysis, product lifecycle management, 3D printing and computer-aided architectural design.

### Complementary tools

[edit]

After producing a video, studios then edit or composite the video using programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro at the mid-level, or Autodesk Combustion, Digital Fusion, Shake at the high-end. Match moving software is commonly used to match live video with computer-generated video, keeping the two in sync as the camera moves.

Use of real-time computer graphics engines to create a cinematic production is called machinima.[13]

## Other types of 3D appearance

[edit]

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### Photorealistic 2D graphics

[edit]

See also: Still life § 21st century

Not all computer graphics that appear 3D are based on a wireframe model. 2D computer graphics with 3D photorealistic effects are often achieved without wire-frame modeling and are sometimes indistinguishable in the final form. Some graphic art software includes filters that can be applied to 2D vector graphics or 2D raster graphics on transparent layers. Visual artists may also copy or visualize 3D effects and manually render photo-realistic effects without the use of filters.[14]

### 2.5D

[edit]

Main article: 2.5D

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.

### Other forms of animation

[edit]

Cutout is the use of flat materials such as paper. Everything is cut out of paper including the environment, characters, and even some props. An example of this is Paper Mario.[9] Silhouette is similar to cutouts except they are one solid color, black. Limbo is an example of this.[9] Puppets are dolls and different puppets used in the game. An example of this would be Yoshi's Wooly World.[9] Pixelation is when the entire game appears pixelated, this includes the characters and the environment around them. One example of this is seen in Shovel Knight.[9]

## See also

[edit]

* Graphics processing unit (GPU)
* List of 3D computer graphics software
* 3D data acquisition and object reconstruction
* 3D projection on 2D planes
* Geometry processing
* Isometric graphics in video games and pixel art
* List of stereoscopic video games
* Medical animation
* Render farm

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Foley, James D.; van Dam, Andries; Feiner, Steven K.; Hughes, John F. (2013). Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). Addison-Wesley. ISBN 978-0321399526.
2. ^ "3D computer graphics". ScienceDaily. Retrieved 2019-01-19.
3. ^ "An Historical Timeline of Computer Graphics and Animation". Archived from the original on 2008-03-10. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
4. ^ "Computer Graphics". Learning Computer History. 5 December 2004.
5. ^ Ivan Sutherland Sketchpad Demo 1963, 30 May 2012, retrieved 2023-04-25
6. ^ "Pixar founder's Utah-made Hand added to National Film Registry". The Salt Lake Tribune. December 28, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
7. ^ "Brutal Deluxe Software". www.brutaldeluxe.fr.
8. ^ "Retrieving Japanese Apple II programs". Projects and Articles. neoncluster.com. Archived from the original on 2016-10-05.
9. ^ a b c d e f g h Garg, Nitin (2024-11-15). "A Comprehensive Guide on Different Types of 3D Animation". BR Softech. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
10. ^ Flynt, Joseph (2019-08-12). "The History of VR: When was it created and who invented it?". 3D Insider. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
11. ^ Simmons, Bruce. "n-gon". MathWords. Archived from the original on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
12. ^ Buss, Samuel R. (2003-05-19). 3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction with OpenGL. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-139-44038-7.
13. ^ "Machinima". Internet Archive. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
14. ^ "3D versus 2D Modeling Methods". Dummies.com. Retrieved 2025-05-08.

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## External links

[edit]

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[usurped] (Wayback Machine copy)
* How 3D Works \- Explains 3D modeling for an illuminated manuscript

* v
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* e

Computer graphics

Vector graphics|

* Diffusion curve
* Pixel

2D graphics|

* Alpha compositing
* Layers
* Text-to-image

| 2.5D|

* Isometric graphics
* Mode 7
* Parallax scrolling
* Ray casting
* Skybox

|

3D graphics|

* 3D projection
* 3D rendering
* (Image-based
* Spectral
* Unbiased)
* Aliasing
* Anisotropic filtering
* Cel shading
* Fluid animation
* Lighting
* Global illumination
* Hidden-surface determination
* Polygon mesh
* (Triangle mesh)
* Shading
* Deferred
* Surface triangulation
* Wire-frame model

Concepts|

* Affine transformation
* Back-face culling
* Clipping
* Collision detection
* Planar projection
* Reflection
* Rendering
* Beam tracing
* Cone tracing
* Checkerboard rendering
* Ray tracing
* Path tracing
* Ray casting
* Scanline rendering
* Rotation
* Scaling
* Shadow mapping
* Shadow volume
* Shear matrix
* Shader
* Texel
* Translation
* Volume rendering
* Voxel

Graphics software|

* 3D computer graphics software
* animation
* modeling
* rendering
* Raster graphics editors
* Vector graphics editors

Algorithms|

* List of computer graphics algorithms

* v
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Animation topics

By country|

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Techniques|

| Traditional|

* Barrier-grid and stereography
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|

Stop motion|

* Claymation
* clay painting, strata-cut
* Cutout (silhouette)
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* go motion
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Computer|

| 2D|

* 2.5D
* Flash
* PowerPoint
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* CSS
* Multi-sketch
* Onion skinning

|

3D|

* T-pose
* Cel shading
* CGI
* Crowd
* Facial animation
* Morph target
* Motion capture
* facial
* hand tracking
* eye tracking
* Non-photorealistic rendering
* Physically based animation
* Procedural
* Skeletal
* Virtual cinematography

Puppetry|

* Traditional puppetry
* Digital puppetry
* Machinima
* Aniforms
* Virtual human
* Live2D
* Supermarionation

Mechanical|

* Animatronics
* Audio-Animatronics
* Linear Animation Generator
* Direct manipulation animation
* Humanoid animation
* Idle animation
* Ink-wash animation
* Magic Lantern
* Scanimate
* Shadowmation
* Squigglevision
* Whiteboard animation

Other methods|

* Blocking
* Character animation
* model sheet
* walk cycle
* lip sync
* off-model
* Chuckimation
* Drawn-on-film
* Erasure animation
* Hydrotechnics
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* Pinscreen
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Variants|

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History|

* Early history
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* timeline

Related topics|

* Animation music
* Bouncing ball
* Mickey Mousing
* Key frame
* Cel
* Character animation
* model sheet
* walk cycle
* lip sync
* off-model
* Creature animation
* Twelve basic principles
* Motion comic
* Films with live action and animation
* highest grossing
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* physics
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* Most expensive animated films
* List of animated films by box office admissions
* List of animated television series by episode count

* Category
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3D computer graphics software

Open-source|

* 3D Movie Maker
* Blender
* CloudCompare
* FreeCAD
* GigaMesh Software Framework
* LuxCoreRender
* MakeHuman
* MeshLab
* MoonRay
* OpenFX
* OpenSCAD
* Point Cloud Library
* POV-Ray
* Seamless3d
* Sweet Home 3D
* Wings 3D

Closed-source|

* 3D-Coat
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* Autodesk Alias
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* Autodesk Mudbox
* Blackmagic Fusion
* Bryce
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* Cinema 4D
* Clara.io
* Daz Studio
* Electric Image Animation System
* E-on Vue
* Golaem Crowd
* Hexagon
* Houdini
* Kerkythea
* LightWave 3D
* MASSIVE
* Medium by Adobe
* Messiah
* Nuke
* Octane Render
* Paint 3D
* Pixar Presto
* Pixar RenderMan
* Poser
* Remo 3D
* Rhinoceros 3D
* Shade 3D
* Shark 3D
* Silo
* SketchUp
* Source Filmmaker
* Strata 3D
* Terragen
* ZBrush

Defunct|

* Amapi
* Autodesk Softimage
* Cyber Studio CAD-3D
* Dynamation
* Imagine
* Modo
* N-World
* PowerAnimator
* Sculpt 3D
* Softimage 3D
* StrataVision 3D
* Swift 3D
* TrueSpace
* TurboSilver
* VistaPro

Core technologies|

* ACIS
* C3D
* HOOPS 3D
* KernelCAD
* Open Cascade Technology
* Parasolid
* Romulus
* RGK
* ShapeManager
* Teigha
* IntelliCAD

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

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