3D modeling

Example of 3D modeling for a realistic character.

3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical coordinate-based representation of any surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software by manipulating edges, vertices, and polygons in a simulated 3D space. In 3D modeling software, a user manipulates points in virtual space, called vertices, to form a mesh, which is a collection of vertices that form an object. These 3D objects can be generated automatically or manually by deforming the mesh or otherwise manipulating vertices. The mesh is mapped into a 3D grid and joined together as polygonal shapes, usually triangles or quads, and by combining these shapes the surface of an object is created. The results of 3D modeling can be seen in movies, animations, video games, engineering, and architecture.

The use of 3D modeling can be seen in technical fields, such as engineering and architecture, with 3D CAD programs. In cinematography, animation, and game development, 3D modeling software—such as Autodesk Maya and 3DS Max—can be used to develop 3D objects, creatures, and worlds.

3D modeling was first developed in the 1960s by Ivan Sutherland with Sketchpad software.

At a fundamental level, the following are the most important terms in 3D modeling:

• Vertex—a single point and the smallest component of a 3D model
• Edge—a straight line that connects two vertices; edges help define the shape of a 3D model
• Polygon—any shape that's formed by connecting straight lines. There are several types of polygons (equilateral, equiangular, regular, irregular, cyclic, convex, or concave), categorized by the number of sides and extent of angles
• Face—the most basic part of a polygon mesh; a face helps fill up the space between the edges formed when flat surfaces in a model are "covered"
• Mesh—a collection of polygons that are connected in their faces, edges, and vertices; a 3D object consists of one or more 3D meshes
• Vector—a geometric object with length and width, normally represented using an arrow
• Plane— a two-dimensional surface that extends

3D modeling software for engineering development.

The software used for 3D modeling is a class of 3D computer graphics software used to produce 3D models. Individual programs of this class are called modeling applications or modelers, which are used to manipulate points in virtual space to form a mesh, which in turn forms an object. This mesh is the core of the 3D model, which is best described as a collection of points in space that are mapped into a 3D grid and joined together as a polygonal shape. By combining these points into a shape, the surface of an object is created. A complex object is created from simple shapes; low-polygon to high-polygon models can be made, which are terms used to describe the number of polygon structures used to create a model. Structures with more polygons create a more complex and often more realistic 3D model.

Models in 3D modeling can be created with the help of a 3D scanner, or they can be created manually by a 3D modeler. The manual process requires preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics similar to sculpting. These models can then be exported to other software for use in games or movies. Some 3D modeling programs also allow for the development of a 2D image using a process called 3D rendering, which can be used to create hyper-realistic scenes with sophisticated lighting algorithms. Other 3D applications can scan real-world objects to create a 3D digital replica, including for manufactured parts and assemblies.

Generally, a 3D model will start with a low-resolution topology, and an artist will add more details. There are different approaches to creating such a model, with the final purpose of the model and the preference of the artist or animation studio often dictating which method is taken. However, the styles will get nearly the same results. These techniques include the following:

Another concept in 3D modeling is low-poly and high-poly models. A low-poly model is a polygonal mesh that has a small number of polygons and is usually used in subdivision modeling, animation, and rigging. Low-polygon models are often used in real-time engines like Unity, with their main advantage being the ease of loading, viewing, and editing. With a simplified model, there will not be a lot of detail and it can be worked on quickly.

Low-poly compared to high-poly models.

Whereas high-poly models, as the name suggests, are models with a high polygon count and can provide more detail. Due to the density of such a model, editing and moving the model around can take more time and be harder on a computer's hardware. This can make rendering high-poly models take significantly longer than low-poly models.

There are various types of software, and which software a user chooses depends on the desired outcome and use case. For example, there is 3D modeling software used for CAD modeling, 3D animation, or 3D printing. There are various versions of each type of software, with many open-source free versions of software for different applications available as well.

For a user working in 3D modeling, there are requirements for a computer in order to run the software, and the more powerful the computer, the easier it will be to run the software. Computer power will be the basis behind an effective model for high-polygon models and scenes within a platform. The more complex the necessary model, the more important the computing power will be, including the need for robust GPU, CPU, and memory, as well as adequate storage space and proper system architecture. For example, if a user is planning on using software intended for Linux or Windows, then a MacOS computer will be inadequate to run the software. As well, most computers require a multi-core 64-bit processor (CPU) capable of handling the multi-tasking the software requires; often they require at the very least 16 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM); at least 500 gigabytes of storage; and a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) such as an NVIDIA GTX 1000 series GPU (for standard users) or an NVIDIA Quadro CAD card (for professional users).

3D modeling used for product design.

A 3D development can easily view object dimensions and their relationships in 3D space. This helps visualize space, movement, access, and more, which can be useful in both entertainment uses and technical uses. The use of 3D rendering for 2D images can also help create hyper-realistic images for marketing, e-commerce, and sales applications. The use cases include:

• Film and television—3D modeling can be used to create a CGI character, object, environment, animations, and titling for movies and commercials
• Video game development—3D modeling can be used to create the entire visual 3D component of the game, with many aspects of animation being the same process used in film and television
• Architecture—3D modeling can be used to create interactive renderings of buildings and structures; the vast majority of all architectural items are created via 3D CAD modeling for real-life construction
• Engineering—the creation of to-scale designs to be then produced in CNC environments or through a more manual, hands-on method of fabrication
• Animation—the use of 3D modeling is used to develop animated characters and environments for animated films and television series
• 3D printing—uses 3D modeling tools to help make 3D printing more user-friendly
• Reconstruction—archaeologists and other professionals work with objects that have been damaged or partially destroyed can use 3D modeling to reconstruct those models of ancient figures and artifacts
• Physics simulations—3D modeling suites can include advanced physics engines capable of simulating complex situations, allowing for the simulation of car crashes, aerodynamics, fluid and gas flow, and fire spreading
• Marketing—in either e-commerce, sales and marketing, or even virtual real estate tours, 3D rendering can develop hyper-realistic models to help for the sale of these properties