Rendering 3D is the process in which a three-dimensional image is stored as data within a computer. Also sometimes known as “animation 3d”, this creative process is somewhat similar to photography, except that the scenes being rendered are imaginary. The scenery needs to be created or recreated before it can be rendered. Needless to say, the entire process can take a lot of hard work, but in the end, if everything is done correctly, it can also be very rewarding.

So, what can this three-dimensional data consist of? Anything your imagination will allow! It could be of any object, building, landscape, character, scenery, imagery, etc. Artists are needed to create, model, and animate a scene before rendering 3D can be done. Once the 3D data is put into the computer, it can be enhanced and modified by adding realistic shadows, colors, optical effects, lighting, and even texture!

The image can be as realistic or as abstract as you want it to be. If you want it to look animated or as a painting rather than a photo, you can render it in such ways as well. This is the type of process that video game and animation developers use. Anything from a small .gif animation to a full-length animated film can be rendered.

How long does the process take? Obviously, you won't get everything completed overnight. It can take quite some time, even on fast PC's. A lot of software is needed in order to “photograph” every single pixel. Even if you don't plan on making an entire animated film (like Shrek or Ice Age), your project will still require expensive software and maybe even more than one computer.

If you just want to experiment and mess around with animation 3D software, you can find tutorials on how to use variation programs online. There are also how-to videos and ebooks that will provide you with instructions and information. However, you should have some artistic talent and creativity if you really want your project to turn out nicely. Some amateur game developers and animators try to create their own mini-games and animations just for fun.

If you're overseeing a larger project, or don't have the time or money for working on it yourself, then you will need help. There are rendering 3D services online you can check into. Some professionals work in a studio and specialize in different types of imagery, including architectural, landscape, motion graphics, and other various scenes. Whether you need professionals to take care of the special effects, video production, or your entire project, you can consult with animation studios. Many businesses are even using such services to render their advertising projects.

You'll be amazed at how realistic animation can look these days. Rendering 3D landscape scenes is especially popular amongst advertisers, as everything from city skyscrapers to the ocean can appear to be real. The details of the sun reflecting on buildings and the ocean's waves are flawless. On the flip side, cartoonish animation can be just as high quality as you want it to be. The beauty of rendering is only limited to your imagination.