format3d, Author at Format 3D

format3d

21/03/2025

Format 3D Expands Team in the UAE – Now Hiring Senior 3D Artists

Format 3D is expanding its presence in the United Arab Emirates. With an increasing number of high-profile projects across the Middle East, Format 3D is looking to strengthen its team by hiring experienced Senior 3D Artists with expertise in both exterior and interior visualizations.

Format 3D has established itself as a key player in the architectural visualization industry, delivering cutting-edge visual content for some of the most prestigious real estate and hospitality developments in the region. The studio’s work spans across luxury residential towers, high-end hotels, and landmark commercial properties – making it one of the go-to studios for top developers and architectural firms.

The decision to expand the team comes as Format 3D experiences rapid growth in the UAE market, driven by increasing demand for high-quality visual content and immersive virtual experiences.

“The Middle East, especially Dubai, has become a key market for us. We’re working with some of the biggest names in real estate, and to keep up with the growing demand, we need the best talent available,” said Neven Roginic, Founder and CEO of Format 3D. “We’re looking for senior-level 3D artists who are passionate about architectural visualization and want to be part of a fast-paced, creative environment.”

Job Requirements and Application

The company is seeking candidates with advanced skills in industry-standard software such as 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Corona Renderer. Strong experience in architectural detailing and the ability to produce photorealistic renderings are essential.

Candidates will have the opportunity to work on large-scale international projects, collaborating with a global team of over 40 specialists. Format 3D is known for fostering a creative and collaborative work environment, where innovation and attention to detail are highly valued.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to send their portfolios to [email protected].

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format3d

03/12/2024

Transform your real estate marketing with our new virtual real estate showcase

The real estate industry is constantly improving, and staying ahead in this market requires more than traditional methods of property presentation. At Format 3D, we are pleased to introduce an innovative solution that will revolutionize the way properties are presented. Our Virtual Property Showcase is a powerful, interactive tool that not only captivates audiences, but also simplifies the path to real estate purchase.

Whether you’re a developer looking to showcase your latest project, an architect presenting visionary designs or a real estate agent looking to add value to your listings, this service provides an unparalleled platform to engage, inform and persuade potential buyers.

What is the Virtual Property Showcase?

The Virtual Property Showcase is a dynamic digital solution that combines the best of 3D visualization, virtual reality and interactive technology. It brings properties to life and allows prospective buyers to explore every detail of a property as if they were on site. From luxurious penthouses and spacious family homes to commercial buildings and sprawling residential complexes, this platform adapts seamlessly to any project.

It’s more than just a tool — it’s an experience. With 360° panoramic views, 3D floor plans and customizable features, the Virtual Property Showcase provides a deep and intuitive understanding of the property. This allows customers to make faster and more confident decisions, saving time for both buyers and sellers.

Why should you choose the Virtual Property Showcase?

1. Unrivaled customer engagement

Traditional 2D visualizations and static listings often fail to make a real connection with the audience. The virtual real estate showcase changes the way people experience real estate by providing an immersive journey through properties. Potential buyers can walk through the spaces, interact with the features and imagine how they might live or work there.

2. Seamless accessibility

Whether your audience is using a desktop, tablet, smartphone or VR headset such as Oculus, the Virtual Property Showcase ensures compatibility across all devices. This allows your properties to reach a global audience and provide flexibility for remote buyers and investors.

3. Improved decision making

The detailed 3D renderings combined with real-time updates on availability, prices and amenities give your customers all the information they need at their fingertips. This not only speeds up the decision-making process, but also increases transparency and builds trust in your brand.

4. Efficient marketing and analysis

With integrated tools such as Facebook Pixel and advanced analytics, you can gain valuable insights into user behavior. Understand what your audience is looking for, optimize your marketing strategies and convert leads into buyers more effectively.

5. Cost-efficient real estate presentations

Traditional real estate presentations often require costly physical staging or the construction of models. By using 3D technology, you can reduce these costs and still provide an impressive visual experience. What’s more, incorporating stock footage — such as lifestyle images, happy families or professionals at work— – increases emotional engagement without blowing the budget.

Who can benefit from this service?

For developers

Showcase large multi-unit projects, such as housing developments or multi-building projects, in a way that highlights every detail. Optimize communication with investors and potential buyers through an intuitive platform that is both visually appealing and highly informative.

For architects

Present complex architectural concepts to your clients in a way that is easy to understand. The Virtual Property Showcase bridges the gap between technical drawings and real-life visualization, making it ideal for presenting innovative designs.

For real estate agents

Highlight your listings with a modern, technology-based approach. The immersive experience captivates audiences, encourages longer engagement and fosters a deeper emotional connection to real estate, leading to faster sales.

For investors

Offer prospective buyers a comprehensive insight into the project. The ability to virtually explore floor plans, finishes and features improves communication and speeds up the decision-making process.

Key features of the virtual real estate showcase

360° Virtual Tours: Customers can view the entire property as if they were there themselves. This offers a lifelike experience that static images simply cannot provide.
Interactive 3D floor plans: Navigate floor plans and discover how rooms are connected and bring architectural designs to life.
Manage unit availability: Real-time updates on unit status, pricing and amenities allow for seamless inventory tracking and customer communication.
VR integration: Compatible with leading VR headsets such as Oculus for an immersive experience that sets your presentation apart.
Custom branding: Customize the platform to match your brand identity for a consistent and professional look and feel.
Scalability: From boutique projects to multi-unit residential projects, the Virtual Property Showcase adapts to your specific needs.

Why Format 3D?

At Format 3D, we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that push the boundaries of architectural visualization. Our team of experienced 3D artists and developers combine technical expertise with creative vision to create presentations that captivate and inspire. With many years of experience in the industry, we have worked with clients of all sizes and helped them succeed through innovation and precision.

Our commitment to excellence ensures that every Virtual Property Showcase is tailored to your goals, whether it’s to drive sales, attract investors or establish your brand as a leader in the real estate market.

Let’s build your next big success together

The Virtual Property Showcase isn’t just a tool — it’s your competitive advantage in a fast-paced industry. With an intuitive and visually stunning way to showcase properties, you’ll stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you transform your real estate marketing with the Virtual Property Showcase. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life and provide your customers with an unforgettable experience.

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format3d

26/11/2024

Format 3D establishes a new office in Dubai to strengthen its presence in the Middle East

We are proud to announce the establishment of a new office located in Building A1, Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This important step underlines our commitment to the Middle East market and enables us to act as an official local partner and further consolidate our regional presence.

Dubai is increasingly becoming a global hub for development and innovation, so the demand for high-quality 3D visualization services is constantly growing. With this new venture, Format 3D is now well equipped to meet this demand and work closely with contractors, architects and interior designers on ambitious projects that will shape the future of the region.

Our location in Dubai Digital Park puts us at the center of Dubai’s technology and business ecosystem, allowing us to work seamlessly with our clients and provide the infrastructure to support large-scale projects. From innovative real estate developments to interior design concepts, Format 3D is ready to deliver unparalleled visualization services tailored to the region’s dynamic market.

In addition to our operations in Dubai, this expansion supports our strategic plans to gain a foothold in Saudi Arabia with our own office in Riyadh. As the Middle East experiences unprecedented growth in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, our goal is to stay at the forefront and provide innovative solutions that bring creative visions to life.

We are excited about this new chapter for Format 3D and look forward to continuing to support the exceptional growth in the region. Stay tuned for updates as we expand our reach and strengthen our partnerships in the Middle East!

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format3d

05/06/2024

5 Uses of 3D Rendering for Architects

Professional 3D visualization plays a significant role in various aspects of architecture, aiding architects in presenting their projects, enhancing their skills, and accelerating career growth. However, achieving these goals is not always straightforward, as architecture professionals face numerous challenges in their work.

One of the challenges architects encounter is effectively conveying design concepts to individuals without architectural training. It can be difficult to ensure that the intended message is understood correctly. Additionally, architects strive to refine complex designs to perfection, communicate ideas clearly to construction teams, incorporate client feedback effectively, and stay updated with new technologies.

To address these challenges, many architecture specialists have discovered the benefits of professional 3D architectural visualization. By utilizing 3D rendering, architects can overcome communication barriers and provide visual representations that are easily comprehensible to clients and stakeholders. CG rendering helps in conveying design intent accurately and ensuring that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the project.

Moreover, 3D visualization allows architects to refine their skills and explore new creative possibilities. It provides a platform for experimentation and iterative design, enabling architects to visualize and evaluate different concepts, materials, and lighting conditions before actual construction begins. This process empowers architects to make informed decisions, refine their designs, and deliver exceptional results.

In summary, 3D architectural visualization is a valuable tool that enables architects to overcome communication challenges, refine their skills, and elevate their professional growth. It enhances the presentation of architectural projects, facilitates effective collaboration, and empowers architects to reach new heights of excellence in their field.

#1. Professional CGI Helps to Visualize Design Ideas Better

In the past, architects relied on traditional methods such as sketches and drawings to visualize their concepts and refine their ideas. However, these traditional visuals had limitations in accurately representing the architect’s imagination and could lead to differences between the envisioned design and the final result.

To bridge this gap and achieve a more accurate representation, architecture professionals now utilize 3D visualization. Skilled 3D artists can take drawings and sketches as a starting point and transform them into photorealistic digital renderings. This enables architects to see a lifelike representation of their design in the digital realm before any physical construction takes place.

By leveraging CGI, architects gain a valuable tool that allows them to assess and understand how their project will look and feel. They can easily identify areas that need adjustment or improvement, enabling them to refine the design to align with their vision. This level of visualization provides architects with greater control and ensures that the final result matches their expectations.

Overall, 3D visualization has revolutionized the way architects conceptualize and refine their designs. It offers a more accurate and realistic representation of their ideas, empowering architects to make informed decisions and create exceptional architectural outcomes.

#2. CG Visualization Allows for Detecting and Correcting Design Flaws

In architectural projects, mistakes in calculations can lead to issues and delays during construction or even after the completion of the building. These mistakes can disrupt the workflow, cause additional costs, and impact the overall quality of the project. However, 3D visualization offers a solution to mitigate these risks and prevent failures.

By creating a photorealistic CGI representation of the design concept, architects can identify potential mistakes and inconsistencies in advance. The accurate depiction of materials, architectural elements, and dimensions in the 3D rendering allows the author to visually inspect the project and catch any errors in calculations or design. This early detection helps in rectifying the issues before construction begins, saving time and resources.

With 3D visualization, architects can examine the building from different angles, explore the spatial relationships, and assess the functionality of the design. This level of detail and accuracy enables them to make necessary adjustments, refine the calculations, and ensure that the final construction aligns with the intended design.

By using 3D visualization as a preventive tool, architects can minimize the likelihood of mistakes, improve the overall accuracy of the project, and enhance the client’s satisfaction. It allows for better communication and collaboration between all stakeholders, reducing the chances of costly errors and rework. Ultimately, the use of 3D in architecture helps to streamline the construction process and deliver successful projects with fewer unexpected setbacks.

#3. High-Quality 3D Rendering Sets the Stage for Getting Better Feedback

Communicating architectural designs effectively with clients who have no architectural background can be challenging. Misunderstandings and dissatisfaction can arise when clients struggle to interpret traditional drawings and visualizations. However, the use of CGI in architecture provides a solution to overcome these difficulties and facilitates productive discussions.

By utilizing 3D rendering, architects can present their designs in a visually realistic and immersive manner. This allows clients to easily comprehend the proposed concepts and envision the final result. Clients can visually explore the 3D renderings, navigate through virtual spaces, and gain a clear understanding of the design elements and aesthetics.

The interactive nature of CGI enables effective communication between architects and clients. Clients can provide feedback and express their preferences directly based on what they see in the 3D renders. They can point out specific details they would like to be modified, such as colors, materials, or architectural features. This real-time feedback process ensures that the client’s expectations are understood and incorporated into the design.

Moreover, CGI allows for quick iterations and adjustments. Architects can easily update the 3D renderings to reflect the desired changes discussed with the client. This collaborative approach streamlines the decision-making process, eliminates misunderstandings, and ensures that the final design aligns with the client’s vision.
By using CGI as a communication tool, architects can bridge the gap between their expertise and the client’s understanding. It facilitates effective dialogue, fosters trust, and enhances the overall client experience. Ultimately, the use of 3D visualization in architecture helps to establish a common language, minimize misinterpretations, and create a collaborative environment where the client’s requirements are accurately translated into the final design.

#4. CGI Is Used to Explain Concepts to Construction Workers

You’re absolutely right. Effective communication between the architect and the construction team is crucial for the successful realization of a design. While construction workers are trained to interpret technical drawings, having a photorealistic 3D rendering as a visual reference enhances their understanding and minimizes the potential for conflicts or misunderstandings.

By using 3D visualization in architecture, architects can provide the construction team with a comprehensive and detailed representation of the intended design. The visual clarity and realism of the renderings help the construction team visualize the project’s final outcome, including spatial relationships, materials, textures, and intricate design details. This allows them to grasp the architect’s vision more accurately and efficiently.

With 3D renderings, construction teams can easily interpret and follow the design intent, ensuring that every element is constructed as envisioned. They can accurately assess the scale, proportions, and construction methods, which leads to smoother coordination and execution of the project.

The use of CGI in architecture not only facilitates effective communication but also enables proactive problem-solving. Construction teams can identify potential challenges or conflicts in advance by examining the 3D renderings. This early detection of issues allows for timely adjustments and avoids costly rework or delays during the construction process.

Ultimately, 3D rendering serves as a medium that aligns the architect’s creative vision with the construction team’s technical expertise. It enhances collaboration, fosters a shared understanding, and enables the construction team to bring the design to life accurately and efficiently.

#5. CG Visualization Saves Time for Creative Work and Talent Development

Architects face the challenge of balancing routine tasks with creative endeavors, often finding themselves overwhelmed and lacking time for innovation. Tasks such as preparing visual materials for project pitching can be time-consuming, requiring hours of sketching or building physical models. This drains their energy and leaves little room for creativity or skill development.

Additionally, the project approval phase can bring further challenges, with clients misunderstanding the concept or having objections to cost estimates. Endless discussions ensue, leading to delays in project approval and initiation. To address these issues, architects turn to 3D visualization.

3D visualization, or CGI, offers a solution that saves architects time and enhances their effectiveness. Instead of spending hours sketching or constructing physical models, architects can simply contact a 3D visualization studio and provide a project brief. Skilled 3D artists use the blueprints and material list to create stunning photorealistic renders, eliminating the need for manual labor-intensive preparations.

CGI also revolutionizes project presentations by providing prospects with a clear visual representation of the future building. This significantly shortens discussions on design and pricing, leading to faster decision-making. Architects can save valuable time, which can be dedicated to mastering new skills and nurturing their creative talents.

The benefits of 3D visualization extend beyond project presentations. It helps identify and rectify design mistakes in the early stages, facilitates better communication with construction workers by illustrating technical drawings, and ultimately alleviates architects from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on creative work and professional growth.

By embracing professional 3D rendering services, architects can optimize their workflow and enhance their success in the architecture industry. Photorealistic 3D visualization empowers architects to be more productive, receive better feedback from clients, and improve their overall efficiency. Embrace the power of CGI and unlock your full potential as an architect.

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09/06/2023

Architectural visualization in transition: The Influence of Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro / Quest 3

The world of architectural design and 3D visualization is about to take a giant leap forward, thanks to the recent unveiling of two groundbreaking products: Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest Pro / Quest 3. These cutting-edge devices will revolutionize the way architects, designers and their clients interact with, perceive and visualize architectural projects, taking 3D modeling and visualization to new heights. In this blog post, we explore the potential applications of these cutting-edge technologies in architectural design and the exciting possibility of combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create truly immersive experiences.

Apple Vision Pro: A New Era in Architectural Visualization

Apple’s Vision Pro, announced just a few days ago, has generated great excitement in the tech industry and will have far-reaching implications, including for the field of architectural design and visualization. With its groundbreaking mixed reality capabilities, the Vision Pro combines a mix of VR and AR in one headset, providing architects with a powerful tool to showcase their work.

One of the standout features of the Vision Pro is its dual 4K resolution per eye. This feature provides an unprecedented level of detail and allows architects to present their designs with high accuracy and precision, giving their clients a realistic impression of their project. This can be especially useful in the early stages of design, when clients can only envision the final product from 2D drawings.

In addition, Vision Pro’s unique design features, such as the absence of controllers and the use of hand tracking, eye movements and voice input, make for an intuitive and interactive experience. Architects can guide clients through virtual tours of their designs, interacting with the virtual environment in a natural and intuitive way. Clients can “touch” and “move” objects, providing immediate feedback that can be invaluable to the design process.

The Vision Pro’s external battery pack, a design decision that may seem unconventional, actually opens up opportunities for extended use, allowing for longer, uninterrupted visualization sessions. This can prove essential during collaborative design meetings or comprehensive project reviews.

The Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset that combines elements of AR and VR to provide immersive experiences that take 3D visualization to a new level. The headset runs on VisionOS and features dual 4K resolution per eye. It delivers incredibly detailed and realistic images that are critical for 3D modeling and architectural visualization.

Interestingly, the Apple headset uses two chipsets, an M2 and a new R1, to drive the regular software and XR functions, respectively. This powerful hardware enables smooth rendering of complex 3D models and renderings and could revolutionize the way architects and designers present and interact with their work.

Unlike traditional VR headsets, the Vision Pro doesn’t come with controllers. Instead, it uses hand tracking and voice input to control its software, providing a more intuitive and immersive user experience. Imagine being able to manipulate a 3D building model with your hands or control your virtual environment with your voice. The unique capabilities of Vision Pro offer an exciting glimpse into the future of architectural work and 3D visualization.

Meta Quest Pro / Quest 3: Redefining Virtual Reality in Architecture

Just weeks before Apple announced the Vision Pro, Meta unveiled its latest VR headset, the Quest 3. With a 40% slimmer design and a powerful new Snapdragon chipset, the Quest 3 offers a comfortable, high-performance VR experience. Its potential applications in architectural design and visualization are equally exciting.

The Quest 3’s enhanced graphics performance can render architectural models in high resolution, providing a higher level of detail and realism. The device also has an enhanced high-fidelity color passthrough feature that allows users to see the real world around them in full color through the headset. This is an exciting development for architects as it offers the ability to blend virtual designs with the real world, creating a unique AR experience that can help clients understand how a new building or space will interact with its surroundings.

The Fusion of AR and VR: The Future of Architectural Visualization

The introduction of devices such as the Vision Pro and Quest Pro / Quest 3 represents a significant step towards the convergence of AR and VR. This convergence represents an exciting new frontier in architectural visualization.

The use of AR can provide contextual information and overlays to real views, while VR immerses users in a fully digital representation of a space.

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01/06/2023

Will AI Replace 3D Artists or Architects Any Time Soon?

The question of whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace 3D artists or architects is currently a focal point of debate amongst the creative community. AI’s surge in popularity has drawn reactions across the spectrum. Some artists enthusiastically adopt this emerging technology, while others staunchly resist it, mainly due to copyright infringement concerns regarding the unauthorized training of AI on copyrighted artworks. A cautiously optimistic group foresees AI as a powerful ally in the creative process, offering artists greater expressive freedom and alleviating tedious tasks – if the copyright issue can be resolved.

However, there’s a pressing concern amongst many: instead of just automating monotonous tasks and freeing up more time for creative pursuits, will AI eventually replace artists entirely? This question has significant implications for both 3D visualization experts and their clientele.

As a 3D visualization studio, we constantly monitor advancements in technology that could potentially influence our industry. And AI undoubtedly fits that bill. But will it supplant 3D artists? That’s the intriguing question we aim to explore in this article. So, will AI render 3D artists or architects obsolete in the foreseeable future? Let’s dig deeper to uncover the truth!

1. How does AI work?

Artificial intelligence operates as a neural network designed to seek out and identify patterns in the data it receives. This data is analyzed and transformed into something new by the software. While there are various types of AI tools available, our focus in this context is on visual-based ones that are currently revolutionizing the creative landscape.

Among the most renowned AI software that works with images are Midjourney, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion, Craiyon, Hotpot, Crypko AI, GLIDE, Latent Diffusion, and Artbreeder, each offering unique features. For instance, NightCafe facilitates video creation, Deep Dream Generator provides image editing capabilities, and StarryAI generates NFTs.

So, how does this AI technology function? Let’s examine the operations of Midjourney, one of the most popular visual-based AI software. Upon receiving text and/or visual input, it generates an image or sequence of images according to the specified request. It primarily utilizes online imagery, which is a contentious point among creatives who are against this technology. However, there’s nothing preventing 3D artists from directing AI to use their own artworks for reference.

Now let’s look at a real example. One of our artists took two pictures from the Format 3D portfolio.

He gave them as references for Midjourney. In less than a minute, he got this result.

Similarly, when two more of our renders were combined in Midjourney, it yielded this outcome.

The result

For another example, the artist used a pair of our 3D renders as a reference for AI, but this time, textual input was also included.

Specifically, Midjourney was instructed to incorporate evening lighting into the resulting image. And here it is.

What do you think? It’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? In addition to the above, another AI tool that has been making waves in the creative sector is ChatGPT. This tool operates differently from the previously mentioned ones as it’s text-based. However, it certainly holds its own value for architects, 3D artists, and other visual creatives. We will delve into its potential applications and benefits later in this article. Stay tuned!

2. How can AI be useful for a 3D artist?

AI, first and foremost, serves as a practical tool during the concept development stage with clients, where it complements rather than replaces 3D artists. There’s no more need for artists to invest considerable time modeling scenes and rendering images that might ultimately be rejected by the client. Now, artists simply need to provide the AI with the client’s visual references or text descriptions of the desired outcome. The AI can promptly visualize the concept, with as many iterations as necessary until it generates a concept that the client approves. Only then will they need to transition to working in 3ds Max to replace AI-produced images with high-quality 3D renders.

AI is also beneficial as a source of references for artists who wish to enrich their portfolio with personal works. It simplifies the process of finding the optimal angles, shapes, textures, materials, and colors, thereby significantly accelerating the workflow. In such tasks, AI cannot replace 3D artists as human intervention is critical for selecting suitable references and using them innovatively. Here, AI is more likely to substitute for moodboards.

To demonstrate, let’s consider how one of our artists used Midjourney to create a portfolio piece. The artist inputted the following keywords: “Mediterranean home summer seaside high-quality render”. Based on this, the AI generated four options.

The artist chose one image (the upper right one) from which the AI created four variations.

After a few more iterations, the artist used the resulting image as a foundation to complete the concept, model and texture it in 3ds Max, and render the high-quality image seen below as a valuable addition to his portfolio.

But how does text-based AI like ChatGPT fit into this? It presents another avenue to streamline the architectural visualization workflow. At Format 3D, we now write down every client’s comment, convert them into text, and input them into ChatGPT.

The AI subsequently generates a to-do list from this input, saving significant time and effort in crafting a detailed technical assignment. This enables us to deliver projects to our clients more rapidly.

3. How can AI be useful for architects?

Will AI supersede architectural experts? It seems improbable. However, it is certain to bring about significant changes in the industry, with the initial stages of the project – sketching and ideation – likely to be the first to evolve. As US architect Andrew Kudless notes, “Like architectural sketches, AI imagery is often colorful and dreamlike, but not necessarily actionable as a detailed plan.”

In essence, AI will enable architects to revolutionize their interactions with clients by presenting an array of vivid, enticing images during the early phases of design brainstorming. Additionally, AI will shoulder the burden of mundane tasks. These could encompass repetitive tasks like reproducing simple designs in various environments. Hence, while AI may not replace architects, it certainly promises to enhance their capabilities and streamline their workflows.

4. What can humans do better than AI?

While some argue that AI training on images parallels an artist using references, the analogy is not entirely accurate. While human artists refine their skills, seek a distinctive style, and crucially, possess the ability to conceptualize a truly novel concept from scratch, AI lacks this capacity for innovation. AI essentially collates data; it doesn’t create anything uniquely innovative. This explains why it’s not uncommon to encounter distorted artists’ watermarks on some AI-produced outputs. Therefore, AI’s function can be likened more to crafting a sophisticated collage.

What sets human artists and architects apart from AI is their innate creativity, intent, and imagination. Inspiration and insight are not easily replaceable or replicable by a machine. AI lacks the ability to think like a human, so to yield even remotely useful results, it necessitates a human counterpart – someone to select and fine-tune the input. Therefore, while AI may aid and enhance human creativity, it doesn’t have the capacity to fully substitute for it.

5. What to expect from AI in the future?

Will AI usurp the roles of 3D artists or architects in the near future? The unequivocal answer is no. However, it is anticipated that AI will transform many facets of these professions. Beyond generating compelling concept sketches early in the process, AI could also be employed to evaluate and optimize plans and blueprints, as well as prioritize project tasks. Furthermore, it can assist in risk assessment, as it is less likely to overlook any design errors.

Collectively with virtual reality for architects, AI technologies are poised to elevate workflow and presentations in the AEC industry to unprecedented heights. A VR tour of an AI-powered yet-to-be-built house? Absolutely feasible! Perhaps AI will eventually realize one of humanity’s most desired dreams: robots handling the mundane tasks while humans get to indulge in artistic and innovative pursuits.

While some may harbor concerns about the question “will AI replace 3D artists or architects,” the majority of the creative community – particularly those with first-hand experience working with AI – concur that the technology will be a transformative force for the better within the industry. The consensus is that it is highly improbable that AI will supplant 3D artists, architects, and designers. Although AI does expedite certain processes, it invariably requires a human touch to produce something genuinely intriguing or useful.

In the grand scheme of things, AI is akin to photography, which rattled the art world over a century ago. At Format 3D, it is certain that AI will not replace our seasoned professionals. However, we are already utilizing it to facilitate our 3D artists’ work and to deliver our clients more awe-inspiring results at a quicker pace than ever before.

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21/03/2023

Eco-Friendly Design: How 3D Visualization Supports Sustainable Architecture

As concerns about climate change and dwindling natural resources continue to grow, architects, construction companies, and investors are increasingly focusing on creating eco-friendly and sustainable building designs. One of the most powerful tools available to support this effort is 3D visualization. By leveraging advanced technology, 3D visualization can help design professionals and stakeholders make informed decisions about energy-efficient materials, waste reduction, and the incorporation of green spaces. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how 3D visualization is playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable architecture and ensuring a greener future for our planet.

1. Energy-Efficient Materials and Techniques

One of the key aspects of sustainable architecture is the selection of energy-efficient materials and construction techniques. With 3D visualization, architects can accurately simulate and analyze the performance of various materials and building components under different environmental conditions. This allows them to make data-driven decisions about insulation, windows, and passive solar design, ultimately reducing a building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.

2. Waste Reduction and Resource Optimization

3D visualization can also help minimize construction waste and optimize resource usage. By creating a precise digital representation of a building, architects can easily identify areas where materials can be reused or recycled, reducing the need for new resources. Additionally, 3D visualization enables accurate quantity take-offs, which can help prevent material over-ordering and reduce waste during the construction process.

3. Green Spaces and Biophilic Design

Incorporating green spaces and elements of biophilic design into architecture is another critical aspect of sustainable design. 3D visualization can help architects visualize and plan green roofs, living walls, and other natural elements, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into the building’s design. This approach not only enhances the aesthetics of a structure but also contributes to improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, and increased biodiversity.

4. Life Cycle Analysis and Long-term Sustainability

To truly create sustainable architecture, it’s essential to consider a building’s entire lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and eventual decommissioning. 3D visualization can support lifecycle analysis by allowing architects to simulate and assess the long-term environmental impact of their designs, helping to identify areas for improvement and ensuring that the building remains sustainable throughout its lifespan.

5. Enhanced Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration

Finally, 3D visualization serves as a powerful communication tool, enabling architects, construction companies, and investors to collaborate more effectively on sustainable projects. By providing a clear, accurate representation of a building’s design, 3D visualization can help stakeholders understand and appreciate the importance of eco-friendly features and make informed decisions that prioritize sustainability.

Conclusion

In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainable architecture is more important than ever. By leveraging the power of 3D visualization, design professionals can make informed decisions about energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the incorporation of green spaces, ultimately creating buildings that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. As a leading 3D visualization studio, Format 3D is committed to supporting sustainable design practices and helping to shape a greener future for our planet.

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14/02/2023

3D Visualization in Furniture Manufacturing Industry

The furniture manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and advancements making it easier to create high-quality, functional pieces. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of 3D visualization in the design and manufacturing process. Here are three ways that 3D visualization is transforming the furniture industry:

1. Improved Design Accuracy

With 3D visualization, furniture designers can create detailed and accurate digital prototypes of their designs. This allows them to see exactly how the pieces will look and function, allowing them to make changes and fine-tune their designs before they start the manufacturing process. This can help to reduce the risk of errors, save time and money, and ensure that the final product meets the designer’s vision and the customer’s needs.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

3D visualization also allows furniture retailers to provide their customers with a more immersive and interactive shopping experience. Customers can view digital prototypes of furniture pieces, get a sense of how they will look and fit in their homes, and make informed purchasing decisions. This can help to increase customer satisfaction and reduce the risk of returns.

3. Streamlined Manufacturing Process

In addition to its benefits in the design phase, 3D visualization can also streamline the manufacturing process. Furniture manufacturers can use digital prototypes to create detailed and accurate cutting and assembly plans, reducing the risk of mistakes and ensuring a smooth and efficient production process. Additionally, 3D visualization can help to minimize material waste, which can result in cost savings and a more environmentally sustainable manufacturing process.

Conclusion

3D visualization is changing the way that furniture is designed, manufactured, and sold. With its ability to improve accuracy, enhance the customer experience, and streamline the manufacturing process, it’s no wonder that more and more furniture companies are turning to 3D visualization as a key tool in their design and production processes. Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, or retailer, incorporating 3D visualization into your business can help you to create better products, build stronger relationships with your customers, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.

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11/05/2022

The Best 3D Rendering Software of 2022

Check out our list of the best 3D rendering software tools for animation, special effects, and architectural visualization. Some are free.

3D rendering is the final stage of the 3D animation process. It encompasses all the calculations necessary to transform 3D models that are only viewable in special software into images and video files that we can all enjoy in movie theaters, on our computers, and mobile devices.

Because rendering is an integral part of animation, visual effects, and architectural visualization, there’s a huge number of options available. Many exist only as integrations with popular modeling software. Others are standalone applications. Some are both.

The variety of renderers available can make it challenging to identify the right one for you that fits both your needs and your budget. To help narrow it down, we have put together the following overview of high-quality solutions, charting which programs they’re compatible with, pricing, system requirements, and their specializations.

If you want to brush up on the basic terminology and differences between 3D rendering software check out our Terminology section at the end of this article.

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
3Delight	Free (limited to 12 cores) $30/$60/$360 per w/m/year $720 perpetual	CPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Daz Studio, Houdini, Katana, Maya	3Delight
Arnold	$40/$360 per m/year	CPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Katana, Maya, Softimage (deprecated)	Arnold
Artlantis	$910	CPU (network)	Windows, macOS	N/A	Artlantis
Blender	Free	CPU,GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	N/A	Blender
Clarisse	Free (educational) $59/$499 per m/year $999 perpetual	CPU/GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	N/A	Isotropix
Corona	$30 /month	CPU	Windows	3ds Max, Cinema4D	Corona
Enscape	$69.90/$478.80 per m/year	GPU	Windows	ArchiCAD, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Vectorworks, Cinema4D	Enscape
Felix	From $50-$800 (credit packs) From $1-$900 /month (subscriptions)	N/A	Windows	3ds Max, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros	Felix
FluidRay	$14.99 /month	CPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	FluidRay
FStormRender	$7 – $20 /month	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS	3ds Max	FStormRender
Guerilla	Free (single-seat, connected) From ~$2,340 (2,000€)	CPU	Windows, Linux	Maya	Guerilla
Indigo Renderer	$835	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Revit, SketchUp	Indigo Renderer
Iray	$295 /year	GPU (Nvidia)	N/A	3ds Max, Maya, Rhinoceros	Nvidia Iray
KeyShot	$995	CPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	KeyShot
Lumion	From $1,760	GPU	Windows	N/A	Lumion
LuxCoreRender	Free	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Blender	LuxCoreRender
Marmoset Toolbag	$14.99 /month $299 perpetual	GPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	Marmoset Toolbag
Maxwell	From $580	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, ArchiCAD, Cinema 4D, formZ, Maya, Rhinoceros, SketchUp	Maxwell
Octane Render	From $19.99 /month	GPU (Nvidia)	N/A	3ds Max, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Blender, Carrara, Cinema 4D, DAZ Studio, Houdini, Inventor, Lightwave, Maya, Modo, Nuke, Poser, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Softimage, Unreal	Octane Render
Redshift	From $500	GPU (Windows/Linux – Nvidia only; macOS – M1/AMD)	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya	Redshift
RenderMan	$595	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS, Linux	Blender, Houdini, Katana, Maya	Renderman
Solidworks Visualize	Price on request	CPU, GPU	Windows	N/A	Solidworks Visualize
Thea Render	$290 /year	CPU, GPU	N/A	SketchUp, Rhino	Thea Render
Unreal Engine	Free (custom licensing terms/fees/pricing may apply)	GPU	Windows	N/A	Unreal Engine
V-Ray	From $60 /month	CPU, GPU	N/A	3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Katana, Maya, Modo, Nuke, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Unreal	V-Ray

3D RENDERING SOFTWARE

3Delight

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
3Delight	Free (limited to 12 cores) $30/$60/$360 per w/m/year $720 perpetual	CPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Daz Studio, Houdini, Katana, Maya	3Delight

3Delight is a 3D rendering software that is designed for maximum compatibility with industry standards, including RenderMan shading language, and integration with other programs. Its integration into major 3D modeling solutions like Maya makes it a popular option for feature film effects.

In Maya, users can choose between multiple rendering algorithms (REYES and path tracing), giving filmmakers greater flexibility without the need to buy a new application. As is to be expected, this 3D rendering software supports physically based materials. Other standards include OpenExr and OpenVDB.

For single users, 3Delight is free.

Arnold

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Arnold	$40/$360 per m/year	CPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Katana, Maya, Softimage (deprecated)	Arnold

Arnold is a fast CPU-based ray tracing renderer that was developed for VFX studio Sony Pictures Imageworks. It is capable of real-time rendering, meaning that when you make changes during the rendering, they are immediately included in ongoing calculations. This, in turn, speeds up the process of developing your desired look. With this 3D rendering software, you can create about any pass imaginable, giving you a huge amount of control over the final look in the compositing stage.

Being one of the preferred 3D rendering software solutions in the effects industry, Arnold supports volumetrics. In addition, its material editor is node-based, giving commonality across many programs in the VFX industry today. Many presets are available out of the box, and the active user community writes additional nodes.

Arnold has supported plug-ins available for Maya, Houdini, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, and Katana.

Its wide range of features makes Arnold one of the best 3D rendering software for special effects.

Artlantis

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Artlantis	$910	CPU (network)	Windows, macOS	N/A	Artlantis

Artlantis is a 3D rendering software that has been developed with an eye on the needs of architects and designers. It provides a wide selection of preset-like indoor/outdoor lighting for a quick turnaround. The materials inside Artlantis are physically based in order to achieve photorealistic results. Also, among the advanced shaders are luminous materials that extend the range of possibilities with which scenes can be lit.

The built-in render manager in this 3D rendering software allows you to distribute the computing load evenly among your local computers, minimizing the overall rendering time. Artlantis is available in a version for high-resolution still images and another that can produce high-resolution 3D renderings, iVisit360 panoramas, VR Objects, and sequences.

Recent updates to the software include compatibility with the universal IFC file type. Similarly new is the ability to grade scenes with LUTs for uniform ambiance, plus a refreshed MediaStore asset library, and simplified user interface options.

Blender

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Blender	Free	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	N/A	Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It is a cross-platform software that supports the entire 3D pipeline. Namely, modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering composting, and motion tracking.

While the current release, 2.93.3 LTS is the last update for some time while the Blender crew work on its next-generation successor, what we have now is an incredibly powerful 3D creation tool with built-in rendering options that are worth consideration. There’s ray trace-based rendering courtesy of Cycles, Blender’s main rendering engine. Tailored toward photorealistic renders, it’s Blender’s older, and more documented option. For a more cartoonish look, there’s FreeStyle, an edge and line-based non-photorealistic renderer (NPR).

Lastly, and newer, is Eevee, Blender’s physically-based real-time renderer. Introduced in Blender 2.8, Eevee tackles rendering differently from Cycles, and while both can achieve similar-looking results, there’s a gulf between them in how they work (ray-traced vs rasterized – see our explainer below) and which is better for certain scenarios.

Clarisse

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Clarisse	Free (educational) $59/$499 per m/year $999 perpetual	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	N/A	Isotropix

Clarisse is a CG toolbox for digital artists to arrange, light and grade their work for rendering. Comprising two products, Clarisse iFX and Clarisse BUiLDER, the current Clarisse 5 suite includes everything visual effects artists need for the finalization of their work. The latest release includes improved universal scene description (USD) import and all-new export, greatly improving its interoperability with other digital content creation tools.

For the purpose of this article, we’re focusing on Clarisse’s rendering abilities, powered here by a ray-trace core that its developer, Isotropic, claims is faster in scenes with challenging lighting and volumes. Professional tools and abilities including adaptive anti-aliasing, sub-surface scattering, standardization with Autodesk Standard Surface spec, better transmissive surfaces, and improved curve geometry for hair and fur rendering. All of which set Clarisse apart as a powerful part of many professional’s workflows.

Clarisse has been used on numerous big-budget movies and television shows, including The Mandalorian, Wonder Woman 1984, Tenet, Avengers: Endgame.

You can learn Clarisse for free with the Personal Learning Edition. The renders made with the PLE are limited to 2560 x 1440 resolution and may not be used for commercial purposes.

Corona

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Corona	$30 /month	CPU	Windows	3ds Max, Cinema4D	Corona

Corona is a (un)biased photorealistic 3D renderer, that has become popular for its ease of use. Following the motto “less is more,” Corona offers a less cluttered UI to cut down setup times. Although a CPU-based solution, the interactive rendering capability of this 3D rendering software can also speed up workflows.

This 3D rendering software is flexible with regard to realism. Phenomena that require much computing power like caustics can be disabled selectively. What is more, materials can be created that bend to the artistic vision, not the physical reality. So, a material can be blue when seen directly but have a different color when reflected or refracted.

Due to its great usability, Corona is rightly a highly popular 3D rendering software.

Enscape

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Enscape	$69.90/$478.80 per m/year	GPU	Windows	ArchiCAD, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Vectorworks	Enscape

Enscape is a real-time 3D rendering software that is primarily geared at architectural visualization. Impressively, this solution eliminates the need to export from BIM software and rework data for presentations as still images or movies. Everything is prepared in the original program.

However, the standout feature of this 3D rendering software is its ability to export project files from Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks as standalone executables to provide walkthroughs that can be shared with clients or co-workers. These executables can be used on desktop computers and VR goggles.

The link between the presentations and the original CAD data means that you can inspect and evaluate any changes you make in a snap. Apart from the photorealistic render mode, Enscape includes several stylized modes like sketch, paper, and polystyrene for novel looks in your presentations.

The latest version (3.3.1) introduces Nvidia Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) which basically allows the user to render at a lower resolution, gaining frame rate, while also resulting in renders that that comparably sharp to those rendered at native resolution.

Enscape is the perfect 3D rendering software for architects who want to flabbergast stakeholders with VR presentations.

Felix

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Felix	From $50-$800 (credit packs) From $1-$900 /month (subscriptions)	N/A	Windows	3ds Max, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros	Felix

Felix is a cloud computing 3D rendering software. It frees professionals who don’t have the resources from the constraints of their hardware by providing an interface that allows easy upload of scene files. Relevant fields include architectural visualization and marketing. All uploaded files are 256-bit encrypted.

While free to access, users pay to download the render — either in credits prepurchased in bundles or as part of a monthly subscription. Render output scales in quality and cost in credits, from free previews, up to 4K quality images.

Under the hood, it leverages Maxwell Render, an unbiased, high-quality 3D rendering software. In addition, FelixRender provides social network features like sharing of scenes, materials, and assets with colleagues. To populate large and complex scenes, FelixRender adds its own flavor of 3D model instancing to the package.

FelixRender is a convenient cloud 3D rendering software for professionals.

FluidRay

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
FluidRay	$14.99 /month	CPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	FluidRay

FluidRay is a physically based renderer that was developed for awe-inspiring views of architectural and design projects. An unbiased renderer, lighting is a core strength, with FluidRay able to tackle a wide range of lighting setups.

Thanks to the use of deep learning and AI (that aren’t explained in more detail) FluidRay boasts fast and accurate performance, utilizing your processing to its best and intelligently caching to your RAM instead of relying on a brawny GPU.

The real-time workflow of this 3D rendering software can be grasped intuitively in just a few minutes. A large library of materials and objects for scene-setting help architects dress a space efficiently, and the use of OSL means new materials can be configured in-app. Though looking beyond architecture it seems that FluidRay is well suited to getting the most out of jewelry and other products too.

FStorm

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
FStormRender	$7 – $20 /month	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS	Autodesk 3ds Max	FStormRender

FStorm is a GPU-only renderer being developed by PinkSoft LTD since 2015 and becomes the most popular GPU render with architectural 3d artists due to its speed, quality and simplicity. It is straightforward, fast, and realistic with convenient materials and light sources. Currently, FStorm render engine is exclusively available for 3Ds Max software. Hope that this amazing renderer will be available for major 3D software in the near future.

There are many unique features in FStorm renderer such as improved tone mapping, glossy reflection shader, glare effects, light sampling, improved raytracer, and optimized QMC sampling. It is deeply integrated into the 3Ds Max environment and supports all necessary and key features. Build-in scene converter easily and carefully converts any scene from Corona, Octane, and Vray render. Users can move the camera and get real-time updates in the frame buffer window.

FStorm Render is based on CUDA technology, which allows this renderer to work well on NVIDIA graphics cards. Interestingly, FStorm is likely to be compatible with multiple GPUs on one computer. For instance, if it’s scalable to 6 or 10 GPUs simultaneously in a single machine, users can utilize the robust computing system to render their job while using FStorm Render.

Guerilla

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Guerilla	Free (single-seat, connected) From $2,340	CPU	Windows, Linux	Maya	Guerilla

Guerilla is an animation lighting development and rendering suite with plenty of feature films to its name, including Playmobil the Movie, and Ford v Ferarri. It has an easy-to-follow UI tailored toward lighting development, with snappy render previews thanks to efficient use of your system’s memory, including precomp caching aiding re-rendering on the fly. Comprised of two products, Guerilla Station and Guerilla Render (for your rendering nodes), Guerilla’s progressive physically based rendering system means photorealistic stills and sequences are easily within grasp.

The lighting system of Guerilla is highly flexible, allowing, for instance, lighting in specific AOVs. Besides, the program offers full OpenEXR support, which facilitates the compositing stage by selecting layers and objects in the final rendered image file.

Of particular note is Guerilla Render’s free unlimited single-seat license, which allows uncapped usage of the program for a single user (including commercially) providing you’re connected to the internet.

Indigo Renderer

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Indigo Renderer	$835	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Revit, SketchUp	Indigo Renderer

Indigo is an unbiased 3D rendering software that is geared at architectural visualization and industrial design. Its real-time rendering capability allows you to edit scenes and inspect the results instantly. The parameters of every material can be adjusted with shader programs written in the custom Indigo Shader Language.

As of release 4.4, Indigo’s already impressive sky modeling system got a lot more impressive with real data from NASA and known physically accurate atmospheric effects – it can create geographically specific lighting conditions that other approximation-based systems can’t compete with.

Besides planet-scale lighting sims, the latest Indigo also improves denoising at the gain of overall render speed, lightmap baking, support for sub-surface scattering using GPU, plus greater texture compression allowing for larger scenes.

Unlike many other GPU-powered 3D rendering programs, Indigo is not limited to a CUDA capable NVidia graphics card. It also supports the OpenCL standard used by AMD. To speed up rendering, you can easily tap into a network of cards for additional processing power.

Photorealism appears to be a key strength of Indigo, for both architectural visualization and product shots.

Iray

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Nvidia Iray	$295 /year	GPU (Nvidia)	N/A	3ds Max, Maya, Rhinoceros	Nvidia Iray

Iray is a biased GPU renderer software by NVidia. Developed for NVidia’s CUDA technology, Iray is a sophisticated toolbox with lighting and material tools to help artists using Nvidia hardware achieve photorealistic results.

Although developed for real-time usage scenarios, this 3D rendering software brings many of the features you would expect from a CPU solution such as instancing, caustics, subsurface scattering, and volumetrics.

To achieve its high-performance photorealism, Iray employs physically-based materials that, in addition to texture data, contain multiple lighting properties including reflectivity, light emission, scattering and absorption properties. Standardized as Nvidia’s Material Definition Language, meaning interoperability across different modeling and rendering solutions, this MLD standard helps Iray fit as a useful part of the production pipeline.

Often baked into popular modeling software, including Catia, SolidWorks and NX, Iray is also available as a separately purchasable plugin for 3ds Max, Maya, Rhino and Cinema 4D. There’s also an SDK to port for use in your own solution. No standalone Iray product, though.

KeyShot

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
KeyShot	$995	CPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	KeyShot

KeyShot is standalone rendering software that brings speed and ease of use to the product visualization process. Extensive libraries of physically accurate models, materials, plus HDRI environments, exclusive brand-name paints and fabrics, plus Pantone and RAL color libraries, all combine with sophisticated rendering tools such as AI-driven denoising.

The entire process takes place in real time – as you set up your scene with cameras, materials, and lights, the program continually updates the rendered image. This feature of KeyShot allows you to work much faster than many other solutions. The ease of use and real-time rendering make this 3D rendering software an excellent choice for engineers and architects who want to showcase their work without wasting time learning complex new software.

Lumion

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Lumion	From $1760	GPU	Windows	N/A	Lumion

Lumion is a 3D rendering software with several LiveSync plugins for popular architectural CAD software, making it a cinch to upload and synchronize your work and begin dressing for a client-ready render. Rendering in real-time using your GPU, Lumion carries an agile and airy feel to its work. Extensive libraries of objects, materials, and foliage are ready for drag-and-drop into your scene, with it possible to populate a landscape with thousands of assets.

The technicalities of rendering are very much in the background of Lumion, with the creative process for architects and artists to set the scene and mood at the forefront. Animated phasing is a particularly neat effect that lets you show the step-by-step developments of your scene.

There are two versions of Lumion: Standard and Pro. The Standard edition contains a limited set of the product’s library of assets, features, and effects, albeit at half the cost of the Pro version.

LuxCoreRender

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
LuxCoreRender	Free	CPU, GPU	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Blender	LuxCoreRender

LuxCoreRender is an unbiased and biased 3D rendering software available under an open-source license. As is often the case for free open-source software, LuxCoreRender can compete with commercial rendering solutions, achieving photorealistic results from a sophisticated toolset.

LuxCoreRender supports complex phenomena like subsurface scattering and volumetrics. To help minimize the overall render time, users can choose to render in biased mode, which favors smart computational shortcuts to avoid precisely calculating every ray of light in a scene (ray-tracing). To the same end, instanced objects may be used in this 3D rendering software. Native plugins for Blender and 3ds Max are useful for those heavily invested in those software – it seems this is where the strength of LuxCoreBlender lies, in its lack of cost and operability with Blender.

Marmoset Toolbag

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Marmoset Toolbag	$14.99 /month $299 perpetual	GPU	Windows, macOS	N/A	Marmoset Toolbag

Marmoset Toolbag is a swiss-army knife of sorts that can increase productivity for 3D artists. As such, it is not only a bleeding-edge 3D rendering software but also has animation and texture baking capabilities. Because every change is displayed in real-time, setting up scenes in Marmoset Toolbag can be done very quickly.

Moreover, it comes with a modular material editor that allows artists to create new textures using drag-and-drop. The built-in skin shader features sophisticated translucency options. Most importantly, Toolbag can create physically accurate renders that can be used for promotional campaigns. This 3D rendering software is particularly useful for game developers since it integrates well with Unity and Unreal Engine.

If you want to showcase your skills, you don’t have to limit yourself to rendered images and movies. You can export your projects to Toolbag Viewer and let web-users experience them in high quality on their computers. This feature is perfect for creating portfolios.

Its integration with game engines makes Marmoset Toolbag one of the best 3D rendering software for game developers.

Maxwell

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Maxwell	From $580	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, ArchiCAD, Cinema 4D, formZ, Maya, Rhinoceros, SketchUp	Maxwell

Maxwell is an unbiased 3D rendering software that is especially well suited to the requirements of architectural visualization. It combines a high degree of realism with an easy-to-grasp workflow. Its developer, Next Limit, places great emphasis on Maxwell’s abilities with lighting, the Multilight feature being of particular note, which lets you capture multiple lighting intensities and colors from just a single render. The implication of this is that you can continue to experiment with your lighting post-render and instantly access the results of your change without having to re-render the scene.

Deep camera settings give you exacting control over the look of your render, with volumetric and large-scale scenery tools such as ocean generation and individual grass detailing making Maxwell particularly suited to architectural visualization, in addition to rich material control for products, jewelry, and the like.

Octane Render

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Octane Render	From $19.99 /month	GPU (Nvidia)	N/A	3ds Max, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Blender, Carrara, Cinema 4D, DAZ Studio, Houdini, Inventor, Lightwave, Maya, Modo, Nuke, Poser, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Softimage, Unreal	Octane Render

Used by digital artist and NFT pioneer Beeple for many of his Everydays, Octane is an unbiased GPU-accelerated renderer favored for its speed.

Wide compatibility with most popular 3D modeling programs gives it great versatility, as does its acceptance of Alembic imports, the open shading language (OSL), and volume database (VDB) files standards.

Photorealism is achieved through advanced camera and lighting tools, including subsurface scattering, volumetrics, AI-driven denoising, and countless others.

Despite the potentially heavy workloads going on, Octane gives a live preview of the rendered scene in your working viewport, granting agility to your workflow and encouraging experimentation.

Redshift

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Redshift	From $500	GPU (Windows/Linux – Nvidia only; macOS – M1/AMD)	Windows, macOS, Linux	3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya	Redshift

Redshift is a biased 3D rendering software that is based on GPU acceleration: It was used on high-profile projects including cinematics for hit video game Overwatch, and blockbuster The Lego Movie. Redshift uses physically based materials that are compatible with workflows in the likes of Unreal Engine. Also, users can rely on a series of dedicated shaders for skin and hair.

The lighting system is both highly flexible and realistic, with image-based environment textures providing light for entire scenes, and volumetric lighting to create dramatic effects. Speaking of which, Redshift’s support of volumetrics is based on OpenVDB rendering. To add to the realism, physical lens effects like ISO, shutter, and color balance can be used for discerning control over the rendered image. AOVs can be efficiently composited thanks to this 3D rendering software’s support of OpenExr.

RenderMan

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Renderman	$595	CPU, GPU (Nvidia)	Windows, macOS, Linux	Blender, Houdini, Katana, Maya	Renderman

If you have seen any Pixar movie, then you’ve already witnessed the power of its homegrown 3D rendering software, RenderMan. Pixar famously pioneered many animation and workflow techniques that are now common industry practice. For example, RenderMan was the first to include multi-bounce ray traced global illumination.

One of the more recent additions to this 3D rendering software is an unbiased estimator for bleeding-edge quality path traced subsurface scattering. Its interactive controls for the different layers make it easy to achieve a realistic and appealing look quickly. Also, moving volumes can be rendered in unparalleled quality thanks to deformation volume blur.

A recent release of RenderMan introduced hybrid CPU/GPU rendering, taking advantage of modern multicore systems for faster performance.

Being the internal tool benefitting from regular live use in multi-million dollar budget productions, it’s no surprise to see Renderman as one of the biggies in this list. Interoperability with a wide array of production pipeline tools means it can fit into any team’s processes, and render management (it’s used for huge movies, after all) via the complimentary Tractor network rendering tool (compatibility with major farms is also an option), making RenderMan a great professional choice.

Solidworks Visualize

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Solidworks Visualize	Price on request	CPU, GPU	Windows	N/A	Solidworks Visualize

Renderings are not only used for creating stunning visual effects but can also create an emotional response from prospective customers and stakeholders of engineering projects, which is just a fancy way of saying pretty product images. Solidworks Visualize is tailored to this particular segment of the 3D rendering software market, in part by being the native rendering solution for countless products and parts designed in the Solidworks CAD suite. Handily, Solidworks Visualize also supports CAD data from the likes of Rhino, SketchUp, and others, so you’re not locked in.

At its heart, it is an unbiased 3D rendering software that offers an instant progressive preview. It can output multiple render passes, which comes in handy when you need to composite complex effects. The intuitive interface of Solidworks Visualize enables even non-specialists to create photorealistic renders of their products that can be used in marketing campaigns. Also, it provides tools that facilitate the animation and scene-setup of mechanical parts.

A seat for Solidworks Visualize is included with every license of Solidworks, but it can also be purchased as a standalone application.

Thea Render

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Thea Render	$290 /year	CPU, GPU	N/A	SketchUp, Rhino	Thea Render

Thea Render is a biased and unbiased 3D rendering software that can take advantage of modern multicore systems, spreading the workload over GPU and CPU for fast results. Accordingly, the program features interactive rendering inside its viewport. This makes quick tweaks and previewing very convenient.

A standout feature is the inclusion of three distinct engines that operate within the same framework. This way, the appropriate tool can be selected based on the job’s requirements without the need to purchase a new product.

A wide selection of material libraries and model assets that can be instanced for fast density in your scenes are two useful additions in this technically advanced tool.

Unreal Engine

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
Unreal Engine	Free	GPU	Windows	N/A	Unreal Engine

It won’t be long until you can do everything thinkable in the digital realm inside Epic’s Unreal Engine tool. As of 2020, Unreal gained 3D modeling abilities that allow you to create assets and scenes directly in the engine, cutting out the necessity to model in other programs first.

It’s not as robust as other more specialized software, but a huge benefit comes from Unreal’s integration with another Epic product: Quixel. As an Unreal Engine subscriber, you get access to Quixel’s huge Megascan photorealistic asset library and can use the Bridge tab to quickly drop them into Unreal.

It’s a shortcut to photorealistic scenes and, if you’re building up a world for gaming, you’re already in the perfect environment to develop your models into an interactive product.

Being a tool for interactive entertainment, rigging, animation, and skinning your creations are strong suits of Unreal Engine, but the mere ability to flesh out hard and soft body concepts from scratch is great.

To top it off, Epic Games’ recent acquisition of Sketchfab strengthens its future as a 3D modeling platform. With Sketchfab’s marketplace for 3D assets set to remain in step, if not even more closely integrated with Unreal Engine and Epic’s other 3D offerings, in the future.

But one of Unreal Engine’s biggest selling features for any use case is that it’s free to use before $1,000,000 in gross revenue — after which a 5% royalty fee applies.

V-Ray

Name	Price	Renders with	Standalone Version OS	Integrations	Check Price/Download
V-Ray	From $60 /month	CPU, GPU	N/A	3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Katana, Maya, Modo, Nuke, Revit, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Unreal	V-Ray

V-Ray is considered to be one of the best 3D rendering software on the market, boasting high-speed, high-quality renders. Under the hood, V-Ray is a biased ray tracer that can harness both a CPU and a GPU (RT) for brute force and path tracing calculations. You can find it integrated into a vast array of 3D modeling suites.

On the one hand, this 3D rendering software is accessible enough that individual artists and the occasional 3D modeler can get great results out of it. On the other hand, V-Ray also has a comprehensive feature set, that is to say, professional teams can achieve fantastic quality with it. However, if you are aiming to push the envelope, success won’t come quickly with V-Ray since the advanced features have a steep learning curve.

Recent releases of V-Ray’s integrations widen the app’s operability with other modeling tools in the production pipeline with compatibility of Pixar’s universal scene description (USD) standard. Each integration also plays nicely with further plugins in the native modeling software, making V-Ray a truly integrated part of any designer’s workflow.

TERMINOLOGY

Rendering Methods

There are two principal rendering methods. Each has its advantages and disadvantages for different applications.

Rendering Method: Rasterization

Rasterization is the standard for real-time graphics, such as computer games. This 3D rendering technology is suited for this task as it balances real-time performance with an acceptable level of quality.

The downside is that this method cannot cope well with complex lighting conditions.

To work around this constraint, several techniques have been developed over the years. For example, “baking” the lighting into the texture reduces strain on rendering power.

Rendering Method: Ray Tracing

Many of the technologies under discussion in our list of 3D rendering software belong to the ray tracing branch of 3D rendering. Raytracing yields a higher degree of quality than rasterization. This process attempts to recreate the path of light rays in a scene, including bouncing off objects, materials, and other variables. The key is tracing every ray of light that hits the virtual camera’s lens back to its source. This approach includes complex calculations that enable even photorealistic images using reflections and refractions. It is commonly used for animated movies and visual effects.

However, this approach to rendering requires higher processing power. Until recently, it was not an option in real-time applications such as video gaming, however recent developments in graphical processing have triggered a shift, facilitating real-time photorealistic graphics. A closely linked method to ray tracing is “radiosity,” which calculates the spreading and diffusion of light.

Physically Based Rendering

Another important term you should look out for is physically based rendering (PBR). It designates a shader method that emulates the physical properties found in real-world materials such as specularity, or refraction. Some consider energy conservation the most crucial factor. It means that an object cannot reflect more light than it receives.

Biased vs. Unbiased Rendering

When browsing for 3D rendering software, you will encounter two recurring terms that are rarely explained: biased, and unbiased rendering. Here is what they mean.

Unbiased rendering

Unbiased 3D rendering software attempts to calculate physically accurate images. That means they trace back the path of a light ray in a mathematically correct manner, without taking any shortcuts. This method can result in longer render times, be labor intensive on your hardware, but yield the most “correct” render at the end. Unbiased rendering is rarely used for huge projects, such as animated movies. Instead, it is found in graphic design and architectural visualization, since render time doesn’t have that much impact on the project’s schedule.

Biased rendering

Biased 3D rendering software, in turn, are developed for efficiency. When calculating the paths of light rays, they strategically “cheat” to cut down the render time. Specifically, this can mean they interpolate between frames, apply the blur, and deploy algorithms ahead of the render, taking educated guesses at the result of the render without actually tracing every ray’s path, as in unbiased rendering using ray tracing. It takes some expertise to fine-tune a biased renderer to produce a convincing result, but some of the tools listed above do a lot to close the gap. On large-scale animation or special effects projects, biased rendering is often the efficient choice in terms of money and time saved.

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format3d

26/04/2022

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