There are many concepts we once thought were too futuristic to ever believe.
Self-driving cars. Flying drones. 3D models.
But now, all three concepts exist, and 3D modeling is becoming more popular and regularly used than ever before thanks to advanced 3D modeling software.
3D modeling is the process of creating three-dimensional (3D) objects using specialized software. The 3D object can be made by manipulating simple shapes, complex models, and polygons. The representation, called a 3D model, conveys an object’s shape, size, and texture.
Technology is changing how we create 3D models, making it a widely seen concept across industries. While 3D modeling’s roots are in video games and filmmaking, it can be used in almost every industry.
The software used to generate a 3D model does so by using various components. Some of these are:
3D modeling all starts with an idea. 3D modeling software is then used to generate a primitive, typically a simple shape like a cube or sphere.
This primitive is used to start the shape and begin modeling. The program manipulates certain points in virtual space, called vertices, to form a mesh, which is a collection of vertices that form the 3D object.
Using various design tools and formats within the software, the user will then design the primitive. It’s always best to start simple and move to more complex designs. This precise workflow can feel tedious, as individual placements are needed for the correct measurements and contours of the desired prototype.
The object's exterior is typically composed of various polygons, which are then divided up into smaller shapes, giving the object more detail. These additional polygons are especially necessary if the 3D model will be used to create something that needs to bend or move, like a video game character’s elbow or knee.
While there are several types of 3D modeling to choose from, which can sometimes vary depending on the user’s preferred software, there are three main types of 3D modeling. The type a 3D artist goes with often depends on their level of expertise and what kind of object they’re looking to create.
This type of 3D modeling works with three-dimensional shapes, such as cubes and spheres. While the shapes can vary in size and overall look, they act like building blocks to create an object. Solid modeling is relatively straightforward for the user and in terms of the software needed to do so.
Because of this, solid modeling is best used when flat surfaces or simple curves are involved and when exact dimensions and angles are needed.
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A user may turn to wireframe modeling when a surface is complex and curved. While solid modeling is ideal for modeling particular objects like machinery, wireframe modeling can create complex shapes like animals, plants, and even people.
Wireframe modeling can provide a sense of realism. Many tools that offer wireframe modeling use a triangle as their basic element – the more triangles in use, the higher the realism. The total number of triangles, also called the polygon count, can indicate how realistic the model is. It’s not uncommon for shapes to have millions of polygons.
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The most advanced technique is surface modeling, which works by guiding lines to define the shape or curve of a certain part of an object. Then, the software calculates a smooth surface that connects the lines.
Surface modeling is commonly used for aerodynamic and thermodynamic designs – think airplanes and boats. In addition to guiding lines, some surface modeling programs use control points or planes. This is where the surface follows the planes on a tangent.
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3D modeling can be found in almost every industry, thanks to its growing popularity. Here are just some of the industries that use 3D modeling:
3D modeling is all about developing a mathematical representation of an object or surface as it would be in real life by specific breadth, width, and depth dimensions. 3D rendering transforms the model into a high-quality, lifelike, and highly detailed image from that representation.
3D rendering is the final step in the 3D designing process, as a 3D model has to be created first of all the objects within the render for a realistic output. Once the models are complete, rendering software makes the final prototype out of the design.
The two are separate steps in creating CGI imagery and rendering cannot be completed without modeling. 3D rendering software cannot create a photorealistic image of the object without the model's size, shape, and texture.
3D modeling software has the features and functionality to design basic three-dimensional models of various objects. These tools can often create models with realistic elements using various approaches and tools to add textures and color. They’re often used in industries related to virtual reality, marketing, television, video games, and motion pictures.
To qualify for inclusion in the 3D modeling category, a product must:
* Below are the top five leading 3D modeling software solutions from G2’s Spring 2022 Grid® Report. Some reviews may be edited for clarity.
Unity is a gaming development platform that creates both 3D and 2D games, models, experiences, and designs. Their global team inspires and empowers real-time creativity and can be used on over 25 platforms.
“I like how easy and affordable Unity makes game development for rookie developers. I have zero experience in game development, but Unity has made it an absolute breeze and joy to learn. I have been very interested in VR (Virtual Reality) my entire life, and only recently I decided to start playing around on Unity.
There were so many free online resources to help me, and the tool is very beginner-friendly that I never felt overwhelmed. I think what Unity is doing is great, and if you want to learn VR development specifically, it's the only engine you should use.”
- Unity Review, Joseph S.
“The splash screen of the games developed using the free license is watermarked with the Unity logo. Also, Unity does not support linking to external libraries. Finally, it doesn’t have a great-looking user interface.”
- Unity Review, Nabin P.
3ds Max Design from Autodesk is a 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation. It offers a rich and flexible toolset to create premium designs with full artistic control and a long list of features to develop high-quality scenes.
“I love the flexibility for scripts, modification, and usage for modeling. This comes in handy as I focus more on hard surface modeling for scenes and buildings.”
- 3ds Max Design Review, Cheryl T.
“It is a little tricky to get used to at first. It’s like learning a new language with all the buttons and rendering. You definitely need tutorials when you first start out.”
- 3ds Max Design Review, Aylin A.
Maya 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software brings your imagination to life. Maya from Autodesk helps artists tell their stories with one fast, creative toolset. It’s professional 3D software for creating realistic characters and blockbuster-worthy effects.
“When it comes to creating 3D models for presentation, Maya makes everything so simple and easy by allowing you to create the most accurate and more detailed simulations. As a civil engineer, the best feature I have found is the bifrost ocean simulation system, which allows me to create realistic oceans with waves, wakes, and even ripples.
It is very powerful to the extent that it can edit very large data sets in a small amount of time.”
- Maya Review, John P.
“Maya is great software, but it needs a lot of resources and is very intensive on the GPU for rendering. This makes it unusable on a lightweight or a portable machine. Maya also has features that are a little complicated. A user needs past experience with 3D modeling to utilize it to its fullest.”
- Maya Review, Subrata S.
Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite that supports a wide variety of 3D functionality, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, and compositing. It also supports motion tracking, video editing, and game creation. As a free 3D software, Blender is well suited for individuals and small studios that may benefit from what it has to offer.
“Blender is a fantastic tool if you work on 3D modeling, sculpting, 2D animation, and 3D animation. The best thing about Blender is that it's a free 3D tool for anyone. I also love that it’s an open-source platform with a simple interface for beginners.
Blender also offers a long list of valuable tools to make your renders look super realistic and surreal, and it is constantly improving with regular updates.”
- Blender Review, Rishav R.
“Some mid-versions are wildly different from each other. It might be tricky when you are a fresh learner. Navigation is quite unique but difficult to get used to if you are switching from another 3D software.”
- Blender Review, Erdem B.
Creo Parametric is a 3D CAD solution that allows users to design faster and smarter by connecting a digital design to a physical product. Users can create, analyze, view, and share designs using 2D CAD, 3D CAD, and parametric and direct modeling capabilities.
“Creo Parametric is very user-friendly and offers a variety of design capabilities and complex product making performance. It provides a wide range of features, ranging from simulation to computer-aided manufacturing and product data management.“
- Creo Parametric Review, Zeel S.
“My main issue with Creo is it crashes, and if you don't have your settings right, the view will sometimes be compromised or it will be an overall bad experience.”
- Creo Parametric Review, Ian A.
With so many use cases across varying industries, knowing how to create a 3D model can be a valuable skill to have in your arsenal. And while it likely will take some time and effort to master, you never know what you’ll be able to create.
Take your interest in the word of three dimensional one step further and learn more about 3D printing.