You have probably heard someone use the word “
renders” on many occasions. And it was likely in very different contexts—from architecture to advertising, including video games, product design, or 3D animation. In previous articles, we have already talked about 3D renders and reality in the world of architecture. But if you have ever wondered what they actually are and what they are used for, you have come to the right place! Today, from the team at
Behind Pictures, we explain everything you need to know about
renders—from what they are and how they are created, to their uses and some examples. Stay tuned!
What is a render?
The English word
render can be translated as: to represent or portray. Therefore, we can say that
renders are a graphical representation—a 3D digital image used to display something. Generally, a render is created to represent a scene, object, or character as realistically as possible within a virtual three-dimensional world. In this way,
renders must go through various processes to realistically emulate reality using optical effects. This includes material texturing, lighting, composition, and even photographic techniques.
Renders that can be mistaken for a photograph due to their high level of detail are known as
photorealistic renders.
What are renders used for?
As mentioned earlier,
renders are widely used across many different industries. Below, we highlight their advantages in three of them. In
advertising, the use of 3D and animation has become an increasingly strong trend in recent years.
Renders not only allow us to create unique worlds for each product, but they also help creatives by providing a tangible element to build the product’s storytelling.
Product creation also often relies on render artists, also known as CGI Artists. It is not the same to present a sketch of your idea as it is to present a 3D image that shows every possible angle, right?
Architectural renders are perhaps the most well-known and easily recognizable. In architecture, interior design, and decoration,
renders are essential. For example, when designing an apartment, it is important for the owners to clearly understand the spatial layout proposed by the architect and to visualize how their future home will look. Presenting a
render before starting the project can greatly simplify the work of both architects and interior designers.
What types of renders are there?
After discussing some of the sectors where renders are most useful, we want to highlight several types of
renders:
Static: This is the most common type of
render, as it can often be mistaken for a photograph.
Static renders are ideal for printing and publishing in magazines, posters, or even billboards.
360º: One of the most attractive trends in architecture and interior design is the use of
360º renders. These are static renders connected at their edges to create a panoramic image.
The main feature of this type of render is that it is interactive. Users can move left and right, freely exploring the space. This allows them to feel immersed in the design and truly connected to it.
Animated:
Animated renders are especially useful in product design. 3D animations help both designers and manufacturers explain the functionality, assembly, and possibilities of their product.
What is the rendering process like?
The process of creating
renders consists of three essential steps. By following them carefully, we can achieve the final 3D image of the developed space, product, or character: The first step in creating
renders is 3D modeling—in other words, transforming a 2D image into a 3D one. Once the 3D model is fully developed, we focus on recreating two key systems: materials and lighting. In the
material system, we define physical properties such as color, texture, and how the material behaves with light—opacity, refraction, reflection, etc. This must be done for every material in the
render. Meanwhile, the
lighting system must accurately simulate real-world light and shadows. Both natural and artificial lighting must be represented as realistically as possible. The final step is
rendering itself—the final visual output. This is done using
render engines, which are the software tools used to generate the image. There are many options available, but at
Behind Pictures, we choose
V-Ray for architectural projects. At
Behind Pictures, we are experts in the design and creation of
renders. So, if you want to take your project to the next level, do not hesitate to send us a
free inquiry or call us at 699856788 for more information.
