{"id":1,"date":"2022-01-15T22:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-15T22:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/?p=1"},"modified":"2026-03-23T05:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T05:35:32","slug":"what-is-3d-modeling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/pt\/3d-modeling\/what-is-3d-modeling\/","title":{"rendered":"What is 3D Modeling: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today we\u2019re going to delve into the world of 3D to discover what is 3D modeling. How long has it been around and what industries use it the most?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If some time ago the word \u201c3D\u201d was met with confusion and questioning gaze, nowadays you wouldn\u2019t probably find a person that hasn’t heard about it. 3D stands for \u201cthree-dimensional\u201d which is a way of presenting computer objects in realistic forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, whether you\u2019re a novice who wants to start a career in hard surface modeling<\/a>, or someone who is exploring new ways of improving a business, we\u2019ll help you get a better understanding of this technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, to begin with we\u2019ll cover what it actually is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is 3D Modelling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how
The process of creating a 3D model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3D modeling is a process of developing a mathematical, coordinate-based, three-dimensional representation of animated or living objects and surfaces. 3D model, as a result of 3D modeling, is a collection of data<\/a> that is created by manipulating vertices, edges, and a polygon mesh<\/a> in a 3D space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sounds relatively simple, doesn\u2019t it?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But wait till we get to the technical stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These points in virtual space are called vertices that comprise a mesh – the collection of vertices (virtual points) an object is formed with. All these points are mapped into the 3D grid. Then each point has its position and is combined into shapes, objects, or surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, technically, 3D modeling is a collection of points connected by lines<\/strong>, triangles, curved surfaces, and other geometric entities in 3D space. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As you might have guessed already, specialized software is used to create 3D models. Nevertheless, you can still create it manually or automatically by 3D scanning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does it work?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does 3D Modeling Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"3d
A polygon mesh (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Being as complex a concept as 3D modeling is, it is always a good idea to start simple and develop towards complexity<\/strong>. When you learn how to 3D model<\/a>, it usually starts from creating a primitive form like a plane, sphere, or cube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then the form is manipulated by adding individual vertices with various modeling tools to get the contours of the future object. The achieved mesh is divided into polygons that are subdivided into smaller shapes to create more detail correspondingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> 3D modeling is a process that requires exceptional diligence and might seem too complicated to complete. Still, multiple tools help you to achieve desired forms faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"mirror
Mirror technique (source YouTube<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are various modeling tools that go with a built-in mirroring technique<\/strong> for building symmetrical models working on a half or a quarter of the object. The other technique is a subdivision<\/strong> that enables designers to simulate a higher polygon <\/strong>count and preserve the original work if they need to experiment with the forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there is a quick deformation used to displace the mesh with the noise texture to get a more organic surface. And finally, after all of these processes, the object is not complete until you paint and apply texture maps<\/a> to it to add details and create a more complicated model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though it seems to be enough already, 3D modeling constantly develops to provide more advanced models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, was it always like what it is known to be now?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3d
How 3D models are created<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The History of 3D Modeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since 3D modeling is based on mathematical calculations it is not a surprise it was invented by people who worked in computer engineering and automation. The pioneer of 3D graphics is Ivan Sutherland, the father of Sketchpad<\/a> who invented 3D models back in the 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, he wasn\u2019t alone. Sutherland with his colleague, David Evans, opened a department of computer technologies at the University of Utah attracting various professionals who contributed to the industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> Sutherland and Evans were the first to create a 3D graphics company in 1969. It was an establishment of the 3D modeling industry that was first used for television and advertising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many still don\u2019t know what is 3D modeling, it has been incorporated in various other spheres we come across every day. Nowadays we have modern programs like Blender<\/a> and Sketchup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D Modeling in Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t seen 3D technology being widely used around you, it only means you don\u2019t pay much attention to it. Anything from films and games to design and medicine use 3D modeling to improve and develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the industries that use modeling continuously. Some wouldn\u2019t even manage to succeed without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Architecture and Real Estate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"3D
Floor plan model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Drafting interior areas, exterior landscapes and buildings has gone a long way from rolls of blueprints to using 3D models on desktops and tablets. Architecture and real estate are some of the many industries 3D modeling technology revolutionized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D modeling not only changes the way architectural designs are presented. It significantly reduces designing costs and speeds up the process. This allows designers to identify potential drawbacks before they turn into serious issues. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, you can visualize entering your dream house or gathering around a dining table before the first brick is even laid out. 3D modeling is a real game-changer for these industries after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you ever think something like this would be possible?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Science and technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"3d
Product model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This is the easy one. You can imagine how 3D modeling is used in science and technology. From mapping data sets into 3D models to printing them in real size for better visualization and research. 3D models help scientists to examine complex concepts avoiding high production costs and huge amounts of time required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, 3D modeling significantly facilitates the work of engineers. It allows them to visualize the 3D model of a projected mechanism without even drafting a process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Advertisement and web design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having a multitude of copywriters and world-class marketers working on your product advertising campaign doesn\u2019t guarantee success unless you have a compelling image to present your product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few years ago marketers and ad experts only wondered what is 3D modeling and how they could benefit from it. Now it is an essential component of a converting marketing campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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