{"id":257,"date":"2022-01-19T09:46:59","date_gmt":"2022-01-19T09:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/?p=257"},"modified":"2026-03-23T05:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T05:35:32","slug":"how-to-3d-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/3dstudio.co\/pt\/3d-modeling\/how-to-3d-model\/","title":{"rendered":"How to 3D Model? [Comprehensive Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

While all of us interact with 3D modeling daily, few recognize it for what it really is. 3D modeling is a technology that\u2019s been around for a while and found a widespread application in various industries, including games, films, design, architecture, and more. Therefore, there is a growing need for 3D modeling services<\/a> that define new business, career, and education opportunities for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re wondering whether it is a good time for you to learn 3D modeling, start now. We\u2019re going to help by covering the basics of how to 3D model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll go through the main types of 3D modeling, learn about the basic building blocks of a 3D model and file types. You’ll discover the main 3D modeling principles, mistakes, and solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of that, we\u2019ll provide the best tips to get you going in 3D modeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isn\u2019t it a great start?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 3D modeling guide is going to change your perception of this technology and you\u2019ll definitely view it as a new perspective. We guarantee that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already landed on this page and want to learn how to 3D model, then you surely know what is 3D modeling<\/a>. However, before we start our journey through the 3D modeling fundamentals, let\u2019s sum up what we know about it already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D modeling is a digital three-dimensional representation of an object or surface built by manipulating virtual points in space<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, we\u2019re good to move on to the building blocks of a 3D model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Basics: 3D Modeling Building Blocks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you learn how to 3D model you just can\u2019t skip on the most basic components of a 3D model. So, let\u2019s cover them for better understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"3d<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
  1. Vertex <\/strong>– the smallest unit of a 3D model (a point in space)<\/li>
  2. Edge <\/strong>– a line that is used to connect two vertices. The shape of the object is achieved by manipulating the edges.<\/li>
  3. Polygon <\/strong>– a shape formed with connected straight lines. The types of polygons are defined by the extent of the angles and the number of sides.<\/li>
  4. Mesh <\/strong>– a collection of polygons connected in their vertices, edges, and faces. A 3D object can consist of one or more 3D meshes.<\/li>
  5. Face <\/strong>– a part that fills up the space between edges and comprises the covered flat surfaces of a model. It is the most basic part of a polygon mesh.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Regarding this, there are defined low poly modeling and high poly modeling<\/a>. The first one correspondingly is easier to load, view and edit. However, it isn\u2019t detailed. The high poly model, on the other hand, has more details and higher density. But moving around a viewpoint and editing it is harder, not speaking about the rendering of such models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you can operate the most basic 3D model components you should also know about the 3D modeling environment you\u2019ll be working with. Each 3D modeling program has either a <\/strong>vector<\/strong><\/a> or place environment<\/strong>. A vector is a geometric object with width and length, while a plane is a geometric space that extends afar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Main Types of 3D Modeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Knowing the basic points isn\u2019t all it takes for you to learn how to 3D model. Once you realize that, you need to go through the main techniques used in 3D modeling to hone your skills in different areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Solid <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As the name suggests, solid modeling is the technique you use to create geometrically correct solid shapes. The design simulates not only the exterior but the interior of the model which makes it one of the most complex types of 3D modeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It usually starts from preparing the wireframe model that is converted into 3D view and added some textures later on. Nevertheless, solid modeling allows you to see how your design looks and works from the beginning<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Surface modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Surface 3D modeling is a way of presenting solid 3D objects that requires manipulating the exterior of the 3D model to view the object from different angles. It is very flexible and enables modelers to create 3D objects with various requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note:<\/strong> Unlike in other 3D modeling techniques, the object doesn\u2019t necessarily need to be geometrically correct. It allows the user to delete, replace and manipulate the faces of an object with fewer restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"advanced
    Advanced surface modeling (source: YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    3. Wireframe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In wireframe 3D modeling an object consists only of points, circles, lines, and curves that are bent to achieve a 3D object. However, triangles are still considered the most typical elements of this kind of 3D modeling, where the more triangles there are, the more realistic the model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The wireframe object is not solid, but rather considered a boundary of connected points. This makes it probably the least complex 3D modeling technique<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Digital Sculpting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Digital sculpting<\/a> as the name suggests is like regular sculpting but in a digital environment. Sculpting tools are used to manipulate the mesh by pulling, pushing, pinching, and smoothing the surface of the object. The first layer always begins with defining the basic features of an object and advances to painting and texturing to create a more real-life model. It enables modelers to work with high-resolution meshes faster and more effectively to add on more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"digital
    Digital sculpting (source: YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    5. Box Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When you learn how to 3D model you just can\u2019t miss out on box modeling that is one of the most common polygonal 3D modeling techniques<\/strong>. It starts with the primitive shape like a cube or sphere that is manipulated till the intended model is achieved. The modeler works on a part of an object at a time or a whole object. The refining and subdivision continue till the low-resolution mesh turns out into an object with enough polygonal details and resembles the desired concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Edge Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Since certain meshes are hard to complete with box modeling only, 3D modelers utilize the edge modeling technique. According to it, loops of polygons are placed along the outlines of a model. Then the gaps between them are filled out to achieve finer forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Though it is also a polygonal modeling technique, in edge modeling the object is built piece by piece instead of refining the basic shape like in box modeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note:<\/strong>  you can\u2019t create a human face with the edge modeling only. That is why you have to collaborate it with some other technique to achieve the desired object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"edge
    Edge modeling (source: YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    7. NURBS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Nurbs modeling<\/strong><\/a>, a non-uniform rational basis spline, is a 3D modeling technique that doesn\u2019t have vertices, edges<\/strong>, or faces and is used to generate curves and surfaces. Usually, the model is created with a tool similar to a pen by drawing the curve in 3D space and controlling the series of handles. The curves are then placed along the contours with autofill of the space between them or revolve around a central axis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Sub-division modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This 3D modeling technique is a mix of NURBS and polygonal modeling where polygonal models are subdivided into smaller areas that are easier to handle. The modeler can refine certain subdivided areas and work on them easier. So, it makes sense to subdivide and refine the polygon as many times as needed for finer details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"subdivision
    Subdivision modeling (source: YouTube<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    9. NURMS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Nurms modeling or non-uniform rational mesh smooth technique is used to smoothen the mesh to achieve curved and round edges of an object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. Procedural Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Creating organic objects and landscapes where variations and complexity are infinite is extremely hard, especially to draw by hand. That is why procedural modeling<\/a> is used. Unlike any other technique on this list so far, 3D models are generated algorithmically by defining certain parameters. Once the model is generated, modelers can tweak it by changing the settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11. Image-based Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    3D objects in 3D modeling are derived from the 2D images static in nature. It is mainly used when you have limited time or budget on creating a fully realized 3D model. So that makes image-based modeling extremely popular in the entertainment industry<\/strong>, films in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is relatively easy in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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