{"id":70028,"date":"2017-10-13T17:20:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T06:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=2361"},"modified":"2025-11-11T17:58:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T06:58:27","slug":"what-is-3d-rendering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/what-is-3d-rendering","title":{"rendered":"What is 3D Rendering and How is it Being Used in 2D Artwork?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

3D rendering is a process that converts 3D wireframe models into 2D images. If that doesn\u2019t make sense to you, don\u2019t worry\u200a\u2014\u200ayou don\u2019t have to be a 3D designer to use 3D designs. In fact, that\u2019s kind of the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companies like PixelSquid<\/a> make 3D content for graphic designers available to download as 2-dimensional PNG or PSD files. Unlike with isolated images and photos, the 3D renders can be rotated at any angle, turned upside down, and more easily manipulated to fit a scene.  The PSD files in particular include powerful layers for precise control and perfect blending within your 2D design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat PixelSquid does is kind of a middle-ground, where it allows designers to use 3D models in a new way within familiar 2D design software,\u201d says Eric, a content specialist at Envato. \u201cYou can create some rad stuff compositing and manipulating PixelSquid items in Photoshop.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Photo-Realistic\u2019? A Side-by-Side Comparison<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Okay, but\u2026 how do the 3D renders look, <\/em>really? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3D renders from PixelSquid have detailed textures, lighting, and shadows to make them look \u2018photo-realistic\u2019. Here\u2019s a few side-by-side comparisons of 3D renders and stock photos of real-life objects\u200a\u2014\u200acan you tell the difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pencil, left<\/a> vs. pencil, right<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The red one\u2019s the 3D version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n Pencil <\/h3>\n \n PixelSquid360 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Pencil\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Green helmet<\/a> vs. gold helmet<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The green one is 3D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n Football Helmet <\/h3>\n \n PixelSquid360 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Football\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Pocket watch, left<\/a> vs. pocket watch, right<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The left one is a photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n Pocket Watch and Chain <\/h3>\n \n PixelSquid360 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Pocket\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Bicycle, left<\/a> vs. bicycle, right<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The black one is a photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n bicycle <\/h3>\n \n cristi180884 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"bicycle\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Strawberry, left<\/a> vs. strawberry, right<\/a>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Almost too close to tell! But the left one is a 3D rendered berry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n Strawberry <\/h3>\n \n PixelSquid360 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Strawberry\"\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Pudgy Lawn Gnome (left)<\/a> vs. sitting gnome (right)<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"3D<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The sitting gnome (right) is the photo version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools. <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n View all<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\n <\/a>\n\n
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\n Pudgy Lawn Gnome <\/h3>\n \n PixelSquid360 <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n \"Pudgy\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Using 3D Renders in Your Designs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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