eCommerce is better with 3D. 

From your latest Amazon shopping experience to the virtual walkthrough while home hunting, to high-resolution product explainer videos and various social media campaigns, 3D enhances engagement, understanding, and decision-making, setting a new standard in online shopping experiences. 

In the world of marketing, 3D product rendering helps brands create high-resolution images and videos of a product that can be used in a variety of ways, like on product pages, promotional materials, or on social media.  

3D product renderings can also be used to create interactive experiences for customers, like 360-degree product views or augmented reality (AR) experiences. These experiences can help customers better understand a product’s features, allowing them to make more informed decisions when shopping online. 

But before we get too far into it, let’s review the basics: 

What is 3D product rendering? 

3D product rendering is the process of creating a 2D image from a 3D model. In other words, it’s like taking a photo of a product that exists within computer software—so that it can be easily viewed and shared.  

Over the past few years, with the availability of 3D modeling and rendering software, 3D renderings are now more commonly used for marketing and promotional purposes. 

Designers, manufacturers, and marketers use 3D product renderings to produce photorealistic photos, animations, and interactive 3D models that help explain, promote, and sell a product. 

The result of a 3D rendering may vary depending on a few factors. The talent, modeling software, and rendering engine affect the final output. Hence, it’s always best to work with a leading service provider to achieve accurate images. 

Client Expectation: A Fortune 500 company needed lifelike images of their new Power Drill for their website and promotional materials. 

Creative Solution: We used advanced 3D modeling software to create photorealistic renderings of the drill, capturing all its features and design elements. 

Advantage: The high-quality images attracted more visitors to their website, boosting their product launch success. 

How does the 3D product rendering process work? 

Rendering is usually the final stage of a 3D project. It involves transforming a digital model into a photorealistic image or animation. The process begins with the creation of a 3D model using computer graphics software. 

After you’ve created your 3D model, is then loaded into a rendering engine, which calculates the lighting, materials, and camera angles and transforms the model into a two-dimensional image or animation. After the image is rendered, it’s usually post-processed and composited to create the final image or animation. 

Let’s review the different steps of the full 3D product rendering process in more detail: 

Modeling  

The process begins with a 3D model created in 3D software like Cinema 4D, Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, or Maya. Different 3D modeling software offers different solutions, workflows, or toolsets—but the end result should usually be the same.  

Since the 3D model is the foundation of the 3D product rendering, it’s important to note that a more accurately built 3D model will produce better results. A good model will let details stand out and will look more realistic.  

A more accurately-built 3D model will also reduce the need to make manual adjustments in order to achieve the desired results during the texturing phase, which can save a lot of time and effort. 

Client Expectation: An automotive aftermarkets company required accurate 3D models of their latest equipment for internal review and finally, marketing. 
Creative Solution: We developed precise 3D models using Autodesk 3ds Max, capturing every detail of the product. 
Advantage: The models provided a comprehensive view of the designs, aiding both the design team and marketing efforts. 

Texturing 

3D texturing adds materials and surface properties to a 3D model. These define how the model interacts with light and creates the visual characteristics we see. It’s like applying a virtual paint job, adding colors, patterns, and other details that make the model appear realistic. This can be done by either painting on the model’s surface or applying a texture map on materials.

Texture maps are digital images that are projected onto a 3D model’s surface. Texture maps can be used to project colors and patterns, and simulate bumps, scratches, and other surface imperfections. Additionally, maps can also be used to add realistic effects such as shadows, reflections, and ambient occlusion. 

Materials and textures allow for more realistic and detailed result in 3D visuals and brings the flat 3D model to life.  

Client Expectation: A furniture manufacturer wanted to showcase different material options for their new sofa line. 
Creative Solution: We applied various textures to the 3D models, including fabric, leather, and wood finishes. 
Advantage: Customers could visualize the sofa in different materials, helping them make informed purchase decisions. 

Lighting Setup 

Lighting in 3D works similarly to lighting in real-world environments. The light source object has several properties, such as intensity, color, direction, and falloff, that affect the way the scene is lit. The artist can control how the light interacts with models in the scene by adjusting these properties. 

The artist can also create and add different types of lights, such as spotlights, ambient lighting, and point lights, to create specific lighting effects in the scene. This can have a big impact on 3D product rendering.  

Combining different types of lights allows the artist to control the overall look and mood of the scene, just like a photographer in a photography studio. 

Client Expectation: CRL, a world leader in home improvement sector manufacturing door and window, hardware in chrome, bronze, aluminum, and steel needed realistic images that showcased the durability and aesthetic appeal of their products. 

Creative Solution: We implemented advanced lighting techniques within the 3D rendering software to replicate natural and studio lighting conditions, accentuating the textures and finishes of chrome, bronze, and steel hardware. 

Advantage: The lifelike lighting effects heightened the visual appeal of the hardware, compelling customers with its quality and craftsmanship, ultimately driving increased interest and sales. 

Camera Setup 

The camera setup is a significant step before rendering the scene. It is important to understand how camera settings such as field of view, aspect ratio, focal length, exposure, and other settings affect the way the model looks. Additionally, fundamental rules of photography apply to how you place your camera in the scene. 

Understanding how camera placement and settings affect the scene and 3D models can help a 3D artist create more meaningful, art-directed compositions, set up models that look more natural in a 3D environment, and ultimately create more realistic rendered images. 

Client Expectation: Cutlery brand Cangshan sought dynamic product images that highlighted the craftsmanship and unique features of their knives. 

Creative Solution: We employed strategic camera angles and settings to craft compelling compositions that showcased the knives’ ergonomic designs and precision engineering. 

Advantage: The visually captivating images effectively captured customer attention and emphasized the knives’ superior quality and functionality, enhancing their appeal and market presence. 

Cangshan: Premium steel knives created with 3D Modeling

Rendering 

The final process of taking 3D models and turning them into 2D images or animations is called Rendering. It involves the use of a variety of software tools, such as 3D modeling, rendering engine, and compositing software.  

The process can take anywhere from minutes to days depending on the complexity of the scene. After the render is complete, the image or animation can be used in games, movies, and other media. 

Client Expectation: Diesel shoes required a 360-degree view for ecommerce selling, showcasing their footwear from all angles. 

Creative Solution: We implemented a comprehensive 360-degree rendering approach, capturing every detail of the Diesel shoes to create immersive visuals for online shoppers. 

Advantage: The interactive and detailed views enabled customers to explore the shoes thoroughly, enhancing their online shopping experience and driving increased sales conversions. 

Post-production 

Finally, post-production in 3D modeling is the process of refining and enhancing the rendered image by adjusting colors and adding effects in 2D space. This process is usually done in 2D software such as Photoshop or After Effects. Post-production includes color correction, lighting effects, and compositing to create a final, more polished look for a 3D model. 

Compositing in post-production is the process of combining multiple elements such as reflections, shadows, and ambient occlusion together to create the final image or scene. This process helps the artist to have better control over different elements that puts the scene together. Compositing allows the artist to adjust various properties such as color, brightness, and contrast of individual elements easily and add effects like light flares and motion blur. 

Client Expectation: Bosch automotive aftermarket products sought enhanced marketing visuals for their range of products. 

Our Creative Solution: We utilized advanced editing techniques in Photoshop to adjust colors, apply precise lighting effects, and seamlessly integrate components, ensuring a professional and cohesive appearance. 

Advantage: The refined visuals perfectly aligned with Bosch’s brand identity, significantly boosting the impact of their marketing campaigns and promotional materials. 

How much does 3D product rendering cost?  

Forget draining your budget on elaborate product photoshoots! 3D rendering is your game-changer. For a fraction of the cost – we’re talking less than a hundred dollars – you can create jaw-dropping visuals that showcase your products in meticulous detail. Imagine effortlessly managing endless variations in colors and materials, all within a single project. Plus, 3D rendering puts you in complete control. Perfect the lighting, adjust angles, and craft the ideal environment – all without the hefty price tag of on-location shoots. Invest smarter, sell more. 

Client Expectation: An outdoor furniture brand with a limited budget needed high-quality visuals to market their new outdoor furniture line. Traditional photography was too costly and complex. 

Creative Solution: We provided a cost-effective 3D rendering solution, optimizing model complexity while focusing on key details. This ensured realistic and appealing visuals within budget. 

Advantage: The start-up received high-quality 3D renderings, effectively marketing their products without the high costs of traditional photography. 3D modeling allowed for flexible, quick adjustments, saving time and expenses. 

What is needed for 3D product rendering? 

At Tulfa, we typically create renders of products that will be used in marketing materials. For example, social media ads, product listings, landing pages, brochures, and more.  

For these types of projects, we usually ask for 5-6 high-quality product photos in good lighting from different angles. If you have technical details of your product, we will use these to make your model(s) even more accurate. 

Client Expectation: A newly launched clothes rack manufacturer needed accurate renderings for their clothes rack along with lifestyle visuals. We requested high-quality photos and technical details to ensure precise modelling, which they couldn’t provide. We asked for simple photos shot on their mobile. 

Creative Solution: Our 3D artists used the client’s simple mobile photos to model an accurate clothes rack, bypassing the need for professional photoshoots. This allowed for both precise representation and creation of stunning lifestyle visuals. 

Benefits: This approach saved the client time and money, delivered exceptional results with detailed renderings in lifestyle settings, and ensured client control through the review process. The detailed renderings accurately represented the product, enhancing their promotional efforts. 

Can you make a 3D rendering of a product that rotates? 

Yes, a 3D rendering of a product that rotates can be made using 3D software like Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or Blender. The process involves creating a 3D model of the product, setting up the lighting and materials, and placing it into the scene. Then the animation process can begin, setting up the camera and scene, and creating a rotation animation. 

Client Expectation: A lawn mower manufacturer wanted an interactive 360-degree product view for their website. 

Creative Solution: We created a 3D model of the lawn mower and animated it to rotate, providing a comprehensive view. 

Advantage: The interactive feature increased customer engagement and helped visitors explore the product more thoroughly. 

What are 3D product renders used for? 

Product Design and Manufacturing 

Most commonly, 3D renders are used in product manufacturing during the prototyping and testing of products, as well as for visualizing the product before it goes into production. This can give manufacturers insight into the product design and help them make the necessary adjustments before manufacturing.  

3D renders can also be used to create detailed instructions for assembly processes, as well as to create visualizations of the product in different environments. This helps manufacturers better understand the product and ensure that the final product meets their expectations. 

Client Expectation: New Star Food Services needed prototypes of their Food Prep Equipment before mass production. 
Creative Solution: We provided detailed 3D renderings for prototyping and testing. 
Advantage: The renderings allowed for design adjustments and ensured the final product met expectations. 

Marketing and Product Promotion 

Businesses can showcase their products with the help of 3D renders. Again, 3D modeling rendering is becoming more common, so it’s no longer just for big movies or brands with huge budgets.  

These renders can be used in product advertisements, on websites, or in catalogs. 3D renders allow people to get as close as possible to experiencing a product without ever experiencing it.  

Client Expectation: A global beauty brand, Neutrogena, wanted to launch their new make-up removal towelettes with eye-catching product visuals. 
Creative Solution: We created stunning 3D renderings of the product packaging. 
Advantage: The visuals captivated the target audience, boosting the product launch. 

Architectural Visualization 

3D renders are commonly used in architecture to help visualize a proposed building or design. They are used to create realistic images of the proposed structure that can be used to show clients and other stakeholders what the finished product will look like.  

3D renders can also be used to analyze potential design flaws, identify potential material usage, and evaluate the overall aesthetic of a project. They can also be used to create walkthroughs of the space, allowing clients to experience the design before it is built. 

Client Expectation: A 7-star luxury hotel in Dubai needed to showcase its new upgraded bathroom interiors to potential customers. 
Creative Solution: We produced realistic 3D renderings of the bathroom and created the walkthrough video. 
Advantage: The video helped buyers visualize the completed project, leading to increased customer interest. 

Boost Your Product Listings with Stunning 3D Renderings 

Get in touch today to talk with Tulfa about your project. Or, check out our 3D content packages for ecommerce brands. 

You know that to capture the attention of discerning customers, you need something extraordinary. As an online retailer striving to enhance your product listings with high-quality visuals, Tulfa has the best solutions. Here’s what you can do: 

Reach Out to Us: Contact us to discuss your vision and specific needs for your products. We’ll listen and understand your goals. 

Provide Product Details: Share product photos and any technical details you have. This information helps us create accurate 3D models. 

Collaborate on the Vision: Work with our team to ensure we’re capturing the essence of your products. Your input is crucial to achieving the best results. 

Receive Customized 3D Models: We’ll provide you with comprehensive 3D rendering services, meticulously tailored to showcase your products in the best light. 

Transform Your Listings: Use the detailed and captivating 3D renderings to enhance your online listings. Watch as customer engagement increases and sales rise. 

By following these steps, you can boost your online presence, create immersive product experiences, and stand out in a crowded market. Connect with us today at hello@tulfa.com, and let’s bring your product vision to life with stunning visual reality.