Glossary

Ambient Light

Ambient light is an omnipresent light source that provides uniform ambient lighting in 3D scenes.

deformation modifiers

Deformation modifiers change or manipulate the geometry of objects in 3D software.

Depth of Field (DoF)

Depth of Field (DoF) creates selective focus and blur in 3D visualization and rendering.

Spline modeling

Spline modeling is a 3D modeling technique that uses curves (splines) to define the shape of an object.

LOD blending

LOD blending smoothes the transition between different levels of detail in a 3D model.

Decals

Decals are 2D textures that are projected onto the surface of a 3D model to add additional detail or decoration.

Procedural texturing

Procedural texturing creates textures automatically using algorithms or mathematical functions for colors, patterns, and details.

Quads and triangles

Quads and triangles are basic polygon shapes that make up 3D models.

Instancing

Instancing is a technique used in 3D graphics to efficiently render multiple copies of an object.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

Vertex painting is a technique that applies colors or attributes directly to the vertices of a 3D model.

Vertex Painting

High Dynamic Range (HDR) extends the contrast range and color depth of images in 3D visualization and photography.

procedural modeling

Procedural modeling uses algorithms to automatically generate 3D models and textures.

Volumetric lighting

Volumetric lighting simulates light that passes through effects such as fog, smoke, or dust, and creates realistic rays and depth.

Inverse kinematics

Inverse kinematics (IK) controls movements of bones or joints by manipulating the end effector, such as hand or foot

particle systems

Particle systems create and control large quantities of small objects such as sparks, smoke, or raindrops in 3D scenes.

Subsurface Scattering

Subsurface Scattering (SSS) simulates light scattering in materials such as skin, wax, or marble for realistic effects.

Texture Baking

Texture Baking transfers textures and shades from a high-resolution 3D model to a low-resolution model.

Ambient Occlusion

Ambient Occlusion (AO) simulates soft shadows in corners and recesses of a 3D model.

Displacement Mapping

Displacement Mapping changes the geometry of a 3D model using height information from a texture.

Motion Capture

Motion Capture (MoCap) captures real movements and transfers them to 3D characters. It is often used in film, games, and animation.

UV mapping

UV mapping assigns 2D textures to 3D models by using U and V coordinates to determine the position and orientation on the surface.

Bump Mapping

Bump mapping creates the illusion of bumps and relief on the surface of a 3D model.

Occlusion Culling

Occlusion Culling is a technique used in 3D graphics and game development to optimize rendering performance.

Global Illumination

Global Illumination (GI) is a rendering process that calculates indirect lighting in a 3D scene.

Level of Detail (LOD)

Level of Detail (LOD) reduces the complexity of 3D models depending on the distance from the camera or the viewer.

Rigging

Rigging creates a skeleton or control structure for 3D models to animate them.

Normal Map

A normal map simulates surface details of a 3D model without increasing the geometry.

Geometry cache

A geometry cache temporarily stores the geometric data from 3D models or animations.

Wireframe mode

Wireframe mode shows a 3D model through its polygon edges or wireframe structure.

Z-buffering

Z-buffering is a technique for deeply sorting 3D objects in a scene

Shader

A shader is a program in the graphics pipeline that controls the visual effect of 3D models and scenes.

Vertex

A vertex (plural: vertices) is a point in 3D space that represents the corner or intersection of polygons in a 3D model.

Bounding Box

A bounding box encloses the outer limits of a 3D model or a group of objects, usually as a cube or rectangle.

Scripting and automation

Scripting automates repetitive tasks in 3D visualization, modeling, and animation.

PBR (Physically Based Rendering)

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that creates realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections through lighting simulation.

NURBS modeling

NURBS is a mathematical method for modeling 3D objects with smooth surfaces.

ray tracing

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that creates realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections through lighting simulation.

polygon modeling

Polygon modeling uses polygons, usually triangles or quadrilaterals, to represent the surface of 3D models.

file formats

There are various file formats that are used when working with 3D models and renderings.

VFX (Visual Effects)

VFX uses CGI images and effects to simulate reality or support visual stories in media.

post-production

Post-production optimizes 3D renderings and animations to improve their visual quality.

CAD software

CAD (computer-aided design) software makes it possible to create precise 3D models and technical drawings.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR are immersive technologies that make 3D environments and objects tangible in the real or virtual world.

Animation principles

Animation principles are basic guidelines that should be considered when creating animations.

lighting techniques

Lighting techniques are critical for creating realistic 3D renderings and animations.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics combines animation and graphic design for visual content with movement and transformation.

texturing

Texturing is the process of applying colors, patterns & surfaces to a 3D model to improve its appearance & realism

rendering software

Rendering software is specifically designed to transform 3D models into realistic or stylized 2D images and animations.

3D printing

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process in which three-dimensional objects are created from digital models.

Architecture visualization

In architecture, visualization refers to the process of presenting a new structure in an easy-to-digest format.

Rendering/image synthesis

Rendering/image synthesis is the process by which, with the help of application programs, a two- or three-dimensional image...

CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a process for digitally creating two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models.

CGI

Computer-generated imagery, abbreviated CGI, is a process that uses computer software.

White Render

White rendering in 3D, also known as clay rendering or white shading, is a technique in 3D visualization.

3D Commerce

3D commerce is a growing area within the e-commerce and retail industry.

3D

3D refers to anything that is three-dimensional, meaning it has a width, height, and depth (length).

3D visualization

3D visualization is “the process by which graphical content is created,” meaning that the end result is visual content.