The product 3D rendering process from A to Z requires the use of one or several specialized programs. The best option is when software combines 3D modeling, rendering, and animation features. The most widely used examples are Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, Lumion, Houdini, Maxwell. You can find more info about them in our article about the best product rendering software on the CGI production market.
Another type of tool that is crucial to product 3D rendering are plugins. They don’t function independently but complete some of the aforementioned software. The most commonly used are V-Ray, Corona Renderer, Brighter3D, Arnold Renderer, Final Render.
A plugin broadens rendering options with new modes making the result even more photorealistic. For example, all of the above-mentioned examples allow creating natural lighting for any time of day and weather. A 3D artist can pick a rainy gloomy sky, midday sun’s position, and foggy air — and everything will be set automatically.
A separate group of tools is needed for post-production. CG artists usually use Adobe Photoshop for 3D renders and Adobe After Effects for 3D animation. Both of them provide visual effects that add to the mood of the image and fill it with life. For instance, using Adobe After Effects, a 3D artist can add a snowfall, a lightning storm to the 3D animation, or even create a spectacular disintegration. Adobe Photoshop has some cool options for adjusting the light intensity and tone, shadows, highlighting objects, and of course, for color correction.
Software for different product rendering projects
| 3D modeling software | SketchUp 3D, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Solidworks, Autodesk Maya, SketchList 3D, ZBrush, Blender |
| 3D rendering software | Autodesk 3Ds Max, Lumion, Artlantis, Rhinoceros, Keyshot |
| Post-production software | Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom |
