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What is 3D rendering software?
3D rendering software is the process of generating an image from a model by means of computer software. Rendering is used in architecture, simulators, video games, movies and television visual effects and design visualization. 3D rendering, the last step in an animation process, gives the final appearance to the models and animation with visual effects such as shading, texture-mapping, shadows, reflections and motion blurs.
Types of 3D rendering
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Software rendering
Software rendering produces images of the highest quality, letting you achieve the most sophisticated results. Computation occurs on the CPU, as opposed to hardware rendering, which relies on the machine’s graphics card.
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Hardware rendering
Hardware rendering uses the computer's video card and drivers to render images to disk. It is generally faster than software rendering, but typically produces images of lower quality compared to software rendering.
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Vector rendering
Vector rendering lets you create stylized renderings (for example, cartoon, tonal art, line art, hidden line, wireframe) in various bitmap image formats and 2D vector formats.
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Cloud rendering
Rendering in the cloud takes advantage of virtually infinite computing power. Quickly create photorealistic and high-resolution images in a fraction of the time required on your desktop.
How is rendering software used?
Home – a VR Spacewalk
London VR production studio developed Home, an epic virtual-reality spacewalk inspired by astronaut training programs at NASA.
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Featured 3D rendering software
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Global illumination rendering software for modern animation and VFX production
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3D modeling, animation, visualization, and rendering software
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3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software for film, games, and TV
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BIM software to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure
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Turn Revit models into an immersive experience in one click
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3D game engine and real-time rendering software
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Industrial design software for sketching, concept modeling, and surfacing
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3D virtual prototyping and rendering software for automotive design
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Use cloud credits to create fast, high-resolution renderings in the cloud
Media & Entertainment Collection
Get Maya, 3ds Max, Arnold, and more. The Media & Entertainment Collection provides end-to-end tools for creating entertainment content, from first draft to final frames.
Workflows for rendering software
Rapid-prototype modeling and rendering
Maya + Arnold
Learn about new procedural tool sets in Maya, speed up modeling workflows, and gain insight into physically based shader presets in Arnold.
Building visualization
Revit + 3ds Max
Learn how to use 3ds Max software to generate high-quality still images and animations of building models created in Revit software.
Rendering software resources
Learn more about rendering software with these tutorials, tips, and guides.
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Watch video lessons on rendering and visualizations from expert rendering artists and architects.
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Autodesk's official CG community. View free tutorials on rendering and get the latest industry news.
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Learn how to move your design visualizations from 3ds Max into VR, to add more immersion and interactivity.
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Get shortcut keys and commands lists for popular Autodesk products.
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Learn about innovative workflows to create interactive visualizations and virtual reality experiences.
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View our comprehensive online gallery of design projects rendered using Autodesk software.