In a 3D design and visualization workflow, 3D rendering is the final step that involves digitally generating a photo-realistic 2D image from a 3D model with the help of a specialized 3D software. Most of the visual challenges are tackled in this stage, capturing the digital object’s or 3D scene’s essence.

Due to the realistic-looking appearance of the images, several online businesses are leveraging 3D modeling and rendering to promote their products, educate their target audience, as well as reduce production costs. This blog will discuss all the practical advantages 3D renders have across multiple industries and sectors. So if you are an aspiring 3D artist or an eCommerce marketer, this article is for you!

Let’s begin

What is 3D rendering, and what purpose does it have in online businesses?

As mentioned already, it is a digital process that a 3D artist performs via an advanced 3D software and generates a photo-realistic 2D image of a 3D environment or an object. The process is applied to interior design 3D models, architecture 3D modeling, product 3D modeling, 3D animations, video games, and so on. The two-dimensional photograph-like formats are saved in raster files, viz., JPG, PNG, TIFF, etc., for further respective usage.

There’s no limit to the creativity of rendering a digital model in breathtaking three-dimensions and using it for promotional activities. Highly skilled and experienced 3D renderers can create spectacularly rendered images based on the client’s requirements and the visual taste of the target audience.

From visualizing stunning residential or commercial interiors, exteriors, to vivid landscapes, futuristic products, or furniture items, all can be rendered with 3D software for boosting ROI. Such has been the importance of the 3D image rendering process.

Business advantages of 3D rendering across multiple industries

The demand and usage of 3D-rendered images are rapidly growing, primarily because of their versatility, ultra-realistic appearance, accurate detection of design flaws, as well as sustainability. Just a few years back, in 2018, the market was valued at up to $1.5 billion; it exceeded $3 billion in 2022 and is expected to rise at over 20% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.

Let’s take a look at the biggest advantages 3D image rendering has for each mainstream industry.

  1. Real Estate Industry

    Among other industries, the real estate sector is reaping the major benefits of 3D rendering. 3D visualizations are being incorporated at a rapid rate to generate accurate information about a potential building or house construction.

    To visualize how a building will look from every angle, allowing interior designers and floor planners to communicate their ideas to the clients and develop 360° panoramic views of the building before construction – all these are made possible with the 3D renders.

    Simply put, gone are the days of 2D drawings or blueprints! The substantial benefits of 3D rendering in architecture prove this fact all the more firmly.

  2. Product Manufacturing Industry

    Before creating actual product prototype, which takes massive effort and a longer time, 3D experts can generate accurate and photo-realistic 2D images of the products from 3D models. These life-like digital replicas help the engineers identify faults, make iterations and adjustments within the digital design, get the client’s approval, and finally proceed with manufacturing.

    This saves a lot of time and resources since everything happens on software with just a few clicks. Thus, 3D modeling and 3D rendering both serve a great purpose in the product manufacturing industry, asserting benefits in product designs.

    The only crucial part is that the 3D product rendering artist must have a thorough knowledge of the product and its accurate measurements.

  3. Entertainment Industry

    Not just in the real estate and manufacturing industries, 3D-enabled visualizations and renders are actively leveraged in the entertainment and media industries.

    From news telecasts to game shows, animated movies, big-budget Hollywood superhero movies, and TVCs, these visuals are everywhere. By adopting three-dimensional imageries, visual effects, and special effects, the showbiz market makes billions of dollars annually.

  4. Fashion Industry

    Uniqueness and ‘quirk’ are what define the fashion and ‘haute couture’ industries as we know them; and 3D technology is redefining the industry per se. Already, we can see the prominent influence of 3D printing technology in creating pop-culture-inspired dresses.

    Highly detailed and accurate 3D models of exquisite dresses with 100% natural-looking textures applied to them are finally rendered in premium-quality photorealistic visuals – without even the actual product having been made.

    This flexibility allows new-age fashion designers to take a better approach and create their masterpieces. Real-time feedback from clients can be taken during the modeling and rendering phases and implemented without delays or production costs. Such a data-driven approach helps reduce product returns at a greater rate.

  5. Healthcare Industry

    3D medical imaging is the latest added advantage that 3D technology has over the healthcare and medical sectors. With this technology, medical professionals can have unlimited access to newer medical improvements, medicines, a better understanding of body parts, and so on.

    For teaching purposes also, 3D visuals help medical practitioners gain better insights into a patient’s health and history and make more informed diagnoses. For example, cinematic rendering offers a clearer view of a complex anatomical situation, aiding doctors and surgeons during surgical processes and allowing clear vision of the muscle textures.

    Besides, if we talk about 3D printing technology, it has emerged as a boon for the entire prosthetic industry to create accurate prosthetics for each patient, capturing the complex muscle anatomy of the residual organs.

  6. Marketing Industry

    It goes without saying that in the marketing, advertising, and product promotion sectors, the usage of 3D images has soared higher and higher; there’s no stopping it.

    From creating stunning product images with minute details, highlighting the key features and USPs, to giving an immersive 360° view with a configurator, as well as producing ultra-realistic lifestyle shots – there’s no limit to how 3D renders can help sellers and buyers alike.

    Apart from product promotion and closing new leads, marketers can also get a glimpse of the final output before launching it in the market. 3D-rendered advertisements enhanced with CG animation and effects create the right emotional connection with online consumers in a very short time.

What are the benefits of outsourcing to third-party 3D rendering service providers?

As the software development sector makes more technological advancements, we can see a software application for almost every service a business need. From customer relationship management, project management to photo editing, video editing, and even sending marketing emails, we have numerous online tools for all of these. Similarly, there are many rendering tools available online for free usage.

However, it is always recommended to take a formal approach rather than a DIY one when it comes to your business. A full-time 3D rendering studio will have a fleet of highly experienced individuals who know the ins and outs of the 3D design and visualization process and can deliver the best outcome within a short turnaround time.

If you are still wondering why, it is better to outsource 3D requirements to a pro, check out the reasons below.

  • Access to cutting-edge technologies
  • Adherence to international standards
  • Real-time feedback communication and implementation
  • Multiple iterations
  • Stringent data security
  • Dedicated project manager
  • Professional consultation
  • Add-on services under the same roof
  • Round-the-clock tech and customer support
  • Highly scalable

Honestly, the less you have on your plate, the better. If you are a 3D professional juggling with too many projects, you may outsource the final rendering process to a third-party service provider and cut yourself some slack.

Over to you now!

With online commerce reaching its peak and myriad technological advances around the corner, it is safe to say that 3D renders will continue dominating the way transactions happen. The more the visual quality improves, making the products stand out, the more customers will be convinced to make a purchase.

In a nutshell, 3D rendering is a great marketing tool that any brand owner can harness and enjoy the benefits of.

Considering this, collaborating with an outsource partner is probably your best bet for facilitating better customer communication and maintaining brand credibility. After all, the professionals are highly skilled individuals who know what your target audience needs and how to include those requisites within the visuals. Good luck!

Christa Elrod linkedinDribbbleBehance

Christa Elrod serves as a senior graphic designer at ProGlobalBusinessSolutions. She is a creative designer with robust skills in typography, UI/UX designs, printing designs, video post-production, and 3D designs. Possessing years of experience across diverse industries, Christa loves to educate fellow designers with her experience and domain knowledge.