What does "render" mean?

Rendering in computer graphics: the core

A 3D scene consists of geometry, materials and textures, lighting, and a camera. Rendering software calculates how light travels through the scene and interacts with surfaces: shadows, reflections, refraction, and indirect light. The result is a 2D image or a series of frames for a 3D animation. The effect of camera angles and light determines the atmosphere and focus. Curious about the end result of such a calculation? See What is a render.

To reduce noise, pixels are sampled multiple times and filtered intelligently (anti-aliasing, denoising). Depending on the renderer, the calculation is performed on the CPU, GPU, or a combination with hardware acceleration. You determine the balance between speed and quality via settings such as resolution, samples, global illumination, and motion blur. Would you like to go through the technique step by step? Read How does 3D rendering work.

Different applications have different requirements. For XXL-format product visualization, you want maximum sharpness and realism. For an interactive review or configurator, it is important that the display responds in real time so that you can immediately change variants, materials, or lighting. In all cases, rendering is the final, decisive step that converts your model into images that everyone can understand. Are you unsure about the terms? See 3D visualization vs. rendering.

Pre-rendering vs. real-time rendering

• Pre-rendering: calculating images or animation frames in advance on the CPU/GPU. Very high quality with effects such as global illumination, depth of field, and motion blur, but longer calculation time. Ideal for commercials, product films, and large-format stills.
• Real-time rendering: build images directly on screen with GPU acceleration. Interactive rotation, variant switching, and VR are immediately possible. Perfect for design reviews, configurators, and games.

Choose pre-rendering when absolute photorealism and consistent output are crucial. Choose real-time for speed, interaction, and iterations. Animation Agency you choose the right approach for your product, technology, or architecture project. Would you like to have 3D rendering done?

Frequently asked questions about rendering

What is the meaning of rendering?

Calculating and generating a final image or video from 3D or effect data. Would you like more context around visualization? Read What is 3D visualization.

What do you mean by "rendering"?

The final step in which software combines light, materials, and camera into a visible result.

What is another word for render?

Rendering, calculating, or generating a display. In games, we refer to this as real-time rendering.

Why render?

To communicate ideas clearly with realistic images that accelerate choices and improve sales.