3D rendering glossary
3D rendering: what it is, types and applications
A 3D rendering is a computer-generated image created from a three-dimensional model, with defined materials, lighting and camera, representing a building, an interior or a product before it exists. In Spain the term is used as a synonym for architectural render: the photorealistic image used to design, approve and sell a project.
3D rendering: two meanings of the same word
Outside architecture, an infographic is a visual piece that explains data or processes with charts, icons and text. A 3D infographic, in that general sense, is an explanatory graphic with volume: a cutaway of an engine, the flow of water in a treatment plant or an anatomical diagram in three dimensions.
In the construction and property sector in Spain, however, "infografía" almost always refers to the 3D image of a project. When a developer asks for "infografías de la fachada", they are asking for photorealistic renders of the building's exterior. This article focuses on that second meaning, which is the most searched.
In practice: Render Fabrik is a 3D architectural rendering studio working with clients in Brazil and Europe, with a quote within 24 hours.
How a 3D rendering is made
- Documentation: DWG or PDF plans, elevations, sections, specification of finishes and style references. The more complete, the fewer revisions.
- Modelling: the building or space is built in 3D with real dimensions, using programs such as 3ds Max, SketchUp, Revit or Blender.
- Materials: PBR textures are assigned that imitate stone, wood, glass or metal with their sheen, roughness and relief.
- Lighting and camera: the position of the sun is set according to the actual orientation, time of day, lens and framing.
- Set dressing: vegetation, furniture, people, vehicles and urban context give scale and context.
- Render: engines such as Corona, V-Ray or Unreal Engine calculate the final image.
- Post-production: colour, contrast and atmosphere adjustments so the image is believable and consistent with the project's brand.
Types of 3D rendering
| Type | What it shows | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior rendering | Facade, massing, surroundings and common areas | Site hoarding, development website, brochure |
| Interior rendering | Living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom | Off-plan sales, finish presentation |
| Aerial view | The development and its relationship with the city | Residential developments, local plans, competitions |
| 3D floor plan | Layout of the home with furniture | Sales sheets, property portals |
| Product rendering | An isolated object or in a setting | Catalogue, e-commerce, advertising |
| Technical rendering | Sections, exploded views and explanatory diagrams | Documentation, training, dissemination |
Applications of 3D rendering
- Architecture: the architect checks proportions, materials and light, compares alternatives and presents the project to the client or a competition jury.
- Property development: the developer sells off-plan with images of the facade, interiors and common areas on the website, portals, sales office and social media.
- Planning and public communication: a view of the building integrated into its street helps explain the impact of a project to neighbours and authorities.
- Interior design: the client sees the result of their renovation with the chosen finishes and furniture before buying anything.
- Product and industry: furniture, lighting or sanitaryware manufacturers get catalogue images without a photo shoot or prototype.
3D rendering vs photography and 2D plans
A 2D plan is precise but abstract: most buyers cannot read it. A photograph is only possible when the building already exists. 3D rendering occupies the space between the two: it has the precision of the plan, because it is based on it, and the clarity of a photograph, because it shows the space as a person would see it.
It can also be modified. Changing the colour of a window frame, trying another flooring or moving the camera does not require redoing the work from scratch, something impossible with a photo shoot.
Best practices and common mistakes
- Respect the project: a commercial rendering must reflect what will be built. Showing finishes or views that do not exist leads to complaints.
- Correct scale: doors, railings and furniture out of scale instantly give the image away.
- Consistent lighting: the sun must enter where it does on the actual plot; impossible shadows undermine credibility.
- Materials with imperfection: overly clean surfaces look like plastic. Joints, tone variations and slight wear add realism.
- Appropriate resolution for the use: an image for web is not suitable for a site hoarding several metres wide. The medium should be defined before rendering.
- Restrained post-production: dramatic skies and saturated colours attract attention, but distance the image from reality.
3D rendering in a visualisation studio
For an architectural visualisation studio, rendering is the core product: images that the architect can use to decide and the developer to sell. Render Fabrik works with developers, contractors and architects in Spain and Brazil; you can see how we work in the Spanish market on our Spain page and on renders in Madrid, or review real projects in the portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3D rendering the same as a render?
In practice, yes. In Spain the term is "infografía" and in other countries "render", both referring to the same photorealistic 3D image of a project. Technically, rendering is the calculation process and the infographic is the finished, post-produced image.
What is needed to commission a 3D rendering?
Floor plans, elevations and sections, the finishes specification or material references, the orientation of the plot and an idea of the viewpoints to be shown. With that the studio can model and propose cameras.
What resolution should a 3D rendering have?
For web and social media, 1920 to 3000 pixels wide is usually enough. For brochure printing, work at 300 dpi according to the final size, and for site hoardings or billboards render in 4K, 6K or 8K, depending on viewing distance.
What software is used to create 3D renderings?
For modelling, 3ds Max, SketchUp, Revit, Rhino or Blender. For rendering, Corona, V-Ray, Cycles or Unreal Engine. Post-production is normally done in Photoshop or equivalent tools.