3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics, sometimes called <a href="/facts/Computer-generated_imagery/ThJ2gh1X">CGI</a>, 3D-CGI or three-dimensional <a href="/facts/Computer-generated_imagery/ThJ2gh1X">computer graphics</a>, are graphics that use a <a href="/facts/Three-dimensional/KAqKWUbS">three-dimensional</a> representation of geometric data (often <a href="/facts/Cartesian_coordinate_system/lkTqvMmB">Cartesian</a>) that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering <a href="/facts/Digital_image/3TNT47Mv">digital images</a>, usually <a href="/facts/2D_image/hbjEdTXK">2D images</a> but sometimes <a href="/facts/3D_image/jfHumNV8">3D images</a>. The resulting images may be stored for viewing later (possibly as an <a href="/facts/Computer_animation/rPW63nm0">animation</a>) or displayed in <a href="/facts/Real-time_computer_graphics/jrILnb0K">real time</a>.
3D computer graphics, contrary to what the name suggests, are most often displayed on two-dimensional displays. Unlike <a href="/facts/3D_film/nuwLrplG">3D film</a> and similar techniques, the result is two-dimensional, without visual <a href="/facts/Depth_perception/R6FK2z6o">depth</a>. More often, 3D graphics are being displayed on <a href="/facts/3D_display/ahEDcbh3">3D displays</a>, like in <a href="/facts/Virtual_reality/0psDGsxT">virtual reality</a> systems.
3D graphics stand in contrast to <a href="/facts/2D_computer_graphics/j6dBxDpX">2D computer graphics</a> which typically use completely different methods and formats for creation and rendering.
3D computer graphics rely on many of the same <a href="/facts/Algorithm/fnl5NmRt">algorithms</a> as 2D computer <a href="/facts/Vector_graphics/y8ok7M2P">vector graphics</a> in the <a href="/facts/Wire-frame_model/Jly7tJrk">wire-frame model</a> and 2D computer <a href="/facts/Raster_graphics/HkXNc8oI">raster graphics</a> in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as <a href="/facts/Computer_graphics_lighting/kHshvyKY">lighting</a>, and similarly, 3D may use some 2D rendering techniques.
The objects in 3D computer graphics are often referred to as <a href="/facts/3D_modeling/6V3Ry9AJ">3D models</a>. Unlike the rendered image, a model's data is contained within a graphical data file. A 3D model is a <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematical</a> <a href="/facts/Representation_(mathematics)/mpsX51I9">representation</a> of any <a href="/facts/Three-dimensional_space/KAqKWUbS">three-dimensional</a> object; a model is not technically a graphic until it is displayed. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called <a href="/facts/3D_rendering/6SqukntK">3D rendering</a>, or it can be used in non-graphical <a href="/facts/Computer_simulation/Re6o8vzN">computer simulations</a> and calculations. With <a href="/facts/3D_printing/lbvWU3t0">3D printing</a>, models are rendered into an actual 3D physical representation of themselves, with some limitations as to how accurately the physical model can match the virtual model.

3D computer graphics open-in-new

3D computer graphics