We live in a three dimensional world, having length, breadth and height. Our vision provides us with an awareness of depth, primarily through differential shading of different parts. Much of our art and painting is inspired by our desire to provide the third dimension of depth on a flat visual representation; in fact, during the Renaissance, naturalistic painting techniques evoking the feel of depth and the beginnings of linear and aerial perspective were devised by such masters as da Vinci and Raphael. 3D Computer Graphics refers to the graphics created on a computer using specialized 3D software. The term also includes the process of creation of such graphics, and the related technologies.

3D computer graphics is actually a representation of 2D graphics assembled in a way so as to provide the perspective of the third dimension. 3D grahics may be compared to representatinal plastic arts like sculpting, whereas 2D would be akin to normal photography that merely reproduce two dimensional data. Since 3D uses 2D medium to provide look and feel of depth (3D images are also produced on the screen), they use many of the 2D algorithms to arrive at 3D representations.

3D graphics have many utilities. It enables the modeling of complex structures in scientific, commercial and manufacturing lines. Architecture intensively makes use of 3D graphics in what is called Computer Aided Design. Various effects like lens flare and other lighting effects are produced through 3D designing. In computer gaming, 3D graphics enable the production of realistic effects through the addition of 3D Application Programming Interface, like the OpenGL and Direct3D, etc. 3D graphics is used extensively in DTP works, in advertising and poster design to create sophisticated environments.

In this section of the webdirectory, we provide you with links to design houses providing 3D rendering, and other relevant resources.

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