What is a rendering process?
Rendering is a key process in digital animation, transforming a digital model into a visually stunning image or video. It is carried out after the creation or modification of a character or environment, and is responsible for ensuring that visual details such as shadows, textures and lighting deliver the results that are sought after during the rendering phase.
What does the rendering process enable?
The main function of rendering is to convert digital data into final images or videos of the highest quality possible depending on the software and hardware you are working with.
In other words, rendering improves the visualisation of characters, scenery and objects by applying lighting effects, textures and shadows to achieve a realistic and stylised result.
There are different rendering techniques, such as ray tracing, the Scanline algorithm and radiosity, which simulates the reflection of light on diffuse surfaces, improving the realism of the scene.
Phases of the rendering process
The rendering process is carried out in several essential phases with a clear objective: to achieve a final result of the highest quality.
- The first step is the 3D modelling of objects and scenery using specialised software. This step includes the assignment of materials and texturing so that the rendering engine can correctly interpret the models.
- Next, the configuration of the cameras and framing must be determined, a fundamental phase to ensure that the image that will be obtained will have the desired result.
- Next it is time to configure the lighting to simulate natural or artificial light conditions, an essential step to give realism to the final image.
- Next comes rendering , which is the process that allows the rendering engine to perform the necessary calculations to generate the final image from the 3D model and lighting settings.
- Finally, the post-production process allows the rendered image to be edited and enhanced.
It is in this last stage that colours can be adjusted and additional effects can be integrated to improve the visual quality of the final product.
Types of rendering
Once it is clear what the rendering process is, how it is developed and why it is important, it is necessary to know that there are different types of rendering, each with specific characteristics that allow them to adapt to different needs and applications.
- Real-time rendering: This is used in video games and interactive applications, as it allows changes to be visualised instantaneously. It does not offer the same quality as other options, but in exchange it allows a very fluid interactive experience.
- Pre-rendering: Widely used in the film and visual effects industry, as it allows extremely detailed and realistic images to be obtained, although it requires more processing time and resources.
- Progressive rendering: This method improves the quality of the image as the work progresses, allowing access to a preliminary version quickly while processing continues.
- Distributed rendering: Divides the rendering work among several computers to speed up the process. It is very common in large studios with intensive processing needs.
- GPU-based rendering: Uses the power of graphics cards to accelerate the rendering process, making it an ideal choice for tasks that require a lot of parallel computing.
Contrary to what it may seem, mastering rendering is essential in many areas and disciplines where image and video are central to work such as Audiovisual Design and Illustration, Animation, Graphic Design, Video Games, 3D Animations, etc.
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