Costs and prices for 3D visualizations

3D renderings, i.e.: 3D visualizations, are being used more and more frequently. Whether for training, marketing, video games, product visualizations or real estate: The market is large and, according to experts, should be globally from By 18% annually from 2021 to 2028 Grow to just under 7.5 billion US dollars.

If you're interested in 3D rendering services, the benefits are certainly well known. But how much do 3D renderings cost?

Anything that looks chic, modern, and classy seems expensive. But only at first glance.

In this article, we explain:

• What 3D rendering services are available and how much do they cost?
• What does the price for 3D visualizations depend on?
• What can I do with the introduction of 3D renderings?

‍

Comparing costs can be difficult: This overview makes it easier

‍

If you look around the market for price lists and cost structures for 3D renderings, it immediately becomes clear that there is no general truth.

As with buying a car, there is a wide range of offers, which can also differ significantly in prices.

You could ask the questions: What can it be — Fiat, Audi or Bugatti?

We have put all available sources and the pricing structure of renderThat into a clear form.

In the market for 3D visualizations, it is particularly important to differentiate between two uses:
architectural renderings and product renderings.

‍

Simplified price list of architectural visualizations and product visualizations

‍

What are 3D renderings?

In fact, rendering is the computational process of a computer or server. The end result of a three-dimensional scene is, for example, a static image. The result is a snapshot of individual or moving images from raw data from one or more products, in a scene with a perspective in digital space.

This separate process is necessary because creating 3D elements such as a sofa in a room with lots of details requires enormous amounts of data. A simple “screenshot” of this scene is not enough.

In general language, the term “3D rendering” is used for the final visual content created with a computer, i.e. the image or a video. Another word for this is “3D visualization.”

‍

Important to know: In order to be able to create a realistic 3D visualization, a few steps are required beforehand.

These do not necessarily have to be understood, but this makes it clear why 3D visualizations or 3D renderings are an investment in the first step that can pay off with the second image.

What are 3D renderings made of: 5 steps to visualization

‍

1. Modeling: Eine virtuelle Form entsteht
Die Produktion für ein fertiges 3D-Rendering beginnt mit dem Modeling. Hierfür werden als Basis Informationen wie CAD (Computer-Aided Design)-Dateien, Muster und Abmessungen oder Foto-Referenzen genutzt. Auf dieser Grundlage erstellen 3D-Designer ein geometrisches, digitales Modell.

2. Shading: Die Form erhält Oberflächen
Nachdem die Formen und Geomotrien definiert wurden, erhält die Oberfläche des 3D-Modells ihre Gestalt. Farben und Materialien müssen korrekt zugewiesen werden, um eine fotorealistische Darstellung zu ermöglichen. Das kann beispielsweise durch ausführliche Scans von Mustern oder bereits vorliegende, virtuelle Materialien als Referenz erreicht werden.

3. Setting: Die Modelle werden in Szene gesetzt (oder auch nicht)
Das virtuell erstellte und mit Oberflächen/Texturen versehene Modell wird nun in eine 3D-Szene gesetzt. Das kann je nach Ziel (Immobilie oder Produkt) eine größere Umwelt, eine Außenszene, ein Zimmer mit Möbeln oder auch ein leerer Raum sein, wenn das Produkt beispielsweise als Freisteller präsentiert werden soll. Das Setting kann also unterschiedlich komplex sein. An dieser Stelle kann sich die Qualität deutlich unterscheiden: Wie realistisch soll es sein, wie viele zusätzliche Gegenstände sollen dargestellt werden? Sollen Menschen mit visualisiert werden?

4. Lighting: Flächen, Formen und Farben werden beleuchtet
In der 3D-Szene werden nun Lichtquellen definiert, die das Produkt oder die Immobilie fotorealistisch aussehen lassen. Diese Lichtquellen in Kombination mit zuvor definierten Eigenschaften der Elemente werden letztendlich das fertige Bild definieren. Reflexionen und Schattenwurf spielen bei der Erstellung von fotorealistischen Visualisierungen eine wichtige Rolle und erzeugen täuschend echte Produktdarstellungen.

5. Rendering: Das finale Bild oder Video entsteht
Im finalen Schritt kommen alle Elemente zusammen und die Software errechnet das finale 3D-Rendering. Hierbei werden geometrische Strukturen, Oberflächen und Licht zusammengerechnet und die gewünschte Bildszene wird als finales Format (z.B. ein Produktbild, eine Perspektive auf die Immobilie oder eine Kamerafahrt, die ein Video erzeugt) ausgegeben.

‍

Difference between 3D model and final 3D visualization

‍

A 3D model serves as the basis for every 3D visualization. It is a digital representation of an object, scene, or concept that is created using specialized software. A 3D model comprises geometric data that defines the shape, structure, and proportions of the object. These models can be built from scratch or derived from real objects through scanning and photogrammetry. 3D models are usually built from polygons, i.e. interconnected vertices that form faces, edges, and surfaces. Additional attributes such as textures, materials, and lighting can also be applied to improve the visual fidelity and realism of the model.

The final 3D visualization represents the end result of the creative process and transforms a 3D model into a realistic and realistic visual representation. It uses rendering techniques, lighting simulations and material properties to bring the 3D model to life. A finished 3D visualization can appear as a still image, as an animated sequence, or even as an interactive experience.

‍

What is a 3D model

A 3D model is a digital representation of an object or scene that is created using specialized computer software. In contrast to traditional 2D models, 3D models have depth so that the user can perceive the object or environment from multiple perspectives. They closely imitate the physical properties and geometry of the real counterparts.

In general, many also understand a 3D model to be the finished layout and provided with surface structure, lighting and color of a 3D visualization.

In experts, however, the 3D model only means the geometry, i.e. the pure framework or object of an object. Attributes such as shape, texture, color and lighting are realized later in the shading process.

‍

Pricing: Differences in Architectural and Product Visualizations

‍

As shown in the cost table above, the prices of 3D renderings for architecture can differ significantly from those for products.

Architectural visualization and product visualization are two different processes that require different amounts of effort and costs. Architectural visualization is the process of creating 3D renderings of buildings, interiors, and landscapes. Product visualization, on the other hand, is the process of creating 3D representations of products or objects, usually for marketing or advertising purposes.

The effort and costs associated with each type of 3D representation vary depending on the complexity of the project.

‍

1. geometries:

Products can be anything. From a simple knife to a complex industrial plant.

Real estate follows comparable laws and geometries.

‍

2. Reference data:

As a basis for 3D models, finished 3D data is always available as a reference for renderings in architectural visualization; this is by no means always the case with products.

3D reference data or design data can be available in various formats. In the case of real estate, it is the so-called CAD data (computer-aided design). They make it easier to step into photorealistic, digital visualization.
It is different when it comes to product renderings: Either references must be made (through manual photos or photogrammetry of the physical product) or 3D data exist in STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) or CAD formats.

‍

3. Level of detail:

In order to be able to create photorealistic visualizations for a property or a product, many details have to be designed. In the case of real estate, this is of course much more complex due to the sheer size.

Due to the size, it is much easier to achieve a high level of detail in products and thus also produce photorealistic product visualizations.

‍

4. Start the process:

When it comes to architectural visualizations, it is often quite late in the planning process or helps you find the final design. It is often designed right up to the end by architects or builders.

It looks a bit different when it comes to products: They are usually already finished. We create the digital twin of the product in accordance with relatively strict specifications and can focus primarily on lighting and presentation.

‍

5. Pricing:

When it comes to renderings for architecture and real estate, pricing is significantly simpler, as the costs are often similar based on room size and use. It plays a smaller role here which furniture is placed.

Whereas in the case of products, the sheer number of different products, levels of detail, etc. usually makes flat pricing difficult.

‍

What does the price depend on?

‍

1. Type of visual content

The first question that product managers and companies should ask themselves: What is the goal for the visual content of my products?

Should the customer's experience with the product be interactive (configurator, animation) or even immersive (AR, VR)? Or are product images needed, possibly from different perspectives and in a special environment. Or is it possible — as is often required with machines and high-tech products — to visualize a cross-section or the inner workings of the product?

The various applications involve different costs and therefore various high prices.

‍

2. testimonials

The more extensive the product references are available, the easier it is to create the digital twin. As a result, the first step, modeling, requires less manual effort and can significantly reduce the price of 3D visualization.

Existing design data or 3D data, which are usually used in CAD or STEP formats for products, are considered the best references.
If this is not available, product dimensions and photos of the object are sufficient as references and require a little more effort when creating the 3D model.

‍

3. rendering

Depending on the amount of visual content you want, the processing power required for rendering also varies.

Product images of simple products without an environment are comparatively insignificant. These cutouts are also easy to create with good computers.
Videos with a high level of detail in the images require the most computing power, which includes not only the product but numerous details and an environment.

‍

Transparency in pricing

‍

3D renderings are becoming increasingly popular in the design industry, but it can be difficult to accurately estimate the cost of 3D rendering. This is because many factors play a role when creating a 3D visualization, such as the complexity of the project, the software used and the time required to complete it.

The cost of 3D renderings can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the quality of the output. In general, there are three main pricing models for 3D renderings: fixed price, hourly rate, and subscription base. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. So it's important to understand how each individual model works before making a decision. In addition, understanding the costs of 3D rendering can help you make an informed decision about which model is best for your project.

‍

• The fixed price is the simplest model, where you pay a one-time fee for the entire project. This model works best when you have a clear idea of what you want and how much it's going to cost to produce.
• Another popular pricing model for 3D renderings is the hourly rate. This model is best when you need to make changes or adjustments during the project because you only pay for the time you've spent making those changes or adjustments.
• Finally, the subscription is a great option if you need regular 3D renderings over a long period of time, as it allows you to pay a fixed monthly fee instead of paying per project or per hour.

‍