3D modeling
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The process of creating 3D objects using a software. The 3D models can reproduce real or virtual objects, and they are used in different sectors from industrial production to animation, from interior design to architecture. |
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
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A CAD software that allows to graphically visualize a project through the creation of 2D drawings or models of objects, mechanical or architectural components in a virtual space. Among the most popular CAD tools you can find AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Fusion 360. |
Mesh
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Basic structure of a 3D model made up of vertices, corners and faces. Meshes define the shape and the aspect of a 3D object. |
Polygon
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2D element of a mesh, made up of 3 or more vertices connected by corners. Polygons are usually triangular or quadrangular and are the surface of 3D objects. |
Rendering
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Process of transforming a 3D model into a photorealistic or stylized two-dimensional image using light, shadow and material calculations. |
Texturing
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Adding an image or pattern to a 3D surface to color it or to make it look like certain material such as metal, wood, or fabric. |
UV Mapping
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A technique for correctly applying a texture to a 3D object by creating a match between the texture (UV) coordinates and the surface coordinates of the model. |
3D animation
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Process of creating motion in a 3D model by simulating changes in room, position, shape or appearance. It is widely used in movies, video games and simulations. |
Shading
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The behavior of light in a surface. When a light waves encounter an object, they are absorbed or reflected depending on the composition of the object (metal, glass or leather), on the wavelength and on the angle of incidence. |
Topology
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The geometry of polygons in a mesh. A good topology allows good texture rendering, smooth animations and better control over the model. |
Retopology
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The process of arrangement of vertices, edges, and faces in a 3D mesh, often used after 3D sculpture to reduce the number of polygons and to create a more efficient 3D model. |
Boolean Operation
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Mathematical operations used in 3D software to combine or subtract volumes, creating new geometries. For example, the "merge" operation combines two objects, while "difference" removes a part of an object. |
Ambient Occlusion
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Rendering technique used to calculate how exposed each point in a scene is to ambient lighting. For example, the interior of a tube is typically more occluded (and hence darker) than the exposed outer surfaces. |
PBR (Physically-Based Rendering)
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Method of shading and texturing in computer graphics that aims to simulate the physical behavior of a light beam and its interaction with materials to achieve photoreal visuals. |
Voxel
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A three-dimensional "pixel" used mainly to represent volumetric data. It is used in volumetric rendering, simulations and modelling of 3D scenes based on cubic blocks (e.g. Minecraft). |
CPU - Processor
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The processor, or CPU, is a computer’s central unit for processing data necessary to run programs. Its computing speed depends on factors such as the clock frequency and number of cores. |
RAM
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The RAM is used to temporarily load the instructions that the CPU has to process. More memory allows the CPU to run more instructions at once. |
GPU or "dedicated" GPU
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The hardware component of a computer used to display visual content on a screen. It contains the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the Video Memory (VRAM). The "dedicated graphics card" is optional if the system includes an "integrated graphics memory", but it allows to have the necessary power for playing with video games, using 3D design software. |
Integrated graphics
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This happens when the GPU is integrated into the processor or motherboard. The built-in memory alone is not usually sufficient for running video games, 3D design software. |
Boot Camp - Parallels
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They are two systems that allow you to use Windows on a Mac computer. With "Boot Camp Assistant", developed by Apple, you can use one operating system at a time, which will then be able to exploit all the system resources. " Parallels Desktop", instead, allows you to virtually emulate Windows within macOS, sharing resources on your Mac. Though the first solution is recommended for running programs that use more CPU, GPU and RAM. |
