CGI

Computer-generated imagery

S T A R T

Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, simulators, computer animation and VFX in films, television programs, shorts, commercials, and videos.

The images may be dynamic or static, and may be two-dimensional (2D), although the term "CGI" is most commonly used to refer to the 3-D computer graphics used for creating characters, scenes and special effects in films and television, which is described as 'CGI animation'. It was first used in the 1986 film Flight of the Navigator (film).

The evolution of CGI led to the emergence of virtual cinematography in the 1990s where the vision of the simulated camera is not constrained by the laws of physics. Availability of CGI software and increased computer speeds have allowed individual artists and small companies to produce professional-grade films, games, and fine art from their home computers. The term virtual world refers to agent-based, interactive environments, which are nowcreated with CGI.

Three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics

Primary uses:

3D models

Computer-aided design Graphic design Video games Visual effects Visualization Virtual engineering Virtual reality Virtual cinematography

Fundamentals:

Modeling Scanning Rendering Printing

Modeling

In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. Someone who works with 3D models may be referred to as a 3D artist or a 3D modeler.

3D scanning

3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance (e.g. colour). The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models. A 3D scanner can be based on many different technologies, each with its own limitations, advantages and costs. Collected 3D data is useful for a wide variety of applications. These devices are used extensively by the entertainment industry in the production of movies and video games, including virtual reality. Other common applications of this technology include augmented reality, motion capture, gesture recognition, robotic mapping,industrial design, orthotics and prosthetics,reverse engineering and prototyping, quality control/inspection and the digitization of cultural artifacts.

Making a 3D-model of a Viking belt buckle using a hand held VIUscan 3D laser scanner.

3D rendering

3D rendering is the 3D computer graphics process of converting 3D models into 2D images on a computer. 3D renders may include photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic styles.

Rendering is the final process of creating the actual 2D image or animation from the prepared scene. This can be compared to taking a photo or filming the scene after the setup is finished in real life. Rendering may take from fractions of a second to days for a single image/frame.

3D printing

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. The term "3D printing" can refer to a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being added together (such as liquids or powder grains being fused together), typically layer by layer.

Video:

CGI: What is it?

Which software is used for VFX?

Top 10 Best CGI from this Decade (2010-2019)

3D computer graphics software:

Open-source: Blender, GigaMesh Software Framework, LuxCoreRender, MakeHuman, MeshLab, OpenFX, OpenSCAD, Point Cloud Library, POV-Ray, Seamless3d, Wings 3D, YafaRay. Closed-source: 3D-Coat, AC3D, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Alias, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Mudbox, AutoQ3D Community, Blackmagic Fusion, Bryce, Carrara, Cinema 4D, Clara.io, Daz Studio, Electric Image Animation System, E-on Vue, Golaem Crowd, Hexagon, Houdini, Indigo Renderer, Kerkythea, LightWave 3D, MASSIVE, Messiah, Modo, Nuke, Paint 3D, Pixar Render Man, Poser, Remo3D, Rhinoceros 3D, Sculptris, Shade 3D, Shark 3D, Silo, SketchUp, Strata 3D, Terragen, ZBrush.

Thank you!