Guide · Updated
What files do you need for 3D product rendering?
Short answer: The best starting point for 3D product rendering is a CAD file (STEP, IGES, OBJ or FBX) plus photos of the real finishes and your logo artwork in vector format (AI, SVG or PDF). If you don't have CAD, clear photos from front, side, back and top with key dimensions are enough for an accurate model.
The checklist
- Geometry: CAD (STEP/IGES) or a mesh (OBJ/FBX/glTF). No CAD? Use photos plus dimensions.
- Materials: close-up photos of each finish (matte, gloss, brushed metal, fabric), or Pantone/RAL codes.
- Branding: logo and label artwork as vector files (AI, SVG, PDF) and fonts.
- Use: where the images will appear (Amazon, Shopify, print, billboard, social) and the sizes needed.
- Style references: two or three images you like the look of.
Nice to have
- Packaging dielines if packaging should appear.
- Any variants and colourways you want rendered.
- Brand guidelines for colours and backgrounds.
Ready? Upload what you have. We’ll tell you if anything’s missing.
Questions clients ask
Can you render my product from photos only?
Yes. Send sharp, well-lit photos from all sides and a few measurements, and we model it accurately. It takes a little longer than working from CAD.
Which CAD formats work best?
STEP and IGES are ideal for engineering CAD. OBJ, FBX and glTF are great if a mesh already exists. We can also open native files from most CAD tools if exported.