Posted By Zach Correa on Jan 20, 2016 | 3 comments
When you are walking down the street and you see an amazing squirrel crossing your path, have you ever thought to yourself “how can I 3D Print it”? Well, I have some good news for you; if you have a picture of it then you can turn it into a 3D model and 3D print it! From 1 to 100 hundred pictures, several effective solutions are available to help you turn a picture into a 3D model. The results of your model depend on the number and quality of the photos you take; the more photos and the higher the resolution the more detailed your 3D model will be. You don’t need to be a professional 3D artist, but with an ounce of 3D skill and enough time, everyone can achieve a good 3D character and print it.
In this article, you will find an overview of different solutions to answer your question “how can I convert my picture into a 3D model ?”. With any of these solutions, you have to keep in mind that results are highly dependent on the source footage. That’s why there is no one-fit-for-all solution. Based on our experience and the thousands of 3D prints that we have done we selected the best solutions depending on your expectation and give you some practical advice to create the most efficient shooting. From the shooting to the final choice of the 3D printing materials, you can do all the process on your own. Don’t be scared, if you really don’t know how to use a 3D modeling software, you can get a little help from a designer to get a 3D printable file.
You’ll see that 3D printers can give life to your best images. You can create any avatar or model that you want with the 3D printing technology, you can also create a CAD model with images from video games. Everything is possible. We split the solutions on the number of images that you have already taken to generate your 3D file.
How can you generate a 3D model from multiple images
This free software enables you to preview Design and Make 3D model files, create tooling for your free or purchased models and run them on your personal CNC. This free software can be used to preview Vectric 3D Viewer files in a, fully interactive, virtual 3D environment on your own PC (XP SP3 or later). DOWNLOAD OUR FREE DESIGN & MAKE. Sketchup (64-bit) SketchUp Pro is a software that lets you view, edit, and create 3D images. License: Shareware OS: Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10.
Did you know that you can create a 3D model even with a single picture?
Don’t get too excited – you should keep in mind that the possibilities and the details allowed would be more limited. For example, you cannot expect to create a perfect 360° file of your pet or your home based on 1 picture. To obtain the desired shape with a printing process, it is better to have a lot of pictures to get an impressive result. Maybe it will be possible to print a perfect CAD model thanks to only one picture in the future of 3D printing, but it’s not possible yet.
Free 3D Models Available for Download. Thousands of free 3D models available for download. Files available in all major formats - 3ds, max, fbx, obj, c4d, maya. Unrivaled selection of premium 3D models also available for purchase, prices starting under $5. Nov 9, 2018 - A 3D model can be described as a model which portrays an object in a 3D graphical mode and the. Rating(1 to5), Free/Paid, Engineering/Artistic, File Formats (Image,3D,CAD,PDF). 3D design software with free download.
But still, if you only have this option you can create an interesting 3D printed object with the additive manufacturing technology that we know today.
Working with 3D files using MeshMagic free 3D modelling software is intuitive. Quickly draw a 2D design and expand it to a 3D mesh. Graphic Editing Software Photo Editing Software Image Converter Software Slideshow Creator Software. Download MeshMagic 3D Modeling Software. Download 3D Modeling Software for Windows. Insight3d lets you create 3D models from photographs. You can then use insight3d's modeling tools to create textured polygonal model. This is due to the fact that for calibration, the application needs to store all detected. If you want, download the app, read the tutorial (there's important info on what photos should be.
A picture is a 2D file, meaning that you will only be able to play with two axes to use it in your 3D model. The extrude tool will help you to create a third axis to create new geometry from a selected component. This tool will help you to give volume to your 2D model based on a specific algorithm (most common is converting your image in levels of grey and calculates the height based on the intensity of grey). It’s a pretty common tool that you can find on CAD software. If you’re not owning a graphic software you can have a look one of these free amazing 3D software: SketchUp, Blender or Meshmixer.
This free online software is a game-changer in the creation of a 3D model based on a single picture. With only one picture it helps you to create a simple digital model online that looks closer to the kind of result that you get with a scan or photogrammetry.
What’s the trick? Well, if your 2D model can be symmetrically replicated you can get a surprisingly lookalike 3D model. However, if you need to create an asymmetrical model with a lot of details you will probably need to use another software with more pictures. As an example, you can watch this demonstrative video.
Many times people are contacting us for a solution based on 10 or 20 pictures. For example, when you’re looking to create an avatar of – let’s say – your grandpa, you start asking around to get pictures, try to find a good portrait of him, another picture of him sitting in the garden, the third one playing with your kids etc… When you think you have grabbed enough material, you’re looking for an automatic solution to build a 3D model based on these various pictures that have been taken at different time, with different devices etc. Unfortunately, there is none. Because a very special secret-sauce is needed in this case and it’s imagination. You have to mentally organize the pictures and sculpt your model based on the measure and details that you can grab from the pictures.
It takes a lot of time to create a model from photos like this. So the only way to get to an optimal result is to convert a lot of pictures to make a very precise digital design. Then, you’ll be able to print an interesting model.
To summarize, you have 3 solutions with few pictures
Indeed, with more perspective thanks to the different pictures, you or he would be able to create a more detailed and accurate 3D model. If you need more information to find a 3D designer or this process, please feel freeto contact us.
Even if 3D printing enables you to create 3D objects with complex shapes you first have to create a detailed model to get an optimized result. In this part, we are giving you few tips to optimize your pictures in order to create the best 3D model. To do so, the best way for you is to use photogrammetry. This technique implies a process of collecting a series of points in space from a series photographs. First, you snap a series of photos of the object from every angle that you can, once you have those photos you upload them into a photogrammetry software and you can generate a file to 3D print it.
Once you have this series of pictures you can upload them on specialized photogrammetry software such as the following ones:
123D catch is an Autodesk software which allows you easily to create a 3D model from your pictures with your smartphone or your computer. The application is free and you can download it on 123dapp. The youtube channel of 123D catch is full of tutorials that will help you to master easily the software from your first try and will give you precise tips to improve your set of pictures. Check also the tutorial that we have developed in this article!
“Autodesk Memento is an end-to-end solution for converting any captured reality input (photos or scans) into high definition 3D meshes that can be cleaned up, fixed, and optimized for the Web, mobile or 3D printing / fabbing.” Compares to 123D catch, Memento produces higher fidelity result as you can upload more pictures to create your 3D model.
Photoscan is a computer software that is also a good alternative. It offers a free license for individuals or a professional license costing $179. There are some technical requirements on your computer to make it work properly (for example RAM more than 256 GB). But the results can be impressive when you choose to upload a lot of data. For example, this software was used to create an impressive 3D model of a whole university campus based on 5000 pictures. It is less accessible than Autodesk’s software and will be more targeted for experimented users.
In the same way that Photoscan, Acute 3D is a more complex and professional oriented photogrammetry software. Recently acquired by Bentley system, this software is at the edge of the technology and offers astonishing results.
The best method to turn an object into a 3D model is 3D scanning, to capture the shape of your item. We are pretty sure that you don’t have a 3D scanner at home, but did you know that you could create a 3D scan only using a smartphone? 3D scanning is an easy method to turn an object into a CAD model.
Thanks to CT scanning, you could also create a 3D model of your own brain, and you also could 3D print!
You have three final steps.
First, you need to finish and optimize your 3D file in another software than the ones described above. It happens often that your 3D file can be non-printable since it’s very difficult to create a solid mesh based on a set of pictures (i.e. textures). Some 3D software are offering efficient tools for creating proper files and we have reviewed them in a former article on photogrammetry. You’ll be able to work on the resolution and size of your file, by creating a high or low poly mesh.
Then, you have to pick a format for your file. 3DS, OBJ, C4D, DAE, STL, you don’t know which one to choose? Check out this page about the uploading process on Sculpteo, you’ll find all the details about the supported file formats
At last, and the easiest part: you just have to 3D print it! There are a lot of possibilities to 3D print models because various 3D printing materials are available. You have to choose the 3D printing material that you want for your CAD model, it will determine the additive process. Usually, we recommend using the full color sandstone material in order to get a colorful and likely result. As you can see, with the 3D printing technology that we have now, it is not that difficult to turn photos into 3D models. You can do it on your own or with a little help, and the good news is that you don’t need to have a 3D scanner or 3D printers at home.
Even if additive manufacturing is very useful and efficient for rapid prototyping, or even to work on industrial designs thanks to impressive technologies allowing to create a large variety of projects from medical devices to kitchen equipment, office equipment or architectural exteriors. Witch technologies such as Digital light processing (CLIP), Multi Jet Fusion, or Selective Laser Sintering, you can work on anything, or just experiment these printing processes it for fun.
Do you feel ready to turn your pictures into 3D file and become a real 3D artist? Well, we hope you’ll be tempted to give photogrammetry a try and give life to your pictures with our multicolor 3D printing material! Thanks to this little guide you’ll be able to create a 3D character without using 3D scanning. We’ll be delighted if you share with us your project on twitter by tagging us @sculpteo on Twitter or on Facebook! We are always excited to see what you can achieve with 3D printing technologies. It’s the occasion to show us how you can get impressive results by turning your photos into 3D models!
The number and variety of 3D software packages on the market is staggering, but many of the top applications in use by commercial film, gaming, and effects studios cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
It's true that most commercial applications offer time-limited free trials or abbreviated learning editions for students and hobbyists. If you're planning to work in the computer graphics industry one day, these are well worth exploring even if you can't afford a full license, because your skills in the commercial packages are what will ultimately land you a job.
However, plenty of free 3D software suites are out there for hobbyists, independent filmmakers who don't have the budget for expensive software, and budget-conscious freelance professionals who have found all the tools and power they need in cost-free solutions like Blender or SketchUp.
Just because the software is free doesn't necessarily make it any less valuable. This list isn't exhaustive. There are dozens of other free 3D tools available beyond those mentioned here. However, these are the strongest of the bunch.
Interface vastly improved over early versions.
Great for video games and animation.
Nearly on par with expensive professional 3D modeling programs.
Less useful in designing architecture and objects like furniture.
Heavy use of shortcuts to execute commands can be daunting for new users learning the software.
Blender is easily the most versatile entry on this list, and in many regards, it compares favorably to top digital content creation tools like Cinema 4D, Maya, and 3Ds Max. To this day, it stands as one of the greatest open-source development projects ever conceived.
Blender is full-featured, offering a complete range of modeling, surfacing, sculpting, painting, animation, and rendering tools.
The software is good enough to have produced numerous impressive short films and is in use by several professional studios.
Blender was criticized early on for having a confusing interface, but don't let outdated complaints steer you away. The software was given a thorough overhaul recently and emerged with a fresh interface and a feature set that aims for parity with the best.
While you don't see Blender in any Hollywood effects pipelines where Autodesk and Houdini are deeply ingrained, Blender has steadily carved out a niche in motion graphics and visualization, similar to where Cinema 4D excels.
Makes quick editing easy.
Excellent tool for learning the art.
Users can transition to ZBrush without a difficult learning curve.
Rendering can be slow at times.
Lacks some useful tools and features found in other software.
Sculptris is a digital sculpting application similar to ZBrush or Mudbox, but with an easier learning curve. Because Sculptris uses dynamic tessellation, it is essentially geometry-independent, meaning it is an ideal learning package for someone with few or no modeling skills who wants to try his hand at sculpting. Sculptris was originally developed independently by Tomas Pettersson, but is now owned and maintained by Pixologic as a free counterpart to ZBrush. Sculptris is aimed at beginners. The website offers video tutorials and an assurance that the skills you learn in Sculptris easily translate to ZBrush.
Great for architectural modeling.
Large library of models available.
Interface may be a challenge for new users to get used to.
Importing 3D models created in other programs can sometimes be a problem.
SketchUp is an intuitive and accessible modeler, originally developed by Google and now owned by Trimble. SketchUp excels at practical and architectural design and probably has more in common with a CAD package than traditional surface modelers like Maya and Max.
Like Blender, SketchUp has been amazingly well received and has gradually carved out a niche with professionals in the visualization field due to its ease of use and speed.
The software has little in the way of organic modeling tools, but if your primary interest is in architectural modeling, SketchUp is an excellent starting point. You begin by drawing lines and shapes and then stretch and copy them to make whatever you like. You don't have to draw everything, though. SketchUp offers an enormous library of free 3D models to get you started — search the 3D Warehouse for what you need.
Good tool for learning 3D modeling basics that help in professional grade software packages.
Supports many other 3D file formats.
Doesn't offer features beyond the basics.
No animations.
Wings is a straightforward open-source subdivision surface modeler, which means it has similar modeling capabilities to Maya and Max but none of their other functions.
Because Wings uses traditional (standard) polygon modeling techniques, everything you learn here is applicable in other content-creation packages, making this an ideal starting point for anyone looking to learn how to model for animation, film, and games.
Easy-to-learn interface.
Design tools are online—no software to download.
Doesn't fare well with very complex designs.
Requires an internet connection.
Tinkercad is an impressive suite of free, lightweight 3D tools offered by Autodesk as an easy entry point into the world of 3D. Autodesk develops five different applications under the Tinkercad banner, including modeling and sculpting apps, an iPad based creature designer, and a tool to assist with fabrication and 3D printing.
In a way, Tinkercad is AutoDesk's answer to Sculptris and Sketchup and is meant to interest beginners in 3D without the tremendous learning curve of their Autodesk's flagship applications: CAD, Maya, Max, and Mudbox.
Includes lots of props and models to use.
Strong in animation, image, and film creation tasks.
Limited sculpting, modeling, and surfacing tools; easier to create new models in other 3D software and import for use.
Daz Studio is an image creation tool that comes with a wealth of characters, props, creatures, and buildings that you can arrange and animate to create still images or short films. The software is primarily meant for users who want to create 3D images or films without the overhead of creating all their models and textures by hand.
The software's animation and rendering toolset is fairly robust, and in the right hands, users can create impressive shots. However, without a full range of modeling, surfacing, or sculpting tools built in, your content can become limited unless you're willing to buy 3D assets in the Daz marketplace or create them yourself with a third-party modeling package.
Still, it's a great piece of software for people who just want to jump in and create a 3D image or film without a whole lot of overhead.
Create impressive fractal objects and scenes.
You can begin by simply playing around with formulas and seeing what you get.
The website offers downloadable examples to experiment with.
Takes some time to acclimate to this software.
Interface is overwhelming at first and not as intuitive as other 3D software.
If you're interested in fractals, Mandelbulb 3D should be right up your alley. The application certainly takes some getting used to, but the result is stellar once you know what you're doing. The 3D fractal environment includes color, lighting, specularity, depth-of-field, and shadow and flow effects used to generate amazing fractal objects. If the concept of fractals is Greek to you, visit the featured artists' section of the Mandelbulb website to see the types of things you can do with this software.
Free top-tier 3D design software if used only non-commercially.
Powerful and feature-rich software tools that are industry standards.
Steep learning curve when starting to use these complex software packages.
Software can have hefty system requirements and be resource intensive.
Autodesk offers virtually its entire software line free for non-commercial use to 'students and community members.' However, you don't have to be enrolled in a school to download them. If you want to work in the industry eventually, knowing Autodesk software is a valuable skill, so this is a highly recommended path. The only limitation is that you can't use any of the software in commercial projects. Among the educational downloads are 3DS Max, Maya, Inventor Professional, and AutoCAD.