Definition
3D refers to space with three dimensions—length, width and height. In computer graphics, it describes techniques that model solid objects mathematically and render them into planar images.
How it works
A 3D pipeline typically covers modeling (building object shapes), materials and lighting (defining surfaces and how they receive light), and rendering (computing the final image). The camera’s viewpoint determines how the solid scene projects onto a two-dimensional picture.
Usage
3D is widely used in film effects, video games, animation, industrial and architectural design, and the construction of virtual environments. Game engines and modeling software are the common production tools.
Related and confusable terms
The difference between 3D and 2D is whether a solid model is built: 2D draws directly on a plane. Rendered results are flat images, which relates to formats such as SVG and GIF; VFX is the application field that uses 3D among other techniques for imagery.