Architectural rendering

Autodesk provides architects and designers with the software they need to develop accurate, higher-quality architectural renderings.   

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What is architectural rendering?

Architectural rendering is the process of creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of a proposed architectural design. The goal is to illustrate a lifelike experience of how a space or building will look before it is built, accurately representing design intent. 

What is architectural rendering? Feature Image
Image courtesy of Lombardini22 S.p.A.

Benefits of architectural rendering

There are three main benefits of using 3D rendering software for architecture projects:

  1. Develop design ideas more accurately

  2. Identify problems early in the development stages to reduce costs

  3. Communicate design ideas  with clients and partners

Benefits of architectural rendering Feature Image
Image courtesy of Yosr El Hadidy

Types of architectural rendering

Rendering of the interior of the Autodesk San Francisco offices at One Market

Interior rendering

Details such as flooring, furnishings and lighting contribute to a space. Interior renderings suggest what it will be like to work or live in that space.

Image courtesy of Prasanth Chundakkattil
Rendering of modern buildings at dusk

Exterior rendering

Light, shadowing, and reflection factor into the creation of an exterior rendering. It conveys how a building will relate to the environment and people around it.

Image courtesy of Alt Shift
Aerial view of downtown Khed City organized around public squares, plazas and bazaars

Aerial rendering

An aerial view offers a dynamic perspective that leads to better understanding of landscapes, surrounding buildings, and complete visualizations.

Image courtesy of Darko Mitev

How is architectural rendering used?

View out a window of the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere.

DBOX

Traditional storytelling with modern workflows

DBOX stays on top of new technology to deliver the 432 Park Avenue project, the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere.  

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Image courtesy of DBOX
Rendering of 195 Broadway by Tagram 3DS, made in 3ds Max.

TANGRAM 3DS

VR and architectural design

Tangram 3DS specializes in comprehensive design solutions for the AEC, interior design, maritime, and real estate industries.  

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Image courtesy of Image courtesy of Tangram 3DS
Modern dining room rendered in 3D from a design visualization project by Stefan Lopusny.

STEFAN LOPUSNY

A fresh spin on interior rendering

Stefan Lopusny, artist and founder of design visualization studio Fat Tony Studio, tackles animated film with his project “In Circles.”  

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mage courtesy of Image courtesy of Fat Tony Studio

Explore related architecture topics

Learn more about communicating design intent and improving design quality using Autodesk architecture software.
Architecture software Resource Image

DBOX

Architecture software

Autodesk architecture software solutions support the rapid innovation needed to meet today’s design challenges. 

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Image courtesy of DBOX
Architectural design Resource Image

TANGRAM 3DS

Architectural design

Software from Autodesk empowers you to visualize, design, render, and build.  

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Image courtesy of Image courtesy of Tangram 3DS
Architectural drawing Resource Image

STEFAN LOPUSNY

Architectural drawing

Bring your design ideas to life with technical drawing technology.  

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mage courtesy of Image courtesy of Fat Tony Studio

Architectural rendering software

Architecture Engineering & Construction collection

Powerful BIM and CAD tools for designers, engineers, and contractors, including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Forma Site Design, and more
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Revit

Plan, design, construct, and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modeling.
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3ds Max

3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games and design visualization
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Arnold

Global illumination rendering software
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Rendering

Fast, high-resolution renderings in the cloud
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AutoCAD

2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.
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Architectural rendering resources

AREA

Autodesk's official CG community. Find free tutorials, customer stories, forums, and share your work in the AREA gallery.

Digital construction workflow

See how the Autodesk AEC Collection makes project designing, planning, and building easier.

Autodesk University tutorials

Watch video lessons on rendering and visualizations from expert rendering artists and architects.

Virtual reality in architecture

Get started with virtual reality in architecture with these four tips.

LIVE Design

Learn about innovative workflows to create interactive visualizations and virtual reality experiences.

Tap into visualization with 3ds Max

ArchDaily shares these 3ds Max tips for design and project visualization.