Why do you need visualization? It is worth answering this question at the very beginning of the project. Thanks to this, you can save time and avoid unnecessary costs. It all really depends on whether or not you intend to use graphics. Whether for Facebook advertising or you plan to print it on a full-size billboard. Both the resolution and size affect the final price of the visualization and the order execution time.
At least a few essential elements affect the final cost and lead time when creating 3D graphics. We have described the most important of them in one of our previous articles, to which we cordially invite you. However, we decided to devote a separate post to pixels and visualization resolution. It is a complex matter which, in our opinion, requires individual discussion. Knowing how the intended use of graphics affects its cost can speed up the entire implementation process. It will also allow you to pay less for the graphics service. It sounds interesting? So stay with us until the end.
Pixels and rendering vs. the price of a visualization
Before we get to the heart of the topic, discussing the basic concepts that we’ll use later in this article is worth discussing.
What is a pixel?
A pixel is the smallest unit of a digital image or graphic displayed and represented on a digital device. The combined pixels create a complete picture, graphic, video, or any other element visible on the screen.
In other words, a pixel is an image element.
The resolution, which is the size of the image
Using the resolution, we define the dimensions of the image, i.e., its width and height, marked with pixels. An image with a width of 1000 pixels and a height of 1000 will have a total of as many as one million pixels (1000px x 1000px = 1,000,000 px).
Higher resolutions mean there are more pixels per inch. Thus, clear, high-quality images are created. Conversely, images with lower resolutions have fewer pixels. Therefore, if these several or several dozen pixels are too large (e.g., after stretching the photo), they may become unreadable or “blurred” as in the picture on the right.
Pixel Density
We usually deal with pixel density when we send some graphics for printing. A print shop typically requires images to be delivered at 300 DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). Pixel density affects the sharpness and legibility of an image. If we have two graphics with the exact resolution, the picture with higher pixel density will be more precise. In addition, such visualization will also be much more realistic, and this is what we want, correct?
When printing an image with a resolution of, for example, 1920 x 1080 pixels in two different sizes, one real and the other enlarged, we do not change the key. It will remain the same. However, if the image is larger, the pixel density will decrease, and the graphics may simply be unreadable and look much worse.
Scaling graphics
It is worth informing the contractor that you need the graphics for the very beginning of the cooperation. Thanks to this, you will receive a 3D visualization in the appropriate quality, tailored to your needs and the actual purpose of the image. The image resolution and pixel density of the visualization is set before the project is exported for rendering.
Of course, if you need smaller graphics, there is nothing to prevent you from reducing the size of the resulting visualization. Reducing the image by scaling down will condense the detail, making the image appear sharper. However, it is worth noting that render with high resolution, and pixel density will be more expensive because it takes longer and uses the computer more. So if you need 3D visualization only for promotion in social media, be sure to inform the graphic designer about it at the beginning of cooperation. Thanks to this, the order will be completed faster, and you will avoid unnecessary costs.
The situation becomes more complicated if you receive 3D graphics in standard definition and density, and you intend to print it, for example, on a large billboard. Standard image parameters vary depending on the graphics company you use. In Double Prism, it is 1920x1080px and 75/96 DPI[1].
When you increase the size of an image – in this case, render – by scaling up, additional space is created between the existing pixels. Then new pixels are added to the resulting gaps to fill the empty space. Ultimately, the graphics will look blurry, it will not be legible for the recipient, and indeed, such visualization will not be photorealistic. Usually, it will be necessary to perform an additional render with appropriate parameters in such a case.
The price of visualization and the cost of re-rendering
You may need to redo the rendering when the resolution and pixel density change after rendering. Sometimes it is even necessary to specially redesign the entire visualization. This has the potential to increase the implementation cost and extend the schedule. Picture for website, social media, flyers, and banner ads may vary in resolution and pixel density. Therefore, to avoid additional costs and changes in the schedule, it is worth presenting the purpose of the visualization to the graphic designer at the very beginning. Experienced agencies ask about the meaning of the graphics during the first contact. However, if the contractor does not ask such a question, it is worth clarifying this issue on its own initiative.
Maximizing Value
Graphics agencies can help you decide on the dimensions of the graphics, choose colors, or set the right camera angles for better object presentation. However, she won’t be able to make suggestions for her unless she knows the purpose of the rendering. To maximize the effects, it is worth choosing an agency that will spend time listening to your needs and consulting, during which it will make sure that it has adequately understood your expectations. Thanks to this, graphic designers will be able to choose tools in such a way as to achieve the intended effects.
The purpose of the graphics is not everything.
The purpose of the graphics is not everything
Communicating about the purpose of the graphics and rendering requirements is just the beginning of a good collaboration with a graphic designer. However, building effective communication does not end there. It’s always a good idea to ask the agency about their recommendations or additional options to help you get the best effect. Hire experts to do the visualization, and feel free to ask them about the proposed solutions that will allow you to make better use of your budget. The best contractors have the knowledge and experience to provide informed and practical advice.
We know unexpected costs can be frustrating. We hope this article has brought you closer to the meaning of pixels and how the visualization and lead time price depends on image resolution and pixel density. If you are looking for an agency that will understand your rendering purpose and help you revive your vision, protecting you from unnecessary costs – please contact us. We will be happy to know the details of your project and help you choose the right solutions.
DOUBLE PRISM
