5 Architectural Rendering Software to Enhance Your Design

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. Therefore, they have long depended on drawings to explain their design concepts clearly. So, architectural rendering has always been a vital tool for designers and architects to communicate with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. In this article, we have collected the following list of the popular 5 rendering software that you can integrate into your design workflow to enhance your architectural design through them. However, we highly recommend that you focus on finding the best one for you.

1. Vray

V-Ray is one of the most effective professional 3D rendering solutions used by almost every architect. V-Ray is popular with architects for its ability to perfectly simulate real-world lighting. Although lighting calculations are time-consuming, designers can obtain high-resolution renderings of the most realistic scenes from them.

2. Twinmotion

Twinmotion is the latest real-time rendering software from Epic Games that provides a range of media exports from a single Twinmotion scene in seconds. It is a tool to help visualization professionals in the architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping industries better communicate their ideas. Thanks to its powerful engine, users can add realistic environments to scenes by changing seasons and weather, or by putting a project’s geographic location into the settings. The software is compatible with most BIM systems and syncs ARCHICAD and Revit projects with just one click.

3. Enscape

Enscape is a plug-in for Revit, Sketchup, Archicad, and Rhino that provides useful real-time capabilities to showcase projects while making changes. With Enscape, users can create high-quality real-time 3D visualizations, as well as videos, panoramas, and virtual reality simulations. The user creates the entire set of images at once, and modifications made in the plan view are immediately reflected in the visualization. The plugin provides overlay orthographic projections on top of 3D designs such as floor plans or sections, allowing users to better communicate their ideas with clients.

4. Lumion 3D

As a compatible software with most 3D modeling programs, Lumion 3D provides real-time rendering that can quickly turn 3D models into breathtaking photorealistic images and movies. The outcome can include renderings, animations, virtual reality, and virtual tours. Advanced sun and sky settings and dynamic materials to present transparency, among its simple user interface and the low learning curve, make Lumion one of the best rendering programs.

5 Modelo

Modelo has become the most popular online free rendering software recently with the characteristics of massive rendering scenes, rich material library, fast drawing, and easy operation. Modelo supports most mainstream 3d model formats. So no matter what modeling software you’re using, Modelo can render your model with one click and plot in ten minutes. In addition, Modelo has a variety of rendering methods for you to choose from, you can render a single image, or you can try the free 360 booth rendering and video rendering.

8 BEST FREE RENDERING SOFTWARE

There is nothing better to showcase your designs than beautiful renderings. However, it is difficult to find free rendering software. This article will introduce 8 best free rendering software and introduce their features.

NameUseOSVersion
ModeloArchitectural rendering, collaborationWindows, macOS, Linux Free
BlenderModeling, architectural renderingWindows, macOS, LinuxFree
CyclesModeling, architectural renderingWindows, macOS, LinuxFree
Arnold3D rendering, animationWindows, macOS, LinuxFree trial
Indigo Renderer3D rendering, animationWindows, macOS, LinuxFree version
EnscapeArchitectural visualizationWindowsFree trial 
Clarisse3D rendering Windows, macOS, LinuxFree learning edition
Wings 3D3D modeling Windows, macOS, LinuxFree

1. Modelo

Modelo has become the most popular online free rendering software recently with the characteristics of massive rendering scenes, rich material library, fast drawing, and easy operation. Modelo supports most mainstream 3d model formats. So no matter what modeling software you’re using, Modelo can render your model with one click and plot in ten minutes. In addition, Modelo has a variety of rendering methods for you to choose from, you can render a single image, or you can try the free 360 booth rendering and video rendering.

2. Blender

Blender is free and includes modeling, animation, post-processing, and video editing tools with audio, and most importantly, rendering tools. A user-friendly interface is one of the advantages of Blender rendering software. It includes many icons and tools that allow you to render quickly. You can also use available shortcuts to automate some actions. This 3D software features the grease pencil tool for creating 2D animations.

3. Cycles

The great advantages of the engine are the ability to quickly view the result directly in the 3D viewport, as well as rendering using GPU. So, it is an excellent choice for beginners. The capabilities of this free 3D software are suitable for creating awesome characters for games and various architectural objects.

4. Arnold

Arnold is a program designed to render a wide variety of objects, you can get photorealistic images, impressionistic images, or anything in between. It is one of the best free rendering software that includes a node-based material editor. As a result, Arnold is very clear for users. Another advantage of this software is the ability to create your own nodes. However, Arnold does not have a fully functional texture renderer. They are only available in a limited mode. The controls and user interface are simple and intuitive.

5. Indigo Renderer

The Indigo Renderer software is a powerful rendering tool for modeling lighting effects, which includes a material editor that allows you to create any kind of material from sand, leather, and wood to car paint and water. This is the best option for you if you are trying to achieve maximum photorealism. This free rendering software can be used not only with a CUDA-capable NVidia graphics card. It is also compatible with the OpenCL standard used by AMD. If you want to make the rendering process faster, it’s possible to organize a powerful system of slave renderers.

6. Enscape

Enscape is one of the most famous architectural renderers. This is a paid program that offers a great free trial. You can also find features for designing process support here. Thanks to them, you can monitor all your changes to have an idea of how the final picture will look after rendering. You may use this rendering software free to apply various stylized modes, such as paper, sketch, and polystyrene models. In Enscape you can get the content you need from many programs, such as SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, and ArchiCAD. 

7. Clarisse

Clarisse is not only fast 3D rendering software. This free 3D software is very popular among the creators of science fiction movies. It works on a layering and node-structure system. Thanks to the layered structure, the previous work of animators and designers remains unaffected during rendering. If you are a beginner in this area, you can figure out how to work in this photo rendering software by reading the detailed tutorial – Personal Learning Edition.

8. Wings 3D

Wings 3D is open-source software for modeling and texturing. Wings 3D has a customizable interface. The program does not support animation, so to create scenes in the dynamics of the figure, you will have to export to other software. This 3D rendering app is not difficult to use. It has many customizable features for working with multi-layered materials, scenes, modifying lighting settings, and effective scene rendering. You can also use various free textures to get breathtaking results.

Conclusion

When choosing the best 3D rendering software, you can frequently face the problem of high or simply unaffordable prices. In the quest to create high-quality and realistic renderings, this can be a significant obstacle. That is why the search for professional but free rendering programs is becoming popular and relevant. So, we have selected for you the top 8 free rendering software that will best meet all your needs.

How to Merge Multiple 3d Max Models Online

Modelo enables users to merge multiple 3d Max models online for free. Come and see how you can do that in just two easy steps.

First, you need to upload your 3d Max models to Modelo. Just drag to upload your 3d Max models to Modelo. You can upload several models online at one time.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

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How to Merge Multiple Rhino Models Online

Modelo enables users to merge multiple Rhino models online for free. Come and see how you can do that in just two easy steps.

First, you need to upload your Rhino models to Modelo. Just drag to upload your Rhino models to Modelo. You can upload several models online at one time.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

Modelo enables users to merge multiple Sketchup models online for free. Come and see how you can do that in just two easy steps.

First, you need to upload your Sketchup models to Modelo. Just drag to upload your Sketchup models to Modelo. You can upload several models online at one time.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

Bring Me To Modelo

How to Merge Multiple Sketchup Models Online

Modelo enables users to merge multiple Sketchup models online for free. Come and see how you can do that in just two easy steps.

First, you need to upload your Sketchup models to Modelo. Just drag to upload your Sketchup models to Modelo. You can upload several models online at one time.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

Bring Me To Modelo

Modelo 2022 Q1 Updates!

We’re excited to announce that Modelo 2022.1 is now available, with a host of new features that make it even easier to present, collaborate, and share 3D models or panorama images online. Let’s take a look at what the updates are.

1. Generate 360 Tour with Annotations

The Modelo’s generating 360 tours from models has been popular since its release. Now, this feature has taken a big step forward. With one click, you can convert your model to 360 panorama tours via 3D slides and all the attachments will be the annotations in the tours.

2. Online GLTF Converter with Modelo

Modelo is compatible with GLTF files now. You can transfer all kinds of 3D models to GLTF files with one click and open GLTF in Modelo online.

3. Move & Copy Models in Modelo

You can move & copy models in Modelo now. Via clicking the copy option in the model tab, you can copy the model with all works in seconds.

4. Watch KooLab Time-lapse Photography online

Users can watch the KooLab time-lapse photography online now. Modelo adds a “Time-lapse photography” tab on the asset page. You can watch, download and share the time-lapse photography in MP4 format.

5. New 3D slide mode

The new 3D slide mode can automatically take screenshots and save the thumbnails in the tab on the right, which enables users to quickly lock to the desired tab and facilitate management. When you want to adjust the view of the slide, you just need to move the model to the corresponding position and click “Update the view”. It can be updated at once and Modelo will automatically update the corresponding thumbnail.

6. Architecture Diagram

Modelo enables users to easily create architectural diagrams. With the new “Make Diagram” function in the Modelo tool, users can select model components by layer, material, and elements. Then you can change their strokes and color at your will and create beautiful architectural diagrams in seconds. Besides, you can use the 3D arrow to illustrate your design.

7. Combine Model

The ”Combine Model“ option enables users to merge multiple models and open them on the same page. You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

If you’re an existing user, just log in to Modelo. We hope you enjoy this release!

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How to host an online 3D virtual exhibition with Modelo?

Modelo released a lot of new features these days. Today, we use the online 3D exhibition as an example to show how to use Modelo’s new feature – Combine Model in your real life.

Step 1: Invite your teammates and upload your models
First, you need to invite team members to the same Modelo project and upload all models in the design exhibition. Then you can use Modelo’s “Combine Model” function to combine all the materials into one model.

Step 2: Adjust models’ location
You can click the model on the left side and use the axis to adjust each model’s location. After finishing this step, the online design exhibition is almost done.

Step 3: Showcase the exhibition
If you want to show this online design exhibition, walking inside must be a good choice. Using the Modelo’s walk mode, you can lead users into the exhibition and record the process via the walkthrough function.

Tips: If one of your individual models needs to be updated, just click the reload option on the model card. The model in the exhibition will be updated immediately and you don’t need to adjust its location again.

Step 4: Share your exhibition and collaborate online.
Now, the online design exhibition is ready. You can share it with others and communicate in this model. People can leave a comment and vote for your favorite.

Isn’t that amazing? Upload your models and try it now!

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How to draw an architecture diagram in three minutes with Modelo?

An architecture diagram is a graphical representation of a set of concepts, that is part of the architecture, including their principles, elements, and components. However, it usually takes hours or days to create a qualified architecture diagram. Do you know that Modelo enables users to draw an architecture diagram in three minutes? Let’s see how to do it.

Let’s take the model in the picture as an example. If you want to create a beautiful analysis diagram, you need to distinguish levels with different colors first. You can select and color components by elements, layer or materials.

Next, the Modelo’s new feature – 3D arrow will help you finish the analysis diagram. You can switch plans to draw different 3D arrows and use operating axes to copy them.

You can also change the arrows’ color or size to enrich your diagram. By adjusting parameters, arrows can become auxiliary lines.

Finally, don’t forget to screenshot and get a high-resolution image. Modelo enables users to cut models and change styles quickly.

Isn’t that amazing? Upload your models and try them now!

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Free online 3D model merger|Modelo

Modelo can merge models now! In the recent update, Modelo enables users to combine multiple models into one. Come and see how you can do that in just two easy steps.

When you click the ”Combine Model“ option on the project page, you can select the models to be merged and open them on the same page. You can see the list of models on the left side of your window.

You can select the model through the list on the left and adjust their positions through the axes. Don’t forget to click the save button in the upper right corner after editing.

After the merge is completed, you can share the model with one click and complete online communication with others through the Model comment, which improves collaboration efficiency.

Bring Me To Modelo

Modelo – Free Online 3D Max Model Viewer

Modelo is a website for viewing, publishing, and sharing 3D Max files. There are a lot of handy features that come with this tool. Modelo allows you to easily display 3D models on the web and view them on any browser, mobile, desktop, or tablet. You can upload an unlimited number of models from your software or your browser and embed them directly on Facebook, blogs, forums, or any other site.

Compared to other 3D Max model viewers, Modelo has the following outstanding advantages：

1. Modelo is a 3D viewer with Zero Learning Cost

With Modelo, you will be able to freely Rotate, Pan, Zoom in, Zoom out, and Spin a 3D model. In case you want to view different projections of a model, you can do so using this freeware. You can easily drag to upload your Revit to Modelo, or you can use our specific Modelo&Revit plugin to upload your files. Files that are hundreds of megabytes big can be dramatically compressed, so the download and rendering speeds get much faster. At the same time, Modelo separates the original model file from the visualization file, so there is no need to worry about your files getting stolen by sending them to visualize.

2. Fast BIM information viewing and management

Modelo is supported by a powerful BIM engine, making it have the ability to comprehend complex BIM pipeline lines and engineering infrastructure models while maintaining top-of-the-art real-time rendering effects. With BIM information management and data analysis on Modelo, you are empowered with a key to next-generation architecture. Even Dave Lemont, father of BIM referred to Modelo as “a gateway to BIM”.

3. Faster Rendering and Better Quality

Modelo functions entirely within a standard internet browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox enabling users to upload their 3D data into a fast, intuitive viewer perfect for presenting to clients or sharing with colleagues for feedback. To achieve this, the expert graphics team of the company developed a custom compression and rendering engine to render models up to 45 times faster than the native design software they were created in. This speed allows architects to navigate through huge models fluidly while creating precise client presentations and discussing internal comments and markups in real-time.

4. Access your model on any device

Where you want to view your model is never a problem for Modelo, as no software are required to install: no compatible issues. With a one-click sharing function, you can get a unique web address of your design with one click, and have the link send easily to anyone you want to share. The link is fully functional on computers, tablets, or mobile phones. With Modelo, we’ve added another dimension to the web browser where people can browse a Revit model directly on a company’s website or a designer’s portfolio site.

Modelo is a website for viewing, publishing, and sharing Revit files. There are a lot of handy features that come with this tool. Modelo allows you to easily display 3D models on the web and view them on any browser, mobile, desktop, or tablet. You can upload an unlimited number of models from your software or your browser and embed them directly on Facebook, blogs, forums, or any other site.

Compared to other Revit model viewers, Modelo has the following outstanding advantages：

1. Modelo is a 3D viewer with Zero Learning Cost

With Modelo, you will be able to freely Rotate, Pan, Zoom in, Zoom out, and Spin a 3D model. In case you want to view different projections of a model, you can do so using this freeware. You can easily drag to upload your Revit to Modelo, or you can use our specific Modelo&Revit plugin to upload your files. Files that are hundreds of megabytes big can be dramatically compressed, so the download and rendering speeds get much faster. At the same time, Modelo separates the original model file from the visualization file, so there is no need to worry about your files getting stolen by sending them to visualize.

2. Fast BIM information viewing and management

Modelo is supported by a powerful BIM engine, making it have the ability to comprehend complex BIM pipeline lines and engineering infrastructure models while maintaining top-of-the-art real-time rendering effects. With BIM information management and data analysis on Modelo, you are empowered with a key to next-generation architecture. Even Dave Lemont, father of BIM referred to Modelo as “a gateway to BIM”.

3. Faster Rendering and Better Quality

Modelo functions entirely within a standard internet browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox enabling users to upload their 3D data into a fast, intuitive viewer perfect for presenting to clients or sharing with colleagues for feedback. To achieve this, the expert graphics team of the company developed a custom compression and rendering engine to render models up to 45 times faster than the native design software they were created in. This speed allows architects to navigate through huge models fluidly while creating precise client presentations and discussing internal comments and markups in real-time.

4. Access your model on any device

Where you want to view your model is never a problem for Modelo, as no software are required to install: no compatible issues. With a one-click sharing function, you can get a unique web address of your design with one click, and have the link send easily to anyone you want to share. The link is fully functional on computers, tablets, or mobile phones. With Modelo, we’ve added another dimension to the web browser where people can browse a Revit model directly on a company’s website or a designer’s portfolio site.

Bring Me to Modelo