It’s no secret that e-commerce is an ever-changing industry. The latest news? 2D images aren’t enough anymore. 3D model product viewers are slowly transforming online retail.
The time is nigh for brands to innovate and gain an edge over the competition that fails to keep up with the trend. A 3D collection to showcase the product collection helps customers explore and evaluate the goods. The option is superior to traditional 2D image browsing, encouraging brands to turn pictures into 3d models.
Let’s dive deep and explore how to turn your flat 2D pictures into hyper-realistic 3D models!
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An evolving market: How to meet growing customers’ expectations?
An evolving e-commerce market calls for new methods to meet or even exceed customer expectations. These days, shoppers have a plethora of choices where to do their shopping.
In addition, different brands try their best to implement new features to improve the customer experience.
Failure to meet growing expectations hinders success and sustainability. On the other hand, meeting customer expectations leads to a better brand reputation and new customers. Happy customers help brands thrive even in competitive markets.
The impact of 3D in e-commerce
3D product presentation has changed the visualization in e-commerce. The “revolution” is one of the most recent examples of how certain brands invest in innovation to keep up with the market demands and customer expectations.
Traditional photography struggles to capture different product angles . Or rather, product pages have to have a series of photos of the same product, which can take a while to go through for shoppers.
Thanks to new software and in-depth technologies, designers can create captivating product models. And not necessarily at high prices. Consumers browsing a product get a complete picture by rotating the model. An in-depth dive minimizes doubts and uncertainties from a shopper’s point of view.
3D models also enable creative freedom. Presenters have more flexibility to showcase their products. It’s easier to experiment with various lighting effects and environments. Customers are looking for immersive and new experiences and 3D can boost results for merchants.
Why your store has to switch from photos to 3D models
Taking a leap and implementing a 3D modeling feature is a significant challenge. Whether it’s about 3D furniture , 3D shoes, or 3D glasses, 3D is always the way. The task can seem daunting. However, with the rise of new modern solutions in the SaaS and other markets, the challenge ahead is not that intimidating.
Besides, there are multiple benefits that brands can expect after the transformation :
- Better overall Customer Experience
Some customers might need time to adjust after switching to 3D models from photos. However, once they realize how much an improvement the change is, they will not look back.
Web-based augmented reality development lets site visitors browse 3D models directly on the website. There’s no need to download a third-party application or the like. The integration is seamless and user-friendly.
- Improved Customer Engagement
An immersive and interactive shopping experience encourages customers to engage with the brand and advertise it to their friends and family.
Fully exploring products from different angles leaves less room for hesitation and instills confidence while shopping.
Moreover, fewer shoppers have to worry about returning items because they did not meet their expectations. When you explore a product from different perspectives and inspect it, you are less likely to end up with a poor purchase.
Positive overall experience and high customer engagement naturally translate into higher conversion rates.
Combining 3D product modeling presentations with other modern e-commerce shopping features, brands benefit from increased conversions.
- Higher customer lifetime value
Happy customers are expected to return. A single purchase is profitable for a brand, but businesses want to build long relationships with their shoppers.
Repeat purchases are one of the metrics taken into account when talking about customer lifetime value.
One of the best ways to encourage repeat purchases is by implementing modern shopping features. 3D product models are the perfect example of an innovative approach to improving the shopper experience.
- Fewer expenses
Cost-effectiveness is one of the more underrated aspects of the 2D image to 3D model switch.
3D models reduce returns and expenses . Besides, technology is bound to become more accessible.
The cost of creating and implementing new 3D product models will drop and attract even more attention from brands.
How to turn pictures into 3D models?
As one would expect, there are dedicated tools to turn pictures into 3D models. Specific software to turn pictures into 3D models comes with different features depending on what brands are looking for.
Some 3D modeling programs requires high-quality content images to transform, and the result may not be what one wants at first.
In addition, the concept is still relatively new, and the latest tools are known to have steep learning curves.
Some brands choose to go with CAD software as an alternative. It still works, though utilizing CAD without sufficient 3D modeling knowledge is more or less impossible.
Hiring a dedicated professional 3D artist makes sense (but it’s particularly expensive), particularly if a business believes that the 3D printing model should be one of the priorities to optimize the shopper experience.
Finally, there’s the option to collaborate with a 3D printing company that can also model your products in 3D.
Step-by-step process to create 3D models from pictures
Creating 3D models from pictures involves several key steps.
First, you need to capture or select appropriate images of the object from multiple angles. These images are then processed using specialized software that employs techniques like photogrammetry or AI-based image processing.
The software analyzes the images to create a point cloud, which is a set of data points in 3D space. From this point cloud, a mesh is generated, forming the basic structure of the 3D model. Finally, textures from the original images are applied to the model to give it a realistic appearance.
This process can vary in complexity depending on the software and techniques used, but it generally follows these basic steps.
Optimizing your images to generate 3D files
The quality of your 3D models largely depends on the quality of the input images. To optimize your pictures for 3D model creation:
- Ensure good lighting: Use diffused, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows;
- Capture multiple angles: Take quality photographs from various viewpoints to cover all aspects of the object;
- Maintain focus: Keep the entire object in focus in each shot;
- Use a plain background: A simple, contrasting background makes it easier to isolate the object;
- Avoid reflective surfaces: Shiny or transparent objects can be challenging for 3D reconstruction software;
- Use high resolution: Higher resolution images provide more detail for the 3D model.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve the quality of your 3D models and streamline the conversion process.
The best software to convert image to 3D models: Zakeke 3D Asset Creator & Manager
3D e-commerce feels like the future of online shopping. With the rising popularity of virtual and augmented reality that contribute to various online experiences, it’s natural to assume that the rise will continue.
If you want to turn pictures into 3D models without relying on complicated software or expensive printing companies, Zakeke 3D Model Creator & Asset Manager is the perfect solution for your 3D workflow.
Zakeke’s AI Visual Commerce platform lets you upload 2D images and receive low-poly 3D models without a hefty investment. And the best part? Zakeke offers a platform to easily manage all your 3D assets , make bulk changes and increase productivity. You can create, manage and easily share 3D assets on different channels, simply using a link or a QR code.
Time to shape the e-commerce future. Start your free trial now and ask for your 3D models quotes simply uploading your 2D images. Alternatively, book a 10-minute demo and boost your Shopping Experience with Zakeke.
Intrigued by the Visual Commerce world? Explore FREE customization, 3D, and Try-On with Zakeke! Start in under 10 minutes. Start your 14-day free trial or book a demo today!
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a photo to a 3D model?
Yes, it is possible to convert a photo to a 3D model using various techniques and software. The most common methods include photogrammetry (using multiple photos), AI-powered software that can generate 3D models from a single image, and manual 3D modeling by skilled artists. The quality and accuracy of the 3D model will depend on the method used and the complexity of the object in the photo.
How do I turn a picture into a 3D object?
To turn a picture into a 3D object, you can follow these general steps:
- Choose a suitable photo or take multiple photos of the object from different angles.
- Select a 3D modeling software or photogrammetry tool.
- Import your photo(s) into the chosen software.
- Use the software’s features to create or generate a 3D model based on the image (or multiple images)
- Refine and edit the 3D model as needed.
- Export the final accurate 3D model in your desired format.
The specific process may vary depending on the software and technique you choose.
What is the difference between 3D scanning and photogrammetry?
3D scanning and photogrammetry are both techniques used to create 3D models of real-world objects, but they differ in their approach. 3D scanning uses specialized hardware to actively project light or laser patterns onto an object and measure the distortion or reflection. Photogrammetry uses regular cameras to take multiple photos from different angles and relies on software to analyze the photos and reconstruct the 3D model. 3D scanning is often faster and more accurate for individual objects, while photogrammetry is more flexible and can be used for larger objects or scenes.
How accurate is 3D scanning?
The accuracy of 3D scanning can vary depending on factors such as the type of scanner used, the complexity of the object being scanned, and the operator’s skill. High-end professional 3D scanners can achieve accuracies of up to 0.1mm or better. Consumer-grade 3D scanning solutions, including those using smartphone cameras, typically have lower accuracy, often in the range of 1-5mm. For many e-commerce applications, this level of accuracy is usually sufficient.
Can I 3D print from a photo?
While you can’t directly 3D print from a photo, you can use a photo as a reference to create a 3D model, which can then be 3D printed. The process typically involves converting the photo into a 3D model using photogrammetry software or 3D modeling techniques, preparing the 3D model for printing process, slicing the 3D model file to create instructions for the 3D printer, and finally 3D printing the model. The quality of the print will depend on the accuracy of the 3D model created from the photo and the capabilities of your 3D printer.
