3D product visualization: benefits & uses | Omi.so

3D product visualization lets you showcase your products more effectively online — thanks to different kinds of imaging and visualization software.

It covers everything from photoreal product images to clickable 360-degree viewers and interactive product experiences.

The result? A digital storefront where your customers can get a better view of your product before buying so they can make more confident purchasing decisions.

This article shows you how 3D product visualization improves customer engagement, increases your conversions, and streamlines new product launches.

What is 3D product visualization?

3D product visualization is a way for businesses to showcase their products using 3D models and other technologies.

For example, Omi provides the tools needed for two kinds of product visualization. Using the 3D AI capabilities of the Omi Virtual Studio and 3D models we craft from your physical products, you can generate:

1. Product photography (2D product renders) at scale and styled to show your product in the best light (including angles that are difficult to shoot via traditional photography)

2. A 3D Viewer, a kind of 3D render that allows customers to rotate, zoom, and see every detail of your product 

Note that while 2D renders aren’t 3D representations of your product (nor are they interactive), they’re created using a 3D model. That means they were generated using physical properties like light, reflection, and shadow — which is impossible with 2D-based design. This physical anchor is, of course, what leads to Omi's trademark photorealism.

Unlike traditional product photography, which only shows a few fixed views and requires a re-shoot or costly post-production hours to adapt, 3D product visualization (when used as a tool to create product photography) gives you the freedom to flaunt your product from any angle. 

Brands typically use the first kind of product visualization (2D renders) when looking to launch photorealistic content for their websites, eCommerce stores, or social media accounts. They can rely on specialized tools and software like Omi to produce and scale these visuals.

The second kind of 3D product representation reflects the shift from static images to dynamic, 3D renders — including 3D viewers. These help brands in industries such as fashion, cosmetics, furniture, and electronics to offer more engaging customer experiences.

Both kinds of 3D product visualization give shoppers a clearer understanding of a product’s quality and features, leading to better-informed buying decisions and increased customer confidence.

And as Tori Ewald, former marketing content manager at ABLE and founder of Delicate Cycle, says, "Quality visuals allow a customer to see the value in the product they are purchasing.”

Benefits of 3D product visualization

There are many benefits of 3D product visualization, including:

Engaging interactivity (3D viewers)

Some kinds of 3D product visualization — like 360-degree viewers — allow customers to interact with products virtually.

With interactive 3D viewers, online shoppers can view products from different angles and get a complete picture of its details; it’s as close to an in-store experience as a customer can get without having to leave their home.

For example, Omi’s 3D Viewer turns 3D renders into interactive models on your website, complete with a 360-degree spin that lets customers turn and zoom in to take in more detail.

These interactive experiences boost confidence in their purchasing decisions. This means higher engagement with your product pages, increased customer satisfaction, and a more compelling shopping experience. On average, Omi customers see a 19% improvement on conversion rates and significantly more time spent on their product pages.

Unparalleled image customization (product photos)

Some tools for 3D product visualization offer a level of customization not available in traditional photography. For example, in Omi’s Virtual Photo Studio, you can drag-and-drop your products’ 3D models into scenes and adjust elements like background, lighting, scene accessories, and camera angles. It lets you quickly create photorealistic scenes and control exactly how your products are represented.

Lower content production costs, higher standards

On the whole, 3D product visualization offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional photography. This is because some specialized tools, like Omi, let you generate unlimited product angles and designs from a single 3D model.

That means no repeated photoshoots for specific product angles or to freshen up your social feed; there’s no need to rent a studio, hire a photographer, and spend hours in extensive post-production work every time you want to launch a new campaign or update your brand’s look and feel. It also means you can experiment with new imagery at a moment’s notice (including A/B testing variants, of course).

In fact, some Omi customers report as much as 90% lower costs than what they’d spend using traditional photography.

How Omi simplifies 3D product visualization

Omi makes 3D product visualization easy with a simple, 3-step process:

1. You ship your products to Omi: Once received, our team will analyze and scan your products for textures, dimensions, and overall look and feel.

2. We craft your realistic 3D models: With the help of our proprietary AI that brings photoreal visuals to life, we create your detailed models.

3. Your team generates endless product visuals: Stage unlimited photoshoots in our Virtual Studio. Access hundreds of templates, thousands of 3D elements, and tons of effects to bring your products to life.

What sets Omi apart from its competitors is its unique Virtual Studio. With no need for deep technical expertise, Omi makes it easy to create dynamic visuals for social media, ads, and other content formats — so you can craft and communicate a unique identity for your product line and channels. 

Use our library of pre-set templates, objects, and environments to stage different scenes, or make one from scratch. You can also enhance your product images with various settings, effects, and lighting. 

Another valuable tool is our interactive 3D Viewer. After integrating your Shopify and Omi accounts, all Omi renders — including images, videos, and the 3D Viewer — will be accessible in your Shopify backend.

Pssst… Coming soon, the Omi 3D Viewer will integrate with Magneto (Adobe Commerce) stores.