As we are aware in our daily lives – light gives an object, or a room – life! The lighting of 3D models has two purposes. One, light produces a shadow which causes the 3D model to appear to be anchored to the ground and two, it adds depth to the model through the use of advanced shading techniques. These two uses for the shadow are one of the main differences between two and three dimensional 3D models.

Shading occurs in a 3D model when light is shone from one side of the object or one when the light that is shed is brighter on one side than the other. The intensity of the light shone on the object can even change the look of the 3D model. This is evident in comparisons seen in many textbook 3D model creation processes, a model without a shadow appears two dimensional in form, and shadows are one of the most important aspects in the creation process of a 3D model.
Shadows are also created with light, and as long as the 3D model is solid, than a shadow will occur. Solid models can be created to cast realistic shadows, depending on the angle that the light is exposed to the 3D model.

How are shadows created? Shadows are created within the software program and can be adjusted to look as realistic as possible. Different intensities of light can be formed to mimic different types of shadows – just as, different techniques can be used to manipulate these shadows.

What are the benefits of shadowing? Shadowing is one of the tricks that allow the viewer to form a realistic connection with the mode, while it locks it to the ground and gives it depth; it gains creditability as a moving, living, breathing object.
It is these shadows and shading cause 3D models to appear lifelike. The light angles can be manipulated into creating different percent of the 3D model within our minds.