Almost all 3-D design techniques incorporate four fundamental processes while interpreting an object electronically in its three dimensions: modeling, layout designing, animation and rendering. Modeling in 3-D designs is referred to the interpretation and development of basic object shape, while layout designing deals with the placement of an object within a suitable background. Similarly, the process of animation deals with any movement or motion associated with the object, and rendering defines angling and positioning of the light source within the design.
Three-dimensional designs are usually developed on electronic interfaces, such as computers or other image/video processing machines, using some specially developed common software applications like Photoshop, AutoCAD, Flash, 3-D Studio Max and Maya. Upon development, these designs can be viewed electronically or in the form of printed 3-D objects.