Modeling 3D images is a major concept behind computer generated imagery. Once these models are rendered with shading and textures, they are animated and composited to be used in footage. 3D modeling is based on a wire frame modeling system. Specialized software such as Blender or Maya 3D allow for this to be easily done.

The major modeling techniques include:

The consturive solid technique uses primitive objects such as cuboids, prisms, and cones to build more complex shapes. Boolean operations are performed on these primitives to create the complex structures.

Union	Difference	Intersect
Using boolean operations to create a shape

Non-uniform, rational B-spline (NURBS), uses a mathematical model to create curves and surfaces. A collection of curves creates a well defined surface. The collection of these surfaces therefore creates a 3D model. NURBS curves are defined by 3 variables: order, weighted control points, and a knox vector.

Polygonal modeling is the preferred method for 3D modeling since it works well with scanline rendering. This technique uses polygons to represent the surface of the modeled object. By connected together polygons at their edges, a surface (called an mesh) is created. Common primitive polygon meshes include: cubes, pyramids, cylinders, and sphere.

There are two main operations to create and modify these polygon meshes: