OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Interactive 3D Graphics

Eric Haines and Gundega Dekena

Sign up for Udacity's free Interactive 3D Graphics course and learn the basics of 3D computer graphics: meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Use code at checkout. Valid for a limited time only
Bootcamp level quality
Complete hands-on projects and get personalized feedback with Udacity.
Take
40%
off
UDACITY40

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Problem Set
Interview: 3D Modelling and Printing
Points, Vectors, and Meshes
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces fundamental 3D computer graphics concepts, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation
Taught by industry experienced instructors Eric Haines and Gundega Dekena
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials for practical learning
Suitable for beginners seeking a strong foundation in 3D graphics
Offers a comprehensive study of 3D graphics concepts
May require additional software or tools that are not readily available

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Solid introduction to interactive 3d graphics

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in interactive 3D graphics fundamentals. Many appreciate the clear explanations of core concepts like transforms, lighting, and meshes. The hands-on programming assignments are frequently highlighted as particularly helpful for reinforcing understanding and making concepts like matrix transformations click. While the course builds a strong base, students note that the material becomes significantly more challenging in later modules, specifically mentioning shaders and animation as difficult topics. Some reviewers suggest that a prior background in mathematics, particularly linear algebra, could be beneficial, indicating it might be better suited for learners with some technical prerequisites.
Lectures clarify complex ideas well.
"Very clear explanations of fundamental concepts..."
"The lectures were engaging..."
"The explanations were clear for the most part."
Hands-on coding reinforces learning.
"The programming assignments were challenging but incredibly helpful in solidifying understanding."
"The hands-on coding exercises made the concepts click."
"The practical exercises were excellent."
Builds a strong base for 3D graphics.
"Gave me a solid grasp of the core principles of 3D graphics."
"Perfect starting point for anyone interested in game dev or visualization."
"Covers all the basics well."
Some topics require prior math knowledge.
"...definitely needs some prior math knowledge (linear algebra) that wasn't heavily emphasized upfront."
"Felt like I needed more math background than I had."
"Maybe better suited for intermediate learners?"
Later modules can be quite challenging.
"Some parts, especially shaders, were a bit difficult and could use more in-depth explanation or examples."
"Found this course very challenging, especially later modules like shaders and animation."
"...Shaders section was tough, but manageable with extra research."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Interactive 3D Graphics with these activities:
Review Linear Algebra
Brush up on your linear algebra skills to strengthen your foundation for 3D graphics concepts.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbook on linear algebra.
  • Practice solving linear algebra problems.
Participate in a 3D Modeling Discussion Group
Join a discussion group with other students to share your work, ask questions, and receive feedback on your 3D models.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Join a 3D modeling discussion group.
  • Share your 3D models and ask for feedback.
  • Provide feedback on other students' models.
Create a Collection of 3D Graphics Resources
Compile a list of useful resources, such as tutorials, tools, and reference materials, to support your learning journey in 3D graphics.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on 3D modeling and computer graphics.
  • Explore different software tools and select the ones best suited for your needs.
  • Gather reference materials such as images, videos, and articles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Transformations
Solve a series of exercises on transforming objects in 3D space to improve your understanding of this fundamental concept.
Browse courses on Transforms
Show steps
  • Read the documentation on transforms.
  • Practice applying transforms to simple objects.
  • Solve a series of exercises on combining transforms.
Create a 3D Scene Using Blender
Follow a step-by-step tutorial on using Blender to create a 3D scene, applying the concepts you've learned in the course.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a Blender tutorial on creating a 3D scene.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step to create your own scene.
  • Experiment with different techniques and settings to enhance your scene.
Design a 3D Model of a Character
Create a 3D model of a character, applying your knowledge of meshes, textures, and materials.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Sketch out the design of your character.
  • Use a 3D modeling software to create a mesh for your character.
  • Add textures and materials to your character.
  • Rig your character for animation.
Mentor a Beginner in 3D Modeling
Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring a beginner in 3D modeling, reinforcing your understanding and consolidating your learning.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Identify a beginner who is interested in learning 3D modeling.
  • Provide guidance and support on a regular basis.
  • Answer their questions and help them overcome challenges.

Career center

Learners who complete Interactive 3D Graphics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Computer Graphics Artist
A 3D Computer Graphics Artist uses software to create 3D models, animations, and other visual effects for use in movies, video games, and other media. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Computer Graphics Artist
3D Modeler
A 3D Modeler creates 3D models for use in a variety of applications, including video games, movies, and architecture. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D modeling, including meshes, transforms, materials, and lighting. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler
Lighting Artist
A Lighting Artist creates lighting for 3D scenes in movies, video games, and other media. This course provides a foundation in the basics of lighting, including light types, shadows, and color theory. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Artist
Animation Artist
An Animation Artist creates animations for 3D characters and objects in movies, video games, and other media. This course provides a foundation in the basics of animation, including keyframing, interpolation, and motion capture. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Artist
Video Game Developer
A Video Game Developer creates video games for a variety of platforms, including consoles, computers, and mobile devices. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Developer
Motion Graphics Artist
A Motion Graphics Artist creates animated graphics for use in movies, television, and other media. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist
Architectural Visualizer
An Architectural Visualizer creates 3D models and animations of buildings for use in architecture and design. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Visualizer
Industrial Designer
An Industrial Designer creates 3D models of products for use in manufacturing. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills are essential for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs and builds robots for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating robotic systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs and builds aircraft and spacecraft for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating aircraft and spacecraft systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs and builds medical devices and equipment for use in healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating medical devices and equipment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer designs and builds chemical plants and equipment for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating chemical plants and equipment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating infrastructure projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs and builds electrical systems for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating electrical systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs and builds mechanical systems for use in a variety of industries. This course provides a foundation in the basics of 3D computer graphics, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation. These skills may be useful for designing and simulating mechanical systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Interactive 3D Graphics.
Cover image
Real-Time Rendering
Save
Provides an excellent overview of the real-time rendering, which is essential for interactive 3D graphics. It covers topics such as rasterization, shading, lighting, and animation.
Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Real-Time Rendering
Hardcover
$$
Real-Time Rendering, Second Edition
Hardcover
$$
Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
3D Computer Graphics
Save
Provides a solid mathematical foundation for 3D computer graphics, covering topics such as vectors, matrices, transformations, and projections. It great resource for understanding the underlying mathematics behind 3D graphics.
3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction...
Hardcover
$$$$
3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Computer Graphics
Save
This classic textbook on computer graphics, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques. It comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning about computer graphics.
Computer Graphics: Principles And Practice, 3Rd...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Pearson EText Interactive Computer Graphics Access...
Save
Introduces the concepts of interactive computer graphics using WebGL, a modern web-based 3D graphics API. It good resource for learning how to create interactive 3D graphics applications.
Pearson eText for Interactive Computer Graphics --...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Cover image
OpenGL
Save
Is the official guide to the OpenGL API, the most widely used API for 3D graphics programming. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use OpenGL.
OpenGL(R) Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...
Paperback
$$$
OpenGL Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Opengl Programming Guide: The Official Guide to...
Paperback
$$$
Official Opengl Library
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Principles of Digital Image Synthesis
Save
Collection of articles on various topics in computer graphics, written by leading experts in the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the latest advances in computer graphics.
Principles of Digital Image Synthesis (The Morgan...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Physically Based Rendering, fourth edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of physically based rendering, a technique for creating realistic images by simulating the way light interacts with materials.
Physically Based Rendering, fourth edition: From...
Hardcover
$$$
Physically Based Rendering, fourth edition: From...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Save
Provides an overview of the architecture of game engines, including topics such as rendering, physics, and artificial intelligence. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how game engines work.
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Hardcover
$$$
Game Engine Architecture, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development,...
Save
Provides a concise overview of the mathematics used in 3D graphics and game development, including topics such as vectors, matrices, and transformations.
3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Essential Mathematics for Games and Interactive...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematics used in games and interactive applications, including topics such as linear algebra, calculus, and probability.
Essential Mathematics for Games and Interactive...
Hardcover
$$$$
Essential Mathematics for Games and Interactive...
Hardcover
$$$$
Essential Mathematics for Games and Interactive...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Eye Tracking Methodology
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of ray tracing, a powerful technique for rendering realistic images. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about ray tracing.
Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice
Paperback
$$$
Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice
Paperback
$$$$
Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with C++
Save
Provides an overview of advanced graphics programming techniques using OpenGL, including topics such as advanced lighting, shaders, and tessellation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about advanced graphics programming techniques.
Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL With C++
Hardcover
$$$
Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with C++
Hardcover
$$$
Computer Graphics Programming in OpenGL with C++
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics using OpenGL, including topics such as 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about computer graphics.
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Paperback
Check
Computer Graphics with OpenGL
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Interactive Computer Graphics with WebGL, Global...
Save
Provides an overview of interactive computer graphics using WebGL, a modern web-based 3D graphics API. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about interactive computer graphics.
Interactive Computer Graphics with WebGL, Global...
Paperback
Check
Interactive Computer Graphics with WebGL, Global...
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Via
Udacity
Instructors
Eric Haines
Gundega Dekena
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces fundamental 3D computer graphics concepts, including meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation
Taught by industry experienced instructors Eric Haines and Gundega Dekena
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials for practical learning
Suitable for beginners seeking a strong foundation in 3D graphics
Offers a comprehensive study of 3D graphics concepts
May require additional software or tools that are not readily available
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Interactive 3D Graphics.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser