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

Ray Tracing

Save
May 1, 2024 Updated May 10, 2025 26 minute read
Jump to courses and books

Ray tracing is a sophisticated rendering technique used in 3D computer graphics to create highly realistic images. It works by simulating the physical behavior of light, tracing paths that light rays would take as they interact with objects in a virtual scene. This process allows for the accurate depiction of complex optical effects such as reflections, refractions, soft shadows, and indirect lighting, resulting in visuals that can be almost indistinguishable from photographs.

Path to Ray Tracing

Take the first step.
We've curated nine courses to help you on your path to Ray Tracing. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

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

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Ray Tracing.
Cover image
Physically Based Rendering
Save
Relevant for understanding the theoretical foundations needed for this topic.
Physically Based Rendering, fourth edition: From...
Hardcover
$$$
Physically Based Rendering: From Theory to...
Hardcover
$$$
Physically Based Rendering, fourth edition: From...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Physically Based Rendering: From Theory to...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Realistic Image Synthesis Using Photon Mapping
Save
Focuses on a technique used in ray tracing, thus it is useful as a reference.
Realistic Image Synthesis Using Photon Mapping
Paperback
$$$
Realistic Image Synthesis Using Photon Mapping 2nd...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Realistic Ray Tracing, Second Edition
Save
This book, while beginner-friendly, provides a good foundation for ray tracing.
Realistic Ray Tracing, Second Edition
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
Save
Gives a comprehensive overview of ray tracing.
Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
Hardcover
$$$$
Fundamentals of Computer Graphics
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Real-Time Rendering
Save
Includes a section that covers GPU-based ray tracing.
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
OpenCL Programming Guide
Save
Contains a chapter on ray tracing using OpenCL.
OpenCL Programming Guide (OpenGL)
Kindle Edition
$$
Share this
Share to help others explore Ray Tracing:
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Table of Contents
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