Model Size and Scale
-
Hello,
What's the best advice for the size and scale of models? I've seen it said in some tutorials that its better to model at real life scale, however I've seen some where people have modelled at a much larger scale than reality.
In my case, many of the products I need to model are very small in reality and I've always modelled at life size to try and maintain as much accuracy as I can, but sometimes I feel its very difficult to get the lighting to look good at such small sizes, and sometimes the materials too. So is modelling small objects at a larger scale recommended or is it better to keep everything at real life scale?
Kind Regards
David -
I have two approaches ... if the model's only purpose is for visual impact I sometimes model at an exaggerated size IF I find I can get the scene to look better, BUT if the model's purpose is to show how the thing will look when actually built (such as scenic in a TV studio) OR if the model will be sent to others who have to work from it in the real world (such as a fabricator or lighting designer) then I work at 1:1 actual scale. Hope this perspective helps.
-
@ericsiegel Hi, thanks that's very helpful. Yes in my case the end result is only for making product imagery and videos of those products. I don't need to collaborate in any way with other companies on the 3D side of things, it's purely all about making them look as good as they can for promotional purposes. I think I should experiment doing them much larger and see if it makes things easier, thanks.
Kind Regards
David -
Hi David,
Any interaction, whether it is simulation or even light, anything related to size, typically follows real-world size for many years now. Back in the days, it was just units. There are cases where large or small might challenge that idea. Here, the project scale can be useful.
To determine that before is a good idea, as changing the scale later on might not affect all settings.Besides, if you have a super large model, perhaps explore the idea of Redshift's camera option.
The Camera Space Render.
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2026/en-us/Default.htm#html/VPRSRENDERER-REDSHIFT_RENDERER_TAB_GLOBALS.html#REDSHIFT_RENDERER_RENDER_IN_CAMERA_SPACEWhile the precision in the old days was a little bit lower, the rule was three digits before and after the period (or comma - depending on your localization) was the guidance to go with. Today, it is more of an idea to see if the scale of the Project might be in need of a change.
Project scale:
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2026/en-us/Default.htm#html/DDOC-DOCUMENT_GROUP_PROJECTSETTINGS.htmlMy best wishes for your work.
