Digital omnichannel retail needs interactive 3D technologies to attract and engage the audience more effectively. That’s when 3D visual merchandising comes into the picture. It is not just creating a beautiful image for your products but a combination of design, technical and communication solutions that help build relationships with the buyer and manage their attention. From generating interest to familiarity to brand attachment and loyalty, 3D visual merchandising will elevate your sales and help you leave your competitors behind.
This is especially true for the furniture industry, where the online market is highly competitive and changing rapidly. The pandemic accelerated the pace of digital transformation even more, raising awareness of furniture e-commerce merchandising — or, in other words, 3D Commerce. Furniture retailers have realized how essential product visuals are for online sales. 3D Commerce is a new shopping experience based on custom 3D modeling services, configuration, Augmented and Virtual Reality.
However, before going for 3D merchandising, a marketer has to know some basic things about it. In particular, what exact benefits it offers and what software and tools 3D artists use to achieve a photorealistic result. This will help to monitor the project and communicate with a CGI team.
Our 3D rendering company has extensive experience in providing 3D rendering and modeling services for the 3D visual merchandising of e-commerce. This article will focus on the 8 best 3D visual merchandising software and tools top specialists use to get a high-quality outcome.
1. Key Benefits of 3D Merchandising for Customer Experience
Before diving into the software options, here's why 3D merchandising has become essential for furniture retailers.
1.1 3D Merchandising Allows "Trying Out" Products Virtually
The Low Touch Economy, a consequence of the global pandemic, changed shopping habits. Consumers now expect brands to create efficient and personalized online shopping experiences. Using 3D visual merchandising helps boost conversions by instilling more confidence in customers when they shop online. CGI allows for as many views as one wants based on just one 3D model — creating a library of 3D renders is much faster, easier, and more cost-saving than organizing photo shoots. Another advantage is that the product does not have to exist physically to have an image of it. This gives freedom to work with expensive materials, experiment with design, and create custom spaces to showcase new products.
1.2 3D Merchandising Implements Immersive AR/VR Technologies
According to Zion Market Research, the global AR and VR market will reach $128 billion by 2028. Furniture retailers like La-Z-Boy and Ashley, furniture firms like American Woodmark, and kitchen and bathroom makers Robern and Kohler understand the power of 3D merchandising. They realized that allowing consumers to experience high-value products in 3D simulated environments shortens the sales cycle and improves consumer experiences. The ability to interact with a furniture piece, see it from different angles, evaluate texture, or place it in context helps make buying decisions, increases customer confidence, and reduces return rates.
1.3 Motion 3D Merchandising Shows Products in Action
Nothing can match the power of 3D animation when it comes to creating a stunning and concise product portrait. CG videos can show functionality, assembly instructions, or impressive design features of furniture. It's a way to increase the perceived value of the product. Flexibility and multi-usage quality are key strengths — use it for advertising and communication, tell stories, from simple product demos and feature clips on social media to complex concept videos in TV commercials.
1.4 Photorealistic 3D Merchandising Sells Lifestyle, Not Just Products
Lifestyle rendering services help online businesses show shoppers how products look in context by creatively experimenting with imagination. Such 3D merchandising is effective in lifestyle scenes because it inspires the viewer. Photographing a couple of creative scenes is comparable to the cost of an entire minimalist 3D catalog — traditional photo sessions need planning, renting a set, hiring a photographer, movers, transport, and post-production. Today, creating lifestyle images is much more profitable and effortless. A company can place multiple products from different collections in the same images to get great content and cross-sell opportunities.
1.5 360-Degree Views Provide Faster Purchase Decisions
Product 360-degree views have become indispensable 3D merchandising content for buying furniture online. They are the best way to convey orientation, distance, relative size, materials, and details. Just one 360-degree view can replace multiple images, immersing the customer right into the scene where they can explore products in-depth. Google Metrics has shown that consumers enjoy interacting with 360-degree visuals four times longer than regular product photos. Implementing a 360-degree configurator in your store will allow customers to stay longer on the site and convince them to make a purchase.
2. Best 3D Visual Merchandising Software and Tools
Now that you understand why 3D merchandising is transforming furniture e-commerce, let's explore the software and tools that make it all possible.
2.1 3ds Max
3ds Max is 3D modeling, animation, rendering, texturing, and visual effects software. It is part of the Autodesk architecture, engineering, and construction collection. Autodesk 3Ds Max also offers a resource library that allows users to search for 3D content easily.
Why is Autodesk 3ds Max so popular among users? Let’s figure it out. The primary and most impressive features of this software are:
- 3D modeling. The software’s primary function is creating and editing 3D models. The program is equipped with various modifiers and tools for working with models, while other functions make the 3D objects look as realistic as possible.
- 3D visualization. 3ds Max is a compelling rendering software compatible with many modules for tuning light, materials, and various effects. It provides flexible control over settings, including exposure, depth of field, and more.
- 3D animation. The animation creation function applies to almost all objects in the scene; animation lends itself to both objects and their elements. Particle motion effects (fire, smoke, spray, snow) and fluid effects are available.
If you are looking for the best 3D visual merchandising software and tools , 3ds Max is the most versatile. But it requires professional skills, knowledge, and heavy-duty computer hardware. Moreover, the 3ds Max license is worth $1,785/year. For this reason, many are looking for simplified solutions or delegating model development to a contractor company.
2.2 Creo Parametric
Creo Parametric software is excellent for creating or recreating physical products in a 3D CAD model. This software helps you quickly deliver the highest quality models for 3D visual merchandising in your store.
Key benefits of using Creo Parametric for 3D visual merchandising:
- high performance and flexible 3D design options;
- simple and fast creation of 3D models of any part and assembly;
- automatic creation of production drawings, with total confidence that they always reflect the product;
- increase the attractiveness of the appearance of the product using the ability to create surfaces;
- easily modify neutral and non-CAD data from customers or vendors, avoiding the need to convert files or re-create 3D models from scratch;
- instant access to the extensive parts library for lifestyle rendering services;
- access to comprehensive training materials and product guides.
Digital models created in Creo Parametric are fully associative, meaning 3D objects can easily integrate into your e-commerce website, social networks, and other media channels.
2.3 Vectary
Vectary is a cloud-based software with a straightforward and friendly interface. It is ideal for general users to learn 3D modeling and create unique content for 3D visual merchandising , omnichannel marketing, and advertising.
This software was built by 3D designers for 3D designers. Viewport navigation, abstract compositions, materials, lighting, and rendering rethought to optimize performance are its prime features. Vectary 3D files are available online, so all creative team members can view and work on the edits and changes.
A large and fast-growing library of free scenes, models, and materials helps assemble a setting by dragging and dropping ready-made presets and getting 3D content in minutes. With Vectary, it is possible to not only create 3D designs and mockups but also export models to AR format.
2.4 Cappasity
Cappasity is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that helps brands and retailers to integrate VR/AR technology as well as 3D product animation into 3D visual merchandising.
SaaS platform for 3D content uploads & 3D analytics has also released 3DShot — a mobile app for creating 3D demos and 3D product reviews. It allows to launch the application, shoot the goods on a regular smartphone, and then upload the result to the platform.
Users can post the ready-made 3D content on websites, marketplaces, online stores, and social networks. The resulting virtual copy can be embedded in the site. Currently, 3DShot users can integrate content into AliExpress, Shopify, Magento, WordPress, Tilda, Readymag, and other website builders.
2.5 Sketchfab
Sketchfab makes it easy to find, edit, buy and sell 3D content directly through a web service. The software library has 4 million units of 3D materials. In 3D merchandising, this essential software offers cutting-edge developments for 3D commerce and creates a virtual storefront of e-commerce stores.
It is used by the world’s best brands as a 3D engine, allowing their customers to define and personalize features and accessories of products as well as view every detail before buying. Interactive and customizable, VR and AR-ready 3D models created in Sketchfab are compatible with all devices, browsers, and operating systems. As a result, 3D content and business solutions for 3D visual merchandising are easy to integrate into an e-commerce website, social media, or shopping application.
2.6 iONE360
A’Disign award winner iONE360 is an omnichannel 3D visual configurator software. It includes automated 3D, AR, and VR features, a room planner, and provides a mobile app for Android, iPhone, and iPad.
A web-native iONE360 for 3D visual merchandising applies to a wide range of products but is most commonly used by furniture manufacturers. A retailer can showcase an entire furniture catalog with a room planner right in a customer’s living room.
Creating a space and planning, moving, and customizing furniture and furnishings in real-time is a fun activity reminiscent of playing The Sims. This 360 product view software can be combined with virtual reality and “walk” and “look around” in a personally created room, where 3D models will look real and gives enjoyment and an impression buying process.
2.7 Threekit
Threekit is one of the best 3D visual merchandising software and tools . In addition to an extensive library of 3D models and a rare parametric 3D configurator, Threekit offers two more useful features for 3D visual merchandising such as product 360 photography.
The first AR feature automatically generates 3D files for each customization on iOS and Android devices, enabling brands and retailers to easily offer customized products. Clients can see exactly what they have personally configured in the context of their own space.
The second feature of Virtual Photographer is that it can create tens of thousands of photorealistic 2D images from multiple 3D files. Threekit claims that its clients have reduced their photography costs by up to 90%.
2.8 Designhubz (Now Part of NexTech3D.AI)
Designhubz is a software that provides 3D visual merchandising solutions. Whether it’s furniture and home goods, appliances, toys, collectibles, clothing, cosmetics, and more, spatial 3D and AR will allow your customers to visualize and interact with animated products in real-time. Note: Designhubz was acquired by NexTech3D.AI in September 2024, expanding its parent company's 3D and AR portfolio with try-on technology for wearables.
The uniqueness of this software lies in the tool named AI Personalization Engine, which provides personalized product recommendations based on data and artificial intelligence.
Also, for 3D visual merchandising, Designhubz provides an automated tool to scan physical products and instantly create accurate 3D and AR versions of them. Once scanned, these assets are automatically uploaded to the user’s account — XR CMS for managing, embedding, publishing, and distributing 3D and AR content on the website, app, social media, and marketing campaigns.
Visual 3D merchandising combines art, science, and technology to achieve high involvement, providing the best user experience and increasing conversion rates. Ask your CGI team to use the 8 best 3D visual merchandising software and tools to get incredible lifestyle renders and interactive 3D models for configurators and web augmented reality support.
Overall, 3D merchandising needs high-quality visual effects with a 4K upscaling option. Show the beautiful details and luxurious materials of your design with 3D close-up product images. Give the customer the ability to touch the fabric or appreciate the graininess virtually — these are the standards of 3D commerce that the software above can help you achieve.
But if you do not have enough time to figure things out on your own, or you are afraid of the complexity of the process, outsource the work to professionals. Our 3D rendering company will gladly help you get incredible CGI solutions for your business with the help of the best 3d visual merchandising software and tools. Contact CGIFURNITURE for top-notch custom 3D product modeling services that will take your ecommerce site to the next level and boost sales in a short time!