2D graphics are flat and viewed from one angle, while 3D graphics create the illusion of depth and can be viewed from multiple angles. 3D graphics are built around a wireframe and require more computer power. Most images today are 3D, with 2D graphics used for smaller details.
Two-dimensional or 2D computer graphics appear flat on the screen and are viewed from only one angle. Older arcade games, such as Pac-Man, offer an accurate representation of 2D graphics. The Pac-Man character and the ghosts chasing him appear as flat shapes viewed from only one side no matter where he moves on the screen. A computer or newer video game, in contrast, features characters that appear three-dimensional, or 3D, and can spin in circles so the viewer can view them from all angles. 3D graphics create the illusion of depth, despite the fact that they are still technically flat images on a screen, while a 2D computer graphic does not create this illusion of depth and, instead, simply displays a flat shape or outline.
To create a 2D computer graphic, the artist combines shapes, colors and lines into an image intended for viewing on a computer screen. Image is viewed from the front from an angle. This could be from behind, beside, in front of, or even above the character, but the character still appears flat. The angle at which the character is drawn and the shading around him can create a subtle illusion of being 3D, but it’s still a single flat image.
Unlike a 2D image, a 3D image is built around a wireframe. This is a pattern of net-like lines that create geometric shapes, like spheres, around which texture and color are applied. This creates a 3D character that can move and be viewed from multiple angles. It takes more computer power to generate a 3D image than a 2D image.
Generally, a 2D computer graphic consists of a standard image while a 3D computer graphic consists of a vector image. Vector images are scaled and scaled to fit their container, in this case your computer screen. 2D computer graphics are drawn like book illustrations and remain the same size. Newer technology allows 2D images to be vectors and scale, but this is essentially the same as drawing a flat image and then drawing it in multiple dimensions. The 3D image, in contrast, must also scale the object’s shadow and highlight to fit the new size.
With computers and technology constantly pushing the limits of what they can produce, most images today are 3D and use smaller 2D computer graphics when needed. A character’s armor might use 2D CGI as a logo painted on it, while a flag might have 2D CGI as a symbol. Creating 3D objects, as opposed to 2D objects, relies heavily on the math to calculate how each piece should fit together and move within its environment. A symbol on a building must not change, while a person running must show realistic arm and leg movements, as well as the movement of the hair of the person running behind them.
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