What’s Software Rasterization?

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Software rasterization is a process by which a scene or image created in three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics software is converted from one form to another. There are two basic types of images created using computer graphics, called vector graphics and raster graphics. Vector images are created through the use of geometry including lines and shapes to create an image, while raster graphics use pixels, which are single points of light or color, to create images. Software rasterization is a process by which a program rather than hardware is used to convert vector images into raster images for display on a monitor.

To fully understand software rasterization, it is important for someone to first understand the two main ways that computer images are created and displayed. Vector images are created through the use of geometric shapes. This includes basic lines and points that can be stitched together to create other shapes, including various polygons often used in creating three-dimensional or 3D graphics. Most 3D images are generated as various shapes created by assembling numerous small triangles together.

Each of these triangles is generated as a vector image, so the assembled pieces that make up a larger scene are also vector-based. In order for these to display properly on a computer or television screen, however, they must first be converted to a format that can be streamed more effectively on that screen. Monitors and televisions use individual points of light and color called pixels or “picture elements”.

Images created through the use of pixels are referred to as raster-based images. Rather than using lines and shapes to create an image, raster-based images are created by combining dozens, hundreds, or thousands of individual dots. In order for a vector image to display correctly and easily on a screen that uses pixels, it is typically converted to a raster-based image, a process called “rasterization.”

Software rasterization simply means that this conversion is handled by a program, rather than the hardware inside a computer or other device. For example, a game developer typically uses software rasterization to ensure that 3D polygonal images display correctly. This allows graphics created for a game to be displayed through the program itself, rather than relying on hardware that may or may not be present in a player’s computer.

As technology improved, software rasterization was largely supported by hardware. Dedicated video cards that provide additional processing power for graphics have made this process easier and allowed for more opportunities for game developers. Real-time rendering relies on rasterization occurring dozens of times per second, which has become easier with advanced software and more powerful graphics processing units.

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