How Much Does it Cost to Create 3D Models?
Whether you plan to create a virtual experience with 3D or Augmented Reality, the first step of your process consists of creating 3D models of the products you want to showcase.
Most brands that we work with find that 3D content already exists for their manufacturing process and can be repurposed. We encourage you to reach back into your production pipeline to look for existing 3D content.
Sketchfab is not a 3D creation tool; we provide cloud hosting for 3D assets and technology to easily showcase and share these 3D models and experiences on the web or in AR. In addition, we work with a network of content partners who can assist you with 3D content creation.
This article is written with the help of one of our content creation partners, InVRsion. It will help you better assess the cost associated with creating different types of 3D models.
Breaking down the price of 3D models
The cost of creating 3D models will typically depend on the complexity and quality of your model, the method used to create the model, and the agency or artist that you are working with.
On average, a simple 3D model will cost from $40 to $200, while a more complex model costs from $200 to $1000, and a very complex model can cost up to a few thousand dollars.
InVRsion uses advanced photogrammetry and modeling techniques, and follow a full set of guidelines that contains a strict methodology for the 3D asset creation workflow, but other partners can use other methods to create 3D models.
| 3D Model Complexity | Characteristics | Artist Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Simple shape with simple texture and standard PBR material assigned. | Junior 3D artist |
| Medium | Detailed shape or simple organic shape with simple texture and somewhat complex PBR material assigned. | Junior 3D artist |
| High | Super-detailed shape or partly organic shape with highly complex texture and somewhat complex PBR material assigned. | Advanced 3D artist |
| Very high | Super-detailed shape or highly organic shape with highly complex texture and highly complex PBR material assigned. | Senior 3D artist |
| 3D Model Complexity | Approximate Cost | Hours Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | < $40 | > 2 |
| Medium | < $180 | > 15 |
| High | < $650 | > 40 |
| Very high | < $650 | > 50 |
Estimate costs for different models provided by our partner, inVRsion.
Cost of 3D models — Simple complexity: $40 - $250
Click the images to engage with the models in 3D.
Cost of 3D models — Medium complexity: $180 - $650
Cost of 3D models — High complexity > $650
Cost of 3D models — Very high complexity > $650
Finding a content creator
Now that you have a better idea of the cost involved with creating 3D models, visit Sketchfab’s partner directory to find a suitable content creator.
