# 3D model > A digital three-dimensional representation of a product, made of geometry and textures, viewable from any angle. Also known as: 3D models, 3D product model. Category: 360, 3D and output formats. A 3D model is a digital representation of an object's shape (geometry, usually a polygon mesh) and surface (textures and materials). Unlike a spin, it can be viewed from any angle, placed in augmented reality or used in configurators. Product 3D models are created by modelling in CAD or 3D software, or by scanning a physical product, for example with photogrammetry from many overlapping photographs. ## How PhotoRobot uses it PhotoRobot hardware captures the photo sets needed for [photogrammetry](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-photogrammetry-in-product-imaging), for example on [FRAME](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/frame), which photographs from above and below the glass. PhotoRobot Controls integrates Apple Object Capture and supports the USDZ, OBJ/MTL and STL formats. ## See on photorobot.com - [3D model output type](https://www.photorobot.com/output-type/3d-model) - [Supported 3D model formats](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/photorobot-supported-3d-model-formats) ## Related terms - [Photogrammetry](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/what-is-photogrammetry-in-product-imaging): Generating a 3D model from many overlapping photographs of an object. - [Apple Object Capture](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/apple-object-capture): Apple's photogrammetry technology that creates a 3D model from a series of photos. - [USDZ](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/usdz): Pixar-developed packaged 3D format with native support on Apple devices, widely used for AR. - [OBJ](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/obj): A widely supported, text-based 3D model format storing geometry and UV mapping, with materials in an MTL file. - [Augmented reality (AR)](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/augmented-reality): Overlaying digital content, such as a 3D product model, on the live camera view of the real world. - [Polygon mesh](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary#polygon-mesh): The surface of a 3D model, built from connected vertices, edges and faces (usually triangles). ## Where this term appears on photorobot.com Mentioned on 140 pages. Most relevant: - [PhotoRobot Controls Supported 3D Model Formats](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/photorobot-supported-3d-model-formats): Read an overview of PhotoRobot Controls App supported 3D model formats, their features, use cases, and compatibility across platforms. - [How to Make a Simple 3D Model with Apple Object Capture API](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/object-capture-how-to-make-a-3d-model): See how to make a simple 3D model using Apple’s Object Capture API integrated with PhotoRobot’s Control & Automation software. - [3D Models and Augmented Reality in Digital Marketing](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/augmented-reality-in-digital-marketing): Understanding how to utilize 3D modeling and augmented reality in digital marketing can be of great importance in 2020, especially in e-commerce. - [360-Degree Photography and 3D Models for E-Commerce: Why both?](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/360-degree-photography-3d-models-for-e-commerce): 360-degree photography and 3D models are two formats helping top brands and retailers stay ahead of the competition in today’s e-commerce. - [3D Model Photography - Example Outputs by PhotoRobot](https://www.photorobot.com/output-type/3d-model): Easily create a 3D model from photos with PhotoRobot software integration of product photography equipment, cameras, lights, post-processing, and photogrammetry. - [3D eCommerce - What is it, Why it Matters, and Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/3d-ecommerce): 3D eCommerce uses 3D modeling to create an advanced product viewing experience. - [FRAME](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/frame): Capture 360° spins and image galleries for 3D modeling as camera and background travel around products, even under the glass. - [AR Product Visualization Using 3D & AR Platforms](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/ar-product-visualization): We describe everything from the automated photography, to 3D model creation and optimization for AR platforms like Emersya or Sketchfab. - [eCommerce Photography - How to Optimize Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/ecommerce-photography): There can be still images, marketing angles, close-ups, 360 spins, video, and 3D product models. - [360° Product Photography - Content Formats and Production](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/360-product-photography): 3D models stitch together a series of photos using photogrammetry scanning and special software.