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Guide

How much does product CGI cost?

Product CGI cost depends on model complexity, number of products, variants, animation, review rounds and delivery formats. Use a budget range first, then quote from a defined brief.

The decision

What this solves

Cost questions are hard to answer without scope. A useful estimate separates modelling, creative direction, rendering, variants and final outputs.

Tools for this task

Start with these tools

Use the tools in order, or jump straight to the one that matches the question in front of you.

Workflow

Recommended workflow

The sequence keeps the work practical and reduces the usual guesswork before production.

Define deliverables

Estimate scope, budget range and supplier checks.

Open tool

Estimate scope drivers

Compare production routes.

Open tool

Compare production route

Model product CGI ROI and reuse value.

Open tool

Validate with a studio brief

Validate with a studio brief.

Example outcome

A defensible budget conversation with assumptions listed clearly.

Basis and limitations

The guide links cost explanation to calculators so buyers can test their own scope. This guide gives planning guidance only. Final pricing needs a project-specific quote.

Common mistakes
  • Asking for one price before deliverables are defined.
  • Ignoring reuse and future variants.
  • Comparing CGI and photography as if they have the same cost curve.
Full guide

Product rendering cost guide on Render Roll

Read the related guide for more detail, then use these tools to apply it to your project.

Work with XO3D

Related XO3D services

Use the tools to clarify the task. For a product campaign that needs creative direction and production, explore the relevant XO3D programme.

Next pages

Keep going

FAQ

Questions this page answers

Why can product CGI prices vary so much?

The main drivers are product complexity, asset count, realism, animation, variants, review rounds and delivery requirements.

Can I get a useful estimate without a full brief?

Yes, but it should be labelled as an estimate and tested once the brief is clearer.

What is the best first tool?

Start with the Campaign Asset Budget Estimator, then compare routes with the CGI vs Photography Cost Calculator.

Next step

See director-led product rendering

Bring the product, audience, launch date and required assets. We can help define the creative direction and production scope from there.

Tell us about your brief

Last reviewed: 2026-06-04