Voxel

Voxel

Voxel is a fundamental unit in 3D computer graphics, representing a single sample or data point on a regularly spaced, three-dimensional grid. The term voxel is a combination of the words volume and pixel, as it is the 3D analogue of a 2D pixel. In a voxel-based system, each voxel is assigned a specific value or set of values, such as color, opacity, or density, which collectively define the characteristics of the 3D object or space being represented. Voxels are used in various fields, including computer graphics, medical imaging, and scientific visualization. In computer graphics, voxels are employed in techniques like ray casting, where a 3D scene is rendered by casting rays through a voxel grid and computing the color and opacity at each step along the ray. Voxels are also used in volume rendering, where a 3D dataset, such as a medical CT or MRI scan, is displayed by assigning colors and opacities to each voxel based on its value. In the gaming industry, voxel-based engines have gained popularity for their ability to represent complex, destructible environments and for enabling procedural generation of game worlds. Voxel art, a form of digital art created using 3D modeling software, has also emerged as a distinctive artistic style, characterized by its blocky, pixelated appearance. The use of voxels has revolutionized the way 3D data is stored, manipulated, and visualized, enabling the development of advanced applications in fields such as medical diagnosis, scientific research, and interactive entertainment.

volume pixel 3D cube grid ray casting volume rendering voxel art

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Voxel.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/voxel?E=433571 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"