CGTrader is a leading 3D model marketplace and platform for VR/AR, gaming, animation, and other computer graphics (CG) projects. Founded in 2011 by Marius Kalytis and Dalia Lašaitė, the company is headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. It operates as both a marketplace for 3D content and a professional community for designers. CGTrader has over 2 million users and offers more than 1 million licensable 3D models, making it one of the largest platforms of its kind.
The company caters to industries such as gaming, advertising, eCommerce, and animation. It supports businesses and creators with tools for creating and monetizing photorealistic 3D content.
Key Features
- Marketplace for 3D Models: CGTrader allows creators to upload, showcase, and sell their 3D models. Buyers can browse models categorized as CG, low-poly, or 3D-printable.
- Custom Modeling Services: Through its enterprise services, CGTrader transforms 2D product images into photorealistic 3D models for online retailers.
- Royalty System: Sellers earn royalties ranging from 70% to 80%, depending on their reputation level. Reputation is built through sales, quality ratings, and community engagement.
- Community Portal: Users can access tutorials, participate in forums, read blogs, and join design competitions to enhance their skills and visibility.
- CGTrader ARsenal: A specialized tool introduced in 2019 for online retailers to create immersive 3D product visualizations.
- Direct Communication: Buyers can negotiate prices directly with designers or post job offers for custom projects.
Benefits
- For Designers:
- Opportunity to monetize skills by selling or licensing models.
- Access to a global audience of buyers.
- A supportive community with resources like tutorials and competitions.
- For Businesses:
- High-quality photorealistic 3D models for marketing and eCommerce.
- Customizable solutions through Modelry for small or large-scale projects.
- Enhanced customer engagement with immersive AR/VR-ready visuals.
- Ease of Use:
- User-friendly interface for uploading models or browsing the marketplace.
- Multiple file formats supported for compatibility across platforms.
- Transparency:
- Clear royalty structure ensures fair earnings for creators.
- Direct communication between buyers and sellers fosters trust.
Additional Information
- Technological Innovations: CGTrader integrates advanced AI tools like CGDream.ai to simplify visual creation by combining generative AI with 3D modeling.
- Global Reach: The platform attracts users from countries like the United States, India, and Russia, with millions of monthly visits.
- Revenue Model: The company generates revenue through marketplace sales and enterprise services. Its estimated annual revenue ranges from $15 million to $25 million as of February 2025.
CGTrader stands out as a comprehensive platform that bridges the gap between creative professionals and industries requiring high-quality 3D content. Its robust ecosystem supports both individual creators and large enterprises in leveraging cutting-edge technology for digital design.
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What are the main features of CGTrader’s marketplace?
CGTrader’s marketplace is a comprehensive platform designed for buying, selling, and creating 3D models and digital assets. Below are its key features:
Extensive Library of 3D Models
- The marketplace hosts over 2.35 million licensable 3D models, including CG, low-poly, and 3D-printable categories.
- Models are available for various industries such as gaming, animation, advertising, AR/VR, and 3D printing.
Seller-Friendly Tools
- Designers can create their own online stores within the platform to list and showcase their models.
- Advanced tagging, categorization, and SEO options help optimize product visibility.
- Sellers earn royalties ranging from 70% to 80% based on their reputation level, which improves through sales, quality ratings, and community engagement.
Flexible Buyer Options
- Buyers can download purchased models directly or via email links.
- They can communicate directly with designers to negotiate prices or request custom models through the job board.
- Multiple file formats are supported to ensure compatibility across platforms.
Community Features
- A vibrant community portal offers tutorials, forums, blogs, and design competitions to enhance user engagement.
- Feedback systems allow buyers to rate purchases and maintain marketplace transparency.
Enterprise Solutions
- CGTrader Enterprise transforms 2D product images into photorealistic 3D models for eCommerce applications like AR-based customer experiences.
- Tools like “Modelry” enable businesses to scale production cycles with automated pipelines and quality assurance for large batches of 3D content.
Technological Innovations
- Integration with platforms like NVIDIA Omniverse allows users to access USD-based assets directly within Omniverse Apps.
- Cutting-edge tools like CGDream.ai combine generative AI with 3D modeling for creating visuals efficiently.
Payment System
- The marketplace supports multiple payment methods such as PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfers for convenience.
CGTrader’s marketplace stands out due to its extensive model inventory, seller-friendly policies, buyer flexibility, and enterprise-grade solutions. It caters to both individual creators and businesses looking for scalable 3D content solutions.
How does CGTrader’s royalty system work?
CGTrader’s royalty system is designed to reward sellers based on their reputation within the platform. Here’s how it works:
- Reputation Levels: Sellers start at the “Beginner” level and can progress through 13 levels up to “Legendary” based on their engagement and performance on the platform.
- Royalty Rates: The royalty rate ranges from 70% to 80% (or potentially higher with certain conditions) depending on the seller’s reputation level. The higher the reputation level, the higher the royalty rate.
Factors Affecting Royalty Rates
- Community Engagement: Sellers can increase their reputation by participating in community activities such as commenting on others’ work, creating tutorials, and referring new users.
- Model Quality and Sales: The quality of models and the number of sales also contribute to a seller’s reputation.
Deductions from Sales
- Taxes: CGTrader deducts VAT for EU countries and any other applicable taxes.
- Payment Processing Fees: A portion of the sale is deducted for payment processing.
Example of Royalty Calculation
For example, if a seller earns a 70% royalty rate and sells a model for $100, they would receive $70 after CGTrader’s commission. However, additional deductions for taxes and payment processing fees might reduce this amount further.
Overall, CGTrader’s royalty system incentivizes sellers to engage with the community and produce high-quality models to maximize their earnings.
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What types of 3D models are available on CGTrader?
CGTrader offers a wide variety of 3D models across multiple categories, catering to various industries such as gaming, architecture, animation, and more. Here are some of the types of 3D models available on the platform:
Categories of 3D Models
- Aircraft: Includes models of airplanes, drones, and other flying vehicles suitable for simulations, visualizations, and advertisements.
- Animals: Features a diverse collection of fauna, including cats, horses, bears, eagles, and more. These models are suitable for advertisements, static scenes, and rigged models for games.
- Architectural: Offers detailed models of interior and exterior architectural elements such as stairs, fireplaces, decorations, and furniture. These models are useful for architects, engineers, and game developers.
- Vehicles: Includes models of cars, trucks, and other vehicles, which can be used in various applications like gaming and simulations.
- Food and Furniture: Provides models of household items, food, and furniture, which are useful for interior design and product visualization projects.
- Industrial and Plant Models: Offers models of industrial equipment and plants, which can be used in industrial simulations and visualizations.
- Space and Military Models: Includes models related to space exploration and military equipment, suitable for sci-fi projects and historical reenactments.
- Watercraft: Features models of boats and ships, useful for maritime-themed projects.
Types of Models
- High-Poly Models: Detailed models with high polygon counts, suitable for projects requiring realistic visuals like film and video production.
- Low-Poly Models: Models optimized for real-time applications such as video games, VR, and AR. These models have fewer polygons to ensure smooth performance.
- 3D Printing Models: Models specifically designed for 3D printing, ensuring compatibility with various 3D printing technologies.
CGTrader’s diverse library supports a wide range of applications, from entertainment and advertising to architecture and product design.
Cgtrader Partnered or Affiliated Program
CGTrader offers both an Affiliate Program and Partnered Programs:
- Affiliate Program: Earn a 20% commission on the first revenue from referred customers. Promote CGTrader using banners, links, or product showcases.
- Partnered Programs: Includes partnerships like being a Certified Amazon 3D Vendor, offering business-grade solutions for companies to scale their 3D resources.
- Referral Program: Earn credits and reputation points by inviting designers to join the platform. These credits can be used to purchase models or services.
