If you're an architect, you know how important it is to add realistic people and objects to your renderings. They can make or break your design, and they can also help you convey the mood, scale and atmosphere of your project.
But finding the right cutout libraries for your needs can be a challenge. There are so many options out there, and not all of them are high-quality, diverse or easy to use.
That's why we've compiled this list of the best cutout libraries for architects, based on our own experience and feedback from our clients. We'll show you what each library offers, how much it costs, and how to use it effectively in your renderings.
Table of Contents
Why Use Cutouts in Your Renderings?
Cutouts are images of people, animals, plants or objects that have been isolated from their background and can be inserted into your renderings as separate layers. They can add realism, context and interest to your images, and help you communicate your design intent more clearly.
Some of the benefits of using cutouts in your renderings are:
They can show the scale and proportion of your design, especially if you use people of different sizes, ages and abilities.
They can create a sense of movement and dynamism, especially if you use people in different poses and actions.
They can evoke a mood or emotion, especially if you use people with different expressions and clothing styles.
They can illustrate the function and purpose of your design, especially if you use people performing specific activities or using specific objects.
They can add diversity and inclusivity to your design, especially if you use people from different backgrounds, cultures and identities.
What to Look for in a Cutout Library?
Not all cutout libraries are created equal. Some may have low-resolution images, poor cropping, unrealistic lighting or limited diversity. Others may have high-quality images, but charge a lot of money or have restrictive licenses.
When choosing a cutout library for your renderings, here are some factors to consider:
The quality of the images: The images should be high-resolution, well-cropped, well-lit and well-edited. They should also match the style and perspective of your renderings.
The diversity of the images: The images should represent a variety of people, animals, plants and objects that are relevant to your design. They should also reflect the diversity of the real world in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability and more.
The ease of use: The images should be easy to download, organize and insert into your renderings. They should also have transparent backgrounds and consistent naming conventions.
The cost of the images: The images should be affordable for your budget and needs. Some libraries may offer free or low-cost images, but with limited options or licenses. Others may offer premium or subscription-based images, but with more options or licenses.
The license of the images: The images should have a clear and fair license that allows you to use them for your intended purpose. Some libraries may have a personal or non-commercial license only, while others may have a commercial or royalty-free license.
The Best Cutout Libraries for Architects
Here are some of the best cutout libraries for architects that we recommend:
Skalgubbar
Skalgubbar is one of the most popular cutout libraries for architects. It was created by Teodor Javanaud Emdén, a Swedish architect who started taking photos of his friends and colleagues as cutouts for his own projects.
Skalgubbar has over 2,000 free cutouts of people in various poses and situations. The images are high-quality, diverse and fun. They also have a distinctive style that adds personality and humor to your renderings.
You can download the images as PNG files with transparent backgrounds. You can also browse the images by category or search by keyword. Skalgubbar has a personal license only, which means you can use the images for non-commercial purposes, but you have to credit the source and link to the website.
Nonscandinavia
Nonscandinavia is a cutout library that aims to increase the diversity and representation of people in architectural renderings. It was created by a group of students from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP).
Nonscandinavia has over 1,000 free cutouts of people from different backgrounds, cultures and identities. The images are high-quality, diverse and inclusive. They also have a realistic and contemporary style that matches the current trends and issues in architecture and society.
You can download the images as PNG files with transparent backgrounds. You can also browse the images by category or search by keyword. Nonscandinavia has a creative commons license, which means you can use the images for any purpose, but you have to credit the source and link to the website.
Immediate Entourage
Immediate Entourage is a cutout library that offers a large collection of people, animals, plants and objects for your renderings. It was created by Ronen Bekerman, a leading architectural visualization artist and blogger.
Immediate Entourage has over 10,000 free cutouts of various subjects and themes. The images are high-quality, diverse and versatile. They also have a realistic and professional style that suits any type of design or project.
You can download the images as PNG files with transparent backgrounds. You can also browse the images by category or search by keyword. Immediate Entourage has a royalty-free license, which means you can use the images for any purpose, without any attribution or limitation.
MrCutout
MrCutout is a cutout library that offers a premium selection of people, animals, plants and objects for your renderings. It was created by Peter Janov, a Slovakian architect and 3D artist.
MrCutout has over 20,000 cutouts of various subjects and themes. The images are high-quality, diverse and detailed. They also have a realistic and elegant style that adds sophistication and refinement to your renderings.
You can download the images as PNG files with transparent backgrounds. You can also browse the images by category or search by keyword. MrCutout has a subscription-based model, which means you have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to access the images. However, you can also get some free samples or discounts if you register or refer a friend.
VizPeople
VizPeople is a cutout library that offers a premium selection of people, animals, plants and objects for your renderings. It was created by Viz-People Studio, a Polish company that specializes in 3D modeling and visualization.
VizPeople has over 30,000 cutouts of various subjects and themes. The images are high-quality, diverse and realistic. They also have a modern and stylish style that reflects the latest trends and fashions in architecture and design.
You can browse the images by category or search by keyword. VizPeople has a premium model, which means you have to pay per image or per bundle to access the images.
However, you can also get some free samples or discounts if you subscribe or join their loyalty program.
How to Use Cutouts Effectively in Your Renderings?
Using cutouts in your renderings can be a great way to enhance your design and presentation. However, it can also be tricky to do it right. Here are some tips on how to use cutouts effectively in your renderings:
Choose the right cutouts for your design: Make sure the cutouts match the style, perspective, lighting and context of your renderings. Also make sure they are relevant to your design concept and purpose.
Use the right amount of cutouts: Don't overcrowd or underpopulate your renderings with cutouts. Find a balance between realism and clarity.
Use the right placement of cutouts: Don't place cutouts randomly or arbitrarily in your renderings. Think about how they interact with your design elements and each other.
Use the right scale of cutouts: Don't make cutouts too big or too small in your renderings. Use them as reference points for your design scale and proportion.
Use the right color of cutouts: Don't make cutouts too bright or too dark in your renderings. Adjust their color balance and saturation to match your rendering tone and mood.
Use the right editing of cutouts: Don't leave cutouts as they are in your renderings. Apply some effects such as blur, shadow, reflection or transparency to make them blend in better with your rendering environment.
Need Help with Your Architectural Renderings?
If you're an architect, designer, or developer, you know how important it is to showcase your projects in the best possible way. You want to impress your clients, attract new ones, and stand out from the competition. But creating high-quality architectural renderings can be time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating. That's why we're here to help!
We are Render4tomorrow, a team of professional 3D artists who specialize in creating stunning architectural renderings for any type of project. Whether you need interior or exterior views, day or night scenes, realistic or stylized images, we can do it all. We work with you to understand your vision, style, and preferences, and we deliver the results you need in a fast and affordable way.
Just send us your sketches, plans, or 3D models, and we'll take care of the rest. You'll get realistic and beautiful renderings that will make your projects come to life. You can use them for presentations, marketing, websites, social media, or anything else you want.
Don't let poor renderings ruin your reputation or your business. Let us help you create the best architectural renderings for your projects. Contact us today and get a free quote!