The Best Computer Graphics eBooks for Beginners

Start your journey with the best computer graphics ebooks for beginners, recommended by leaders, experts, and readers worldwide

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Recommendations by Andrew Glassner, Ed Angel, Joy Schwabach, Dylan Bennett and 5 others
1
Book Cover of Gabriel Gambetta - Computer Graphics from Scratch: A Programmer's Introduction to 3D Rendering

By Gabriel Gambetta – Senior Engineer at Google Zürich (you?) 

4.65
| 2021 | 248 Pages
Recommended for: 
Aspiring graphics engineers and novice programmers with basic coding knowledge and high school math. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Understand perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D plane.
  • Learn to simulate the interaction of light rays with surfaces.
  • Discover how to add mirror-like reflections and cast shadows on objects.
  • Understand rendering scenes from different camera positions using clipping planes.
  • Learn about different shading techniques like flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading.
Reviews:
Clear Explanations
Simplified Approach
Pseudocode Examples
Live JavaScript Demos
Realistic Reflections
Math-Heavy
Intimidating for Newcomers
  • #16 Best Seller in Adobe Illustrator Guides on Amazon
  • Midwest Book Review Editor’s Choice
Recommended by Joy Schwabach, Dylan Bennett, Rik Farrow and 1 other
Joy SchwabachThere's enough information in his book for a university course. In fact, the book is based on the course Gambetta taught before he became a senior engineer at Google
Dylan BennettI love it. I love fundamental and foundational books like this. It's not tied to language or platform so doesn't get dated. I learned SO MUCH going through this book. . . . I definitely recommend this book if learning computer graphics fundamentals is something you're curious about
Rik FarrowIf you want to understand how shaders are programmed, something important not just to game developers or animators but to anyone who needs to understand what's happening with the graphics library that they are using that isn't working right, this book is for you. The math is just algebra with linear algebra included, and Gambetta builds up his renderers from scratch in a manner that appears logical and easy to follow
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2
Book Cover of Tomas Akenine-Möller, Eric Haines, Naty Hoffman - Real-Time Rendering, Fourth Edition

By Tomas Akenine-Möller – Professor in Computer Science specializing in computer graphics and image processing (you?) and 2 more 

4.56
| 2018 | 1178 Pages
Recommended for: 
Serious about computer graphics, interested in algorithms for creating synthetic images for virtual environments. Intermediate to Advanced readers.
You will:
  • Understand fundamental principles of 3D interactive computer graphics
  • Learn about acceleration algorithms and graphics APIs
  • Discover new topics like virtual reality, global illumination, and curves
  • Explore techniques for creating synthetic images in real-time
  • Gain insights into modern game engine features and limitations
Reviews:
Comprehensive Reference
Latest Techniques
Virtual Reality Chapter
Visual Appearance Coverage
Global Illumination Coverage
Print Quality
Thin Pages
  • #1 Best Seller in Rendering & Ray Tracing on Amazon
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Computer Graphics Book made by AI

By TailoredRead – AI that creates personalized books for you 

4.98
| 2024 | 30-300 pages
Learn Computer Graphics faster with a book created specifically for you by state-of-the-art AI. Our AI has vast knowledge of Computer Graphics, and will craft a custom-tailored book for you in just 10 minutes. This tailored book addresses YOUR unique interests, goals, knowledge level, and background. Available for online reading, PDF download, and Kindle, your custom book will provide personalized insights to help you learn faster, expand your horizons, and accomplish your goals. Embark on your Computer Graphics learning journey with a personalized book - made exclusively for you.
Recommended for: 
All readers across all knowledge levels.
You will:
  • Get a Computer Graphics book tailored to your interests, goals, and background
  • Receive a book precisely matching your background and level of knowledge
  • Select which topics you want to learn, exclude the topics you don't
  • Define your learning goals and let your book guide you to accomplish them
  • Get all the knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book
Reviews:
Insightful
Focused
Highly Personalized
Easy to Read
Engaging
Actionable
Up-to-Date
3
Book Cover of Steve Marschner, Peter Shirley - Fundamentals of Computer Graphics: International Student Edition
4.51
| 2021 | 700 Pages
Recommended for: 
Students & Experts in Computer Graphics. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Understand computer graphics fundamentals
  • Learn about two-dimensional and three-dimensional images
  • Discover the significance of physics, perception, optics, and geometry in computer graphics
  • Explore the applications of computer graphics in advertising, animation, video games, and movies
  • Gain insights appropriate for both students and experts in the field
Reviews:
Comprehensive Insights
Incredible Insights
Detailed Information
Appropriate for Students
Appropriate for Experts
Too Theoretical
Not Practical
  • #15 Best Seller in Rendering & Ray Tracing on Amazon
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4
Book Cover of Mike Bailey, Steve Cunningham - Graphics Shaders: Theory and Practice, Second Edition

By Mike Bailey – Professor of Computer Science at Oregon State University (you?) and 1 more 

4.47
| 2011 | 520 Pages
Recommended for: 
Computer graphics students & professionals. Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Understand shader programming in general and focus on GLSL shading language
  • Learn to write programmable shaders and reinforce fundamentals of computer graphics
  • Explore how shaders can be used in various applications
  • Understand changes in OpenGL API and tessellation shaders
  • Develop, test, and tune shaders separately from applications
Reviews:
Comprehensive Examples
Clear Explanations
Cutting-Edge Shaders
Development Tools
Practical Practice
Misleading Product Page
Limited Code Compatibility
Recommended by Andrew Glassner, Ed Angel, Chunhyok Chong and 1 other
Andrew GlassnerShaders are an essential tool in today’s computer graphics, from films and games to science and industry. In this excellent book, Bailey and Cunningham not only clearly explain the how and why of shaders, but they provide a wealth of cutting-edge shaders and development tools. If you want to learn about shaders, this is the place to start!
Ed AngelIf you are one of the multitudes of OpenGL programmers wondering about how to get started with programmable shaders or what they are good for, this is the book for you. Mike and Steve have filled their new edition with such a variety of interesting examples that you'll be running to your computer to begin writing your own shaders
Chunhyok ChongGood Paragon among Shader Books
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5
Book Cover of David Gould - Complete Maya Programming: An Extensive Guide to MEL and C++ API (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics)
4.43
| 2003 | 528 Pages
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6
Book Cover of Wolfgang Engel - GPU Pro 4: Advanced Rendering Techniques

By Wolfgang Engel – CTO of The Forge Interactive (you?) 

4.35
| 2013 | 384 Pages
Recommended for: 
Game and graphics programmers of all levels. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Understand real-time graphics programming challenges
  • Learn new shading and illumination techniques
  • Discover image space algorithms for realistic rendering
  • Explore game engine design principles
  • Understand GPU parallelism in various applications
Reviews:
Cutting-Edge Techniques
Real-Time Graphics
Interactive Media
Practical Tips
High-Quality Collection
Not Beginner-Friendly
Complex Concepts
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7
Book Cover of Wolfgang Engel - GPU PRO 3: Advanced Rendering Techniques

By Wolfgang Engel – CTO of The Forge Interactive & Editor of ShaderX and GPU Pro books series (you?) 

4.35
| 2012 | 408 Pages
Recommended for: 
Game and graphics programmers. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Create interesting geometry
  • Implement realistic shading techniques
  • Understand real-time global illumination
  • Optimize 3D engines
  • Leverage GPGPU power for graphics programming
Reviews:
Practical Tips
Cutting-Edge Techniques
Real-Time Graphics
Useful for Beginners
Useful for Seasoned Programmers
Not Practical
Repetitive Content
Recommended by Wisconsin Bookwatch
Wisconsin BookwatchGPU Pro3 is a guide to high-end computer graphics for video games and computer animation. Discussing the latest advancements in technology and graphical artistry, taken from fifty of the industry’s best, it covers tips on creating interesting geometry, shading, illumination shadows, optimizing 3D engines, and much more. GPU Pro3 is presented with full-color photos of graphical examples, charts, indexes, glossaries, and much more, making it an ideal addition to community and college collections catering to technology and artistic design
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8
Book Cover of Frahaan Hussain, Kameron Hussain - OpenGL Foundations: Taking Your First Steps in Graphics Programming (OpenGL Series)

By Frahaan Hussain – Graphics Programming Expert (you?) and 1 more 

4.29
| 2023 | 212 Pages
Recommended for: 
Graphics programming enthusiasts and developers seeking to enhance their skills. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Understand core concepts of computer graphics and OpenGL
  • Learn about 2D and 3D rendering, transformations, and shaders
  • Explore advanced topics like lighting, texture mapping, and modern OpenGL features
  • Gain skills to create stunning graphics and interactive applications
  • Tackle common graphics programming challenges effectively
Reviews:
Comprehensive Guide
Hands-on Approach
Advanced Topics
Practical Examples
Solutions Provided
  • #32 Best Seller in OpenGL Software Programming on Amazon
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9
Book Cover of Sumanta Guha - Computer Graphics Through OpenGL®: From Theory to Experiments

By Sumanta Guha – Ph.D. in mathematics & computer science, University faculty for over 30 years (you?) 

4.28
| 2022 | 676 Pages
Recommended for: 
Undergraduate students studying computer graphics and individuals interested in self-study of computer graphics principles and OpenGL® programming. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Foundations of 3D Computer Graphics
  • OpenGL® 4.x Programming
  • WebGL® 2.0 Usage
  • Shader Programming
  • Graphics Pipeline Implementation
Reviews:
Comprehensive Coverage
Interactive Approach
Balanced Theory & Practice
Hands-On Learning
No Previous Knowledge Required
Misprints in Diagrams
High Price
  • #69 Best Seller in OpenGL Software Programming on Amazon
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10
Book Cover of Samuel R. Buss - 3D Computer Graphics: A Mathematical Introduction with OpenGL

By Samuel R. Buss – Mathematical approach to CG, OpenGL expert (you?) 

4.27
| 2003 | 396 Pages
Recommended for: 
Advanced undergraduate & introductory graduate students. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Understand fundamentals and mathematics of computer graphics
  • Learn programming techniques using OpenGL
  • Explore advanced topics like animations and kinematics
  • Acquire knowledge on transformations and lighting in graphics
  • Discover source code for ray tracing software package
Reviews:
Mathematical Approach
OpenGL Introduction
Ray Tracing
Radiosity
Animation & Kinematics
Not for Experts
Aphorisms Ignored
  • #64 Best Seller in OpenGL Software Programming on Amazon
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