CelShading

Cel shading, or cel-shading, is a type of non-photorealistic rendering that makes 3D computer graphics resemble traditional hand-drawn animation. The goal is to create the appearance of flat, distinct color regions with clear outlines, rather than smooth, gradient shading.

The defining features of cel shading include the use of discrete shading steps rather than continuous illumination, often producing a small number of color bands per surface. Contour lines or edge outlines are typically added to emphasize shape and volume. Shading is usually paired with supplementary textures or ramps to control how colors change with lighting, while still maintaining a cartoon-like look. The combination of flat color regions, bold outlines, and stylized lighting gives scenes a graphic, comic-book or anime-inspired appearance.

Historically, cel shading emerged from non-photorealistic rendering research and gained popularity in interactive media during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Notable early examples include Jet Set Radio (Dreamcast, 2000) and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube, 2002), which helped popularize the stylized aesthetic in games. Other prominent titles employing cel-shaded techniques or related aesthetics include Okami (2006) and Borderlands (2009), each showcasing how 3D models can resemble two-dimensional art.

Applications and reception vary by medium. In video games, cel shading is used to achieve a distinctive, easily readable look and can simplify lighting complexity. In animation and film, similar techniques contribute to a stylized, illustrative feel while leveraging 3D production methods.