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how to create 360 images

How to Create 360 Images: A Complete Guide for Photographers and Real Estate Agents


360-degree images have transformed industries like real estate, tourism, and photography. They offer immersive experiences that engage audiences like never before. Whether you’re a photographer expanding your services or a real estate agent creating stunning virtual tours, learning how to produce high-quality 360 images is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything—from understanding 360 image formats to capturing, editing, and sharing them effectively. By the end, you’ll have the skills to create breathtaking 360-degree content.

Start creating 360 virtual tours today with ThreeSixty.Tours!

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I. Introduction

What Are 360 Images?

360 images, also called spherical or panoramic images, capture an entire scene in all directions. Unlike traditional photos that show only one angle, 360 images let viewers explore a space by dragging their cursor or moving their device. This creates an interactive, immersive experience.

Why Are 360 Images Important?

360-degree images are widely used across various industries:

  • Real Estate: Virtual tours let buyers explore properties remotely, saving time and making listings more engaging.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels and travel agencies use 360 images to showcase destinations, helping travelers make informed decisions.
  • Gaming & VR: Developers use 360 images to build immersive virtual environments.
  • Photography & Marketing: Photographers and marketers create compelling, shareable content that stands out online.

Overview of the Process

Creating a high-quality 360 image involves several steps:

  • Understanding different 360 image formats.
  • Choosing the right camera and software.
  • Capturing high-resolution 360 photos.
  • Editing and processing images for a seamless experience.
  • Sharing and embedding 360 images in virtual tours.

By following this guide, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to create stunning 360-degree images.

Start building your virtual tours with ThreeSixty.Tours today!

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II. Understanding 360 Image Types

Spherical vs. Cubic 360 Images

There are two main types of 360-degree images: spherical and cubic.

Spherical 360 Images

Spherical images, also called equirectangular images, are the most common type of 360-degree photos. They are captured as a continuous panorama and mapped onto a sphere, allowing viewers to explore the entire scene.

  • Best for: Virtual tours, real estate, and travel photography.
  • Pros: Smooth and immersive experience, supported by most 360 platforms.
  • Cons: Requires specialized cameras or stitching software.

Cubic 360 Images

Cubic images split the scene into six square images (like the faces of a cube). These images are stitched together to form a 360-degree view.

  • Best for: VR applications and gaming environments.
  • Pros: Works well for rendering 3D spaces.
  • Cons: More complex stitching process.

Choosing the Right Format

For real estate and photography, spherical 360 images are the best choice. They are widely supported and easy to use with virtual tour platforms like ThreeSixty.Tours.

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Virtual Tour of Luxury Hotel 👇 – (Click on “3D Tour”) 

III. Required Tools and Equipment

To create professional 360 images, you need the right tools.

Best Cameras for 360 Photography

  1. Dedicated 360 Cameras
    • Ricoh Theta Z1 – High-quality images for professionals.
    • Insta360 ONE X2 – Affordable and great for beginners.
    • GoPro MAX – Durable and perfect for outdoor use.
  2. Smartphones with 360 Capabilities
    • Some smartphones, like Google Pixel, have built-in 360 photo modes.
    • Apps like Google Street View let you capture and stitch 360 images.
  3. DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Setup
    • Use a fisheye lens and a pano head tripod for ultra-high-resolution 360 images.
    • Requires stitching software like PTGui or Hugin.

Best Software for Editing and Processing

  • Adobe Photoshop – Great for retouching and correcting stitching errors.
  • PTGui – Powerful tool for stitching multiple images into a seamless panorama.
  • ThreeSixty.Tours – Upload, host, and share 360-degree virtual tours easily.

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Virtual Tour With Aerial Image 👇 – Try it Out! 

IV. Capturing 360 Images

Choosing the Right Environment and Lighting

  • Avoid extreme lighting contrasts (e.g., bright windows and dark interiors).
  • Use natural light when possible, but add soft artificial lighting if needed.

Positioning and Stability

  • Use a tripod to prevent distortion and stitching errors.
  • Keep the camera at eye level for a natural perspective.

Capturing the Image

  1. Using a 360 Camera: Press the shutter button, and the camera captures a full 360-degree image.
  2. Using a DSLR Setup:
    • Take multiple overlapping images while rotating the camera.
    • Use a pano head tripod for proper alignment.
    • Stitch the images together in post-processing.

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V. Editing and Processing 360 Images

Uploading and Stitching Images

  • Import images into PTGui or Hugin for stitching.
  • Adjust alignment and fix any stitching errors.

Enhancing Image Quality

  • Use Adobe Photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
  • Remove unwanted objects or blemishes.

Adding Interactivity

  • Platforms like ThreeSixty.Tours let you add interactive elements like hotspots and annotations.

Exporting the Final Image

  • Save the image in JPEG or PNG format with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
  • Optimize the file size for fast loading on websites and virtual tour platforms.

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VI. Sharing and Embedding 360 Images

Where to Share Your 360 Images

  • Real Estate Listings: Platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com support 360 images for virtual tours.
  • Social Media: Facebook and Instagram allow users to upload and explore 360-degree photos.
  • Websites & Blogs: Embed 360 images on your website to enhance user engagement.
  • Google Maps & Street View: Upload your 360 images to improve visibility on Google searches.

How to Embed 360 Images on Your Website

  1. Upload your image to ThreeSixty.Tours.
  2. Copy the embed code provided by the platform.
  3. Paste the code into your website’s HTML.

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VII. Conclusion

The Power of 360 Images

360 images create immersive experiences that captivate audiences. Whether you’re a photographer showcasing your portfolio or a real estate agent offering virtual tours, 360-degree photography is a game-changer.

Keep Practicing and Improving

The best way to master 360 photography is through practice. Experiment with different cameras, software, and techniques to refine your skills.

The Future of 360 Photography

As technology advances, 360 images will become even more essential for marketing, storytelling, and virtual experiences. By using platforms like ThreeSixty.Tours, you can create professional-grade virtual tours that engage and impress your audience.

Are you ready to start creating stunning 360 images? Explore ThreeSixty.Tours today!

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This guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating high-quality 360 images. By following these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to producing immersive, interactive content that stands out in the digital space. 🚀