How to View 3D Models

In our era of digitalization, where consumers have become more tech-savvy, they have also become more selective with product choices. With continuous technological advancement, 3D modeling has revolutionized product design, manufacturing, and advertising. It has been impacting various industries and helps manufacturers visualize their products and give consumers a concrete picture of their business ideas.

As technology continuously transforms work, 3D modeling is no longer the preserve of architects and engineers. With the growing competition in the eCommerce industry, offering 3D models of your products can get you ahead of the competition. Many companies like Cyber-Fox.net offer their 3D rendering, 3D visualizer, and 3D modeling services to support business owners. 

What Are 3D Models and What Are They Used For?

3D modeling uses special software to manipulate vertices to create a three-dimensional representation of a surface, product, or object. A 3D model can be made up of simple shapes to more complicated designs. The 3D model can accurately represent an object’s texture, shape, and size. 3D model creators can make models from existing objects or create structures of things that were not yet built in real life.

For Engineering and Architecture

Engineers and architects use 3D models to create designs. It’s beneficial for them because it can show the exact details of their plan and reveal the potential problems with the building structure that traditional methods and 2D plans cannot deliver.

For Game Development

Game designers and developers also use the 3D model to create characters, props, and settings to make their ideas or projections look real. Video animators also use 3D models to create movies and TV shows with clean and seamless effects.

For Product Design and Presentation

Many companies use 3D models for their pre-production. This assists them in looking for errors and adjusting the product as needed. They can also help pitch the company’s product ideas to investors. It’s a powerful way to present a product and persuade investors by letting them fully envision the final result. In addition, online customers will likely choose a 3D model showing an actual representation of a product before buying it.

5 Ways to View 3D Models Online

Viewing 3D models requires advanced applications such as AutoCAD. However, if you don’t have access to AutoCAD applications, there are browsers available online to help you view 3D models.

3D models have various file formats such as GLB, STL, OBJ, etc. The following viewers may not offer the heavy features of CAD tools but are practical ways to view 3D models online. 

1. Creators3d.com

Creators3d.com is a website that enables the viewing of 3D models for free online. The website lets users view 3D files like MTL, BIN, FBX, DAE, 3MF, and many more. It has an interactive 3D viewer and an option to change output orientation.

Creators3d’s main feature is the interactive 3D window allowing users to load a model and view it from different directions. The website also has a feature that allows users to change or adjust the view, exposure, lighting, and the model’s orientation. Users can also share their work with others. 

2. Online 3D Viewer

Online 3D Viewer is a great 3D model viewer that lets users upload and view their files. You can drag and drop your 3D model files or click the icon. It supports various 3D formats such as STL and OBJ.

3D models can be speculated from all directions on the website’s main viewer. Users can pick the mouse or the free orbit tool to rotate or change the direction of the model. The viewer can also show the names of all the 3D model’s elements and can select those elements to highlight them or hide them from a model.

3. Sketchfab

Sketchfab is a website community for 3D artists to publish and share their 3D art and discover other artists’ 3D and virtual reality (VR) content. Sketchfab has various features and allows users to view 3D models online through their desktop, mobile phone browser, or VR headset.

Sketchfab’s main feature is its VR and 3D model viewer, allowing users to move models freely inside the 3D scene. Aside from static models, users can also share and view interactive and animated models. The website also offers features to edit and enhance the model’s filters, lightning, and annotation. 

4. 3Dviewer.net

3dviewer.net is a free 3D viewing website that supports 3D formats like 3DM, STL, OB, etc. Users can see the 3D output from all directions on the main page. It has a free orbit tool that helps users navigate their model, and some tools can flip vectors and perform other similar functions.

3dviewer.net lets users make changes to their model, like highlighting elements or hiding them. The website also has two themes – dark and light.

5. Modelviewer.dev

Modelviewer.dev is another website that offers free 3D viewing. You don’t only see your 3D output but also have the option to edit it on-site. However, this website only supports the formats HLTF and GLB. 

The main features of this online viewer include allowing users to see their model with different motion elements and having tools that let users move, zoom, or change model orientation. Users can also see the source code of the output 3D model.

Conclusion

There are numerous free 3D viewers on the internet with almost the same features. It’s up to the users to pick the best 3D viewing website that supports the format used for their 3D model.