What Is a 3D Viewer?
A 3D viewer is a software designed to display three-dimensional images, including design data from 3D CAD software and 3D character models. It allows users to interact with 3D data, enabling them to rotate, move, zoom in and out, and view shapes from various angles. The software can also be used to display composite images against different backgrounds, and virtual spaces like the Metaverse can be considered as a type of 3D viewer.
Uses of 3D Viewers
In design environments, 3D viewers are commonly used for reviewing and presenting 3D models created with 3D-CAD software. They offer clear visibility of models, making them useful for client presentations, and can be operated on mobile computers for portability. Additionally, 3D viewers are used to create and manipulate 3D character models, like those used by V-Tubers, enabling the addition of various effects such as lighting and shadows to produce diverse images or videos.
Principle of 3D Viewers
While 3D models can be displayed using the 3D-CAD software in which they were created, 3D-CAD software is often expensive and requires high-performance computers for smooth operation. Reviewers do not always have access to specialized and costly 3D-CAD software. Most 3D viewers support multiple file extensions, but it is important to ensure that the viewer is compatible with the specific extension of the 3D model being used. Recent advancements in 3D-CAD allow for saving models in 3D-PDF format, which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat, broadening the accessibility of 3D content.