This guide covers everything your IT team and teachers need: installing the app, network allow-listing, rostering (Clever, Google Classroom, CSV), and creating student accounts.
Quick checklist for IT
Install the Makers Empire 3D app on student and teacher devices (Section 1)
Allow-list Makers Empire domains and ports on your firewall / web filter (Section 2)
Approve Makers Empire as a third-party app in Google Workspace and/or Clever (Section 3)
Send us your district Data Privacy Agreement if required (Section 5)
1. Download and install the Makers Empire 3D app
The app is available on all major school platforms. All downloads: www.makersempire.com/download
Chromebooks (most common in US districts)
Makers Empire runs as an Android app on Chromebooks. All Chromebooks since 2019 (and many earlier models) are supported. It does not run on ChromeOS Flex.
For managed devices, in the Google Admin Console go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions, make sure Android applications on Chrome devices is set to Allow, then search the Play Store tab for Makers Empire 3D and add it.
For younger students we recommend Force install + pin so the app appears automatically.
Students do not need general Google Play Store access. Only the apps you approve will be visible.
Full step-by-step guide with screenshots: How do I install Makers Empire on my Chromebooks?
iPads
Download from the App Store: Makers Empire 3D for iPad
For managed iPads, acquire the app through Apple School Manager (Apps and Books) and deploy it with your MDM (e.g. Jamf, Mosyle, Intune).
Windows
All-users installer (requires admin rights): MakersEmpire3D.msi
Per-user installer (no admin password needed): MakersEmpire3D_PerUserInstall.msi
The MSI can be deployed to labs or fleets with Group Policy, Intune, SCCM/MECM or your usual deployment scripts.
Once installed, the app updates itself automatically; no admin account is needed for updates.
Mac
Mac App Store: Makers Empire 3D for Mac (deployable via Apple School Manager / MDM)
No App Store access? See Download Makers Empire on macOS without the App Store
Android tablets: Google Play (Android 7 and newer).
Device compatibility details: What platforms/devices does Makers Empire 3D work on?
2. Network setup: firewall, web filter and allow-listing
If your district restricts URLs or ports (e.g. via a firewall or a content filter such as GoGuardian, Securly, Lightspeed or iboss), please allow the following so Makers Empire works correctly.
Wildcard option (recommended)
*.makersempire.com
makersempireprd.blob.core.windows.net
Enable ports 80 and 443 (HTTP/HTTPS) on these domains.
Exact URLs (if wildcards aren't allowed)
dash.makersempire.com
files.makersempire.com
3d.makersempire.com
cdn.makersempire.com
makersempireprd.blob.core.windows.net
fn1.makersempire.com (UDP ports 7770–7877, required for the multiplayer Planets feature)
Chromebook app installs stalling? Your proxy may be blocking Google Play. Allow: android.clients.google.com, gght.com, gvt1.com, play.google.com, play.googleapis.com, www.googleapis.com, googlevideo.com.
Proxy servers: from version 4.4.1.4 the app connects through proxy servers without needing credentials. If you still have trouble, see How should I configure proxy credentials?
Quick test: if the app shows as offline, connect one device to a phone hotspot. If it works there, the issue is on the school network.
Full reference: What firewall/whitelist settings do I need?
3. Rostering and single sign-on (Clever, Google Classroom, Microsoft)
Makers Empire integrates with the rostering and login tools most US districts already use, so teachers and students don't need another password.
Note If your school has both Clever and Google Classroom you need to CHOOSE ONE because if students log in through Clever and the Teacher signs in with Google you won't be able to see each other.
Clever
Makers Empire is in the Clever Library: clever.com/library/app/makers-empire-3d
Teachers click Install, then Allow and continue, then enter the school's Product Key (or start a free trial). Their Clever classes appear on the Classes page, where they can star the classes to sync.
Students log in with the blue Sign in with Clever button in the app, using their Clever credentials or Clever Badge (great for K-2).
District admins: if teachers see an error that Library access isn't available, the Clever Library has been disabled at district level. Please enable it in your Clever dashboard (or approve Makers Empire for your teachers). Districts that can't use Clever Library can contact us to request Secure Sync rostering.
Google Classroom / Google Workspace for Education
Teachers sign in to the Teacher Dashboard with Sign in with Google / Google Classroom and approve access. Classes and students sync each time they log in (or via the Sync button). Teachers choose which classes to sync.
Students log in to the app with the Google button using their school Google account.
Google Workspace admins: if users see "Access blocked: Your institution's admin needs to review Makers Empire", approve Makers Empire under Security > Access and data control > API controls > App access control. Makers Empire requests read-only access to Classroom courses and rosters plus basic profile/email.
All students must have joined the Google Classroom BEFORE the Teacher syncs. If one student does not show up or you get a new student, you can keep resyncing until all your students show.
Microsoft and Apple sign-in
Students can also sign in with their Microsoft (school Microsoft 365) or Apple account. These options don't sync rosters, so students enter a Class Code the first time to join their teacher's class (see Section 4).
Not using any of these? Teachers can import classes from a CSV file (e.g. an export from your SIS such as PowerSchool, Infinite Campus or Skyward). See Section 4.
4. Creating teacher and student accounts
Teachers
Sign in at the Teacher Dashboard with Clever, Google, Microsoft or email, then enter your school's Product Key to join your school's licence. See What is a Product Key?
Students: choose the option that suits your school
Option A: Clever or Google Classroom (recommended). Classes and students sync automatically, students use existing logins, and end-of-year rollover is easy. Follow Section 3.
Option B: Single sign-on with a Class Code (Google, Microsoft, Clever or Apple)
Create a class in the Teacher Dashboard (Class Management > Classes) or use an existing one.
Note the Class Code shown under the class name.
Students open the app, tap Log In, choose their sign-in button, create an avatar and username, then enter the Class Code. They will appear in your class.
Option C: CSV import (great for whole grades or schools)
In the Teacher Dashboard go to Class Management > Classes, select a class and open the drop-down menu.
Choose CSV Import, download the template, add your class lists and upload.
CSV files can also be used for class rollover at the start of each school year. See Importing classes with CSV files.
Option D: Add students manually
Select a class in Class Management > Classes and click +.
Enter a username and password. Real name, email and grade are optional (real names are only visible to teachers).
Option E: Students create their own accounts (for confident readers)
Students tap New in the app, create an avatar and username, set a password or sign-in method, and then join their class by scanning the class QR code (best for younger students) or typing the Class Code.
Tip: you can download a printable list of student usernames and passwords from the dashboard. See How can I find my students' login details?
Full guide: How do I create/add new student accounts?
5. Student data privacy (FERPA, COPPA and DPAs)
Makers Empire is FERPA and COPPA compliant and works with hundreds of schools across the US.
Makers Empire can be used without any personally identifiable information: only a username and password are required, and the username doesn't need to be a real name.
We sign Data Privacy Agreements with districts across the USA. Please email your district's DPA to info@makersempire.com. We can also provide a W-9 on request.
Makers Empire is hosted on Microsoft Azure.
Contact Makers Empire USA
Email: info@makersempire.com