3D models made in Makers Empire can be exported and used in many third party apps. The following guide will explain these various 3D model types, how they are different and which file type fits your particular use case.
First, design your model in the app and hit the finish button. Once your on the "My designs" page select Downloads>3D files>Web Download.
You can also get to the file download page from the teacher dashboard by selecting Print Manager>My 3D files and click the download button below a design.
Let's take a look at the file types in this list. You’re probably familiar with the STL format if you’ve been 3D printing your creations. STL(Standard Tessellation Language) files have been around since the very beginning of 3D printing and are still the de facto standard for 3D print files. This file only contains data about the geometry though and won't provide the desired results if you want to print a multicolour print on a modern multilateral printer.
The GLB format is a file format which includes geometry, texture and even animation data all in one file. The GLB format is great for adding your 3D model to presentations, games and even VR. Other formats such as OBJ save the geometry in one file and the texture information as an accompanying MTL file, these files have typically been associated with game design.
Makers Empire software includes a function to view 3D models in Augmented reality using the camera on your device. The printable QR code allows any device to super impose the 3D model in to the real world.
Lastly the JPG is simply a picture of a static view of your 3D model. The viewing angle is set by the last view orientation you had on your model before you saved it. This jpg provides a simple way to add the 3D model to a printed document or for post processing in a graphic design program like Photoshop.
The range of files that you can export from Makers Empire
Format | GLB | STL | OBJ | AR PDF | JPG |
Feature | Full colored 3D model. Includes texture, animation and other data | One color 3D model. | Full color 3D model. This 3D file includes an accompanying MTL(material) file.
| Print out to allow for augmented reality (AR) view on phones/tablets | Image file |
Usage | Word / Powerpoint / CoSpace | 3D printing | 3D printing 3D programs Game Design | AR viewing on smart phone or | Word / Powerpoint etc |
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We hope this explains the differences in model types that can be exported from Makers Empire. Now you know how to export into many formats, why not try experimenting with AR or even make your 3D character the star of their own video game.