The technological innovation has made it possible to even view 3D files on mobile phones. A 3D viewer is a tool or an application that enables users to view 3D models of their product designs using computer-aided design(CAD) software. A 3D viewer application offers features such as measurement tools, annotations, and innovative rendering options to facilitate collaboration and enhance user experience. With 3D viewer apps, users can easily rotate, pan, and zoom to observe the models from various angles and identify intricate details.
A product lifecycle management system having built-in 3D CAD viewer enables product team to review and analyze 3D designs before releasing the final version. The app supports 3D files in formats including JT, OBJ, gITF, and STL. You can view 3D models with controlled lighting adjustments and different shade modes such as smooth, texture passes, etc. The 3D viewer app supports CAD format and runs almost on all devices with a stable internet connection. The app is also compatible with Android and iOS devices. Other features included in app are export options, multiple file support, file sharing tools, and more.
Let us check the top 10 3D viewer apps you can download for your mobile phones and desktops.
1. Blender
Blender is the most preferred choice by project teams for viewing 3D models. It offers a range of features including modelling, texturing, rendering, and composition of 3D designs. It is an open-source 3D graphic tool with a user-friendly interface. The software supports project teams in creation of animation movies, visual effects, motion graphics, virtual reality, and video games. Some notable features of the Blender are UV mapping, digital drawing, fluid and smoke simulation, video editing, etc. It offers different modes to interact with objects such as Object mode and Edit mode.
2. SculptGL
SculptGL is a free web sculpting app for beginners looking for 3D sculpting. The software includes assorted brushes and manipulation tools to help you begin with the 3D sculpting. Multi-resolution sculpting, voxel remeshing, and PBR vertex painting are some of the features offered in the app. It allows you to export files in OBJ, PLY,or STL formats. The app also includes few traditional sculpting tools like brush, inflate, smooth, and flatten.
3. 3D Model Viewer
3D Model Viewer is a lightweight, open-source 3D viewer app with a user-friendly interface. It also offers you a demo to visualize how your 3D designs will appear in the app. Its interactive feature set includes toggling light, background, textures, and wireframes. The app is available only in Android devices. The supported formats for exporting files are OBJ, STL, and DAE. The app demonstrates the process of drawing in Android using the OpenGL 2.0 and by sharing the source code.
4. Emb3D
Emb3d is a 3d viewer app that runs on both Android and iOS devices. You can view 3D version of your file by loading the file in the “Load Model” option at the bottom of viewer. The software supports popular file formats such as 3DS, GLB, OBJ, STL, and ZIP. There are also options provided for selecting the mesh, changing the background, and toggling the lights. You can export the file in the browser version. The software offers free cloud storage feature.
5. AMC Bridge ViewER
AMC Bridge ViewER is an Android-supported software that enables integration of several 3D models with an AR(Augmented Reality) background by recording live videos. With an easy-to-use interface, it allows you to open the 3D file directly from the Dropbox. You can also launch your model against a particular background image. On the left side of app, there’s a “+” option that provides various navigation features such as panning and rotating around the center, pinching in and out using two fingers, etc.
6. ViewSTL
ViewSTL is a browser application that can read 3D files in OBJ and STL formats. You do not require an account to view the files. It is suitable for those who want to open their 3D files without needing to logging into the app. It provides you tools for toggling between multiple orientations, turning on the grid, capturing screenshots, and changing the background color. By simply dragging and dropping the files, you can easily view 3D model of your files in the app.
7. Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a prototype software that helps you design 3D meshes efficiently. It allows you to conduct 3D scan, 3D printing or design an object that fits other existing objects. The innovative app is developed by software company, Autodesk, Inc and is based on high-resolution dynamic triangle meshes. The app is available for free-of-charge. Meshmixer supports STL file formats. Using its “Plane Cut” feature, you can cut the 3D model into several individual parts.
8. Viz4D
Viz4D is a web-based 3D viewer app that operates on mobile and VR. The app boasts an “Auto Optimization” technology that enables you to visualize complex scenes with millions of polygons on a standalone VR headset. You can also create VR showrooms, virtual galleries, and museums using Viz4D software. It enables you to create high-performing VR mobile-web experiences from 3dsMax scene. Viz4D’s revolutionary solutions are utilized by metaverse companies to create more realistic VR experiences.
9. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D app that not only helps in creating 3D models but also facilitates electronics and coding. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, users with no CAD experience can also use the app efficiently. Tutorials are provided with the app to guide beginners on how to use the app effectively. It allows you to move, rotate, and scale the shapes easily to develop more intricate versions of the model. You can also export your file in SVG format for laser cutting.
10. Vectary
Vectary is a browser-based 3D and AR design tool with a simple interface useful for designing 3D meshes and parametric modelling. The app focuses on rendering product and graphic design. You can view 3D models of your files in the browser without downloading the app. It allows you to publish and showcase all your concepts within a single platform. Vectary facilitates real-time rendering, interactions, animations, and other intuitive features for transforming your product into a complete 3D visual experience.
