Exporting the finished model

2.6. Exporting the finished model

This section explains how to export your model for viewing outside 3DSOM Pro

Models can be exported into the following formats using the Export model... button or File > Export... menu item.

3DSOM Java Viewer - proprietary format for web using a Java applet rather than requiring any browser plugins - see Export for 3DSOM Java Viewer
3DSOM Flash Viewer - Flash scripted format for web using the popular Flash player (9 or higher). see Export for 3DSOM Flash Viewer
3DS - object file for 3D Studio Max - see Export for 3DS - 3D Studio Max
W3D - Macromedia Shockwave w3d file - see Export to W3D - Macromedia Shockwave 3D
X3D - see Exporting for X3D or VRML 2.0
WRL - VRML 2.0 - see Exporting for X3D or VRML 2.0
WRZ - VRML 2.0 compressed using ZIP for smaller file sizes - see Exporting for X3D or VRML 2.0
STL - save in binary STL file format used by stereolithography CAD software (only saves geometry).
BAC, TRA - MascotCapsule - see Exporting for MascotCapsule

In the Free Edition the only allowed export format is a special version of the 3DSOM Java Viewer format. You need to purchase the full version to allow export in 3DS, W3D, WRL etc.

Figure 2.6.1. The 3DSOM Pro Export Window

Many of the output formats create several different files. During export, you will be prompted before overwriting any existing files. Cancelling will cancel the export but may leave some already exported files in the chosen directory.

Export dialog options

"Use current orientation": this checkbox can be used for W3D, WRL, WGZ, 3DS and 3DSOM Java Viewer export to rotate the model so that it appears initially to be facing the same was as it is currently displayed in the View Model Window.

"Texture quality": controls the size of the texture map by changing the compression at the expense of reducing the texture quality - this is a value between 1 (lowest quality) and 100 (highest quality).

"Geometry quality": When available, this is a value between 1 (lowest quality, smallest size) and 100 (highest quality, largest size).

"Auto-launch viewer": when this checkbox is selected, 3DSOM Pro will attempt to open the exported file in an external application. The file associations setup with the operating system determine which applications (if any) are chosen.

"launch with HTML application viewer (allows local active content)": when this checkbox is selected in conjuction with "Auto-launch viewer" the Windows HTML Application viewer is used instead of the default web browser. This allows the model to be displayed quickly without requiring Windows security checkboxes to be clicked for "Active Content" such as Java or Flash.

2.6.1. Export for 3DSOM Java Viewer

This option exports the model in a proprietary format together with a Java applet that can be embedded into web pages for viewing the model. Several files are produced by this export option:

One or more JAR files containing the model geometry and texture data.
JAR file containing the viewer applet (same for all exported models).
HTML file containing example markup for how to use the viewer on a web page.

The 3DSOM Java Viewer is a Java applet that is used to allow models produced by 3DSOM Pro to be embedded on web pages. The viewer can be freely redistributed on the internet with the exported model. The viewer shows the model within the browser, and allows the user to examine the model by rotating, zooming and translating. The end-users do not need to download and install a plug-in as long as they are using a browser containing a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

The Web Optimizer tool tutorial describes how to use the 3DSOM Viewer Web Optimizer Window to optimise the exported file.

TIP:	The HTML page is generated from a template file, "`viewer.htm`" stored with the 3DSOM Pro installation. Experienced users can modify this file to change the default appearance of all exported files.

When exporting with the filename, say "myModel.htm", the viewer and model data JAR files will be exported in the associated folder "myModel_files".

The 3DSOM Pro Java Viewer chapter describes in detail how to use the viewer and provides more detail on authoring web pages that include the viewer.

2.6.2. Export for 3DSOM Flash Viewer

This option exports the model in a proprietary format together with a Flash 9 viewer that can be embedded into web pages for viewing the model. The model is viewed with the popular Flash 9 plugin that is installed on most PCs. Several files are produced by this export option:

Model data files (extension ".123").
A texture map image in progressive JPG format for streaming.
Flash 9 SWF files for viewing the model.
The file "parameters.xml" for customisation.
HTML file containing example markup for how to use the viewer on a web page.

As for the Java format, all the files except the HTML file are stored in a subfolder with the "_files" suffix. (e.g. exporting "myModel.htm" will store the data files in the folder "myModel_files").

The Web Optimizer tool tutorial describes how to use the 3DSOM Viewer Web Optimizer Window to optimise the exported file.

The 3DSOM Pro Flash Viewer chapter describes in more detail how to use the Flash 3D viewer.

2.6.3. Export for 3DS - 3D Studio Max

This option exports the model to a file suitable for reading by 3D Studio Max. The following files are produced by this export option:

A 3DS file containing the model
For textured meshes, a JPG file containing the texture map.

You can export a wireframe model and edit using 3D Studio MAX before importing for texturing (see the Editing the geometry in an external application tutorial).

2.6.4. Export to W3D - Macromedia Shockwave 3D

This option exports the model to Macromedia Shockwave 3D format. Several files are produced by this export option:

W3D file containing the model itself (including the texture map).

This file can be loaded directly into Macromedia Director 8.5 (or higher) to create an interactive movie.

In addition to the W3D file, several other files are produced by this export option which allow you to view the exported model straight away in a web browser (without needing to use Macromedia Director):

HTML template web page that displays the model using the viewer. This will download Macromedia Shockwave Player if necessary. It is suitable for use with Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Two DCR files (copied from the installation directory to the directory containing the model) containing a progress bar and 3DInspector, a viewer suitable for rendering the model using Macromedia Shockwave Player.

These files can be freely redistributed on the internet with the exported model. The end-user viewing the web pages will need to have the Macromedia Shockwave Player installed in their browser before they can view the model. If they do not have this installed, the default HTML should prompt the end-user to download and install the player.

Using the 3DInspector Shockwave Viewer

Dragging the mouse with the left button pressed will rotate the model.

Dragging the mouse up and down with the left button while holding the SHIFT will move the model away from or towards the viewer.

Clicking the right mouse button will display the Shockwave menu from where some of the 3D renderer settings can be modified.

2.6.5. Exporting for X3D or VRML 2.0

These options export the model to X3D or VRML 2.0 format for viewing directly with a X3D/ VRML viewer or for importing into other applications. Two files are produced by this export option:

X3D, WRL or WRZ file containing the model itself.
JPG file containing the texture map.

The WRZ file is just the WRL file but compressed using ZIP for faster transmission and can be read by most applications that handle VRML.

2.6.6. Exporting for MascotCapsule

These options export the model to HI Corp MascotCapsule format. The following files are produced by this export option:

A BAC and a TRA file containing the model itself.
A BMP file containing the texture map.

This format can be optimised for mobile phone renderers by checking the "Optimise for mobiles" in the Mascot Options Window. It is advisable to generate the texture map in 3DSOM Pro at a higher resolution (for instance 512x512). This export option then downsizes the texture map to 128x128 in an optimal way for mobile phone renderers.