3DVIA® - 3DVIA

General questions

What is 3DVIA Shape?

3DVIA Shape is a free online 3D modeling application that allows any user to create 3D models. Users can share their models with their communities on 3dvia.com. 3DVIA Shape is a very cool and intuitive application . Everyone can shape up his ideas in a few clicks.

How can I get 3DVIA Shape?

It is very easy. You just need to create a free account on 3dvia.com in order to have access to the download of 3DVIA Shape.

What can I do with 3DVIA Shape?

In the current version of 3DVIA Shape you can create simple shapes (house, building, furniture). The next versions will extend the capability of 3DVIA Shape to any forms.

Shape your ideas online

What does "publish" a model mean?

"Publish" a model means saving a model to your 3dvia.com account. The model is directly added to your account. You can then modify model attributes to make it public and share it with your communities.

Can my model be seen by other users of 3dvia.com?

By default, when published from 3DVIA Shape, your model is private and cannot be seen by other 3DVIA users. However, you can modify the attributes of your model to make it public. See how to share the model with communities.

How do I edit my model?

View the model, created with 3DVIA Shape, from your 3DVIA environment ("My 3DVIA" page) and click the "Edit 3D Model" link. 3DVIA Shape starts with your model letting you modify and publish it again. The new version of the model will be directly available in your account.

How do I share a model with communities?

View the model from your 3DVIA environment ("My 3DVIA" page) and click the "Edit attributes" link for this model. You can then specify privacy settings and the sharing license.

Can I reuse models from other users?

Yes, 3DVIA.com provides a Remix functionality that allows you to create an alternative model from an existing one if the remix rights are granted by the author of the original model. By default all models can be remixed.

What does "remixing" a model mean?

This 3DVIA Shape function allows you to start your design from an existing design published on 3dvia.com. It lets you create an alternative model. This operation is only possible if the author of the original design allows it. You can also remix your own private models.

Can I save models to disk?

No, you cannot save models to disk. The publish command of 3DVIA Shape stores the model in your account.

Can I use 3DVIA Shape without an Internet connection?

No, 3DVIA Shape can only be used online while connected to 3dvia.com.

3D Models and players

What are the benefits of 3DVIA Shape?

3DVIA Shape allows you to shape your ideas in 3D in a few clicks. 3DVIA Shape makes creation, reuse and modification of your models very easy, fast and intuitive.

What are the basic functions of 3DVIA Shape?

3DVIA Shape basic functions are:

• Create lines
• Create rectangles
• Create 3D shapes
• Manipulate geometries and textures
• Paint with many realistic textures
• Publish to 3dvia.com
• Undo/Redo

Prerequisites

What are the minimum requirements for 3DVIA Shape?

• Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, or Windows Vista
• Windows Internet Explorer Version 6 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox 2.0
• 250 MB or more of hard disk space
• A 1.0 GHz processor (2.8 GHz or faster recommended)
• 512 MB of system memory (1 GB recommended)
• 128 MB video card (256 MB recommended) that supports OpenGL 1.1 (OpenGL 1.5 recommended) with OpenGL 3D hardware acceleration enabled
• A 1024x768 screen, 32-bit true color recommended
• 3-button mouse recommended and a high speed or broadband Internet connection.

Is 3DVIA Shape compatible with Vista generic driver?

Not in the Beta version. We will support this configuration in future versions.

Installing 3DVIA Shape through a proxy connection

If you are using a proxy and you encounter trouble when installing 3DVIA Shape, please check that the option "Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections" is enabled in Internet Explorer(launch Internet Explorer / Tools menu / Internet Options / Advanced)