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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 easy-to-use application. Anyone can use it to start modeling in just a few clicks.
Easy. First you need to create a free account on 3DVIA.com and then you'll have access to download 3DVIA Shape.
In the current version of 3DVIA Shape you can create simple to more complex objects (houses, buildings, furniture), as well as paint them with color, photorealistic or custom textures. You can also create an entire scene without modeling at all by using the new "Remix" feature to search and import models created by other users from the 3DVIA content library. After you have completed your model or scene, you can publish it online to your 3DVIA account.
3DVIA Shape 2.0 new features are:
- Remix: create complete scenes by searching for and importing models created by other users from the 3DVIA content library
- Improved User Interface: based on consumer feedback, the 3DVIA Shape workspace window has been modified to be more user friendly and intuitive
- In-product Tutorial Videos: learn the basic functions of 3DVIA Shape and more without having to leave your workspace
"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.
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.
View the model in your 3DVIA environment ("My 3DVIA" page) and click the "Edit 3D Model" link. You model will open in 3DVIA Shape allowing you to modify and publish it again. The new version of the model will be directly available in your account.
View the model in your 3DVIA environment ("My 3DVIA" page) and click the "Edit attributes" link. You can then specify privacy settings and the sharing license.
Yes, 3DVIA.com provides a "Remix" functionality that allows you to use models created by other users in your scene if the remix rights are granted by the author of the original model. By default all models can be remixed.
The 3DVIA Shape feature "Remix" allows you to search for an existing model on 3DVIA.com to import into your scene and start your design from. This operation is only possible if the author of the original model permits it. You can also remix your own private models.
In most scenarios, models uploaded to 3DVIA will be available by default. However, there are currently some restrictions that limit the models available from Shape search. In order to ensure your models are available, you should follow these guidelines:
- The 3DXML version of the model must be under 2MB. If you upload in another format, we will convert it to 3DXML and you must use the converted model's size as your guideline.
- If your model is 3DXML to begin with, the 3DXML must be version 4. Note that currently SolidWorks and 3DVIA Printscreen do not meet this criteria.
- You must choose the Creative Commons Attribution license for your models. This license is selected by default.
- The model cannot contain any Targa or Tiff textures.
- If the model is from 3DVIA Shape, the "Remix" option must be set to true.
- The model must be set to public to be findable by all users. Only you have access to your private models.
No, you cannot save models to disk. The publish command of 3DVIA Shape stores the model in your account online only.
No, 3DVIA Shape can only be used online while connected to 3DVIA.com.
3DVIA Shape allows you to easily model in 3D, even if you have no 3D experience. 3DVIA Shape makes creation, reuse and modification of your models easy, fast and intuitive.
3DVIA Shape basic functions are:
- Create lines
- Create rectangles
- Create 3D shapes
- Manipulate geometries and textures
- Paint with many realistic textures
- Undo/Redo
- Remix
- Publish to 3DVIA.com
- 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.
Not in the Beta version. This configuration will be supported in future versions.
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).
