Platform enables designers to publish and share interactive 3D models online

Sketchfab is aiming to do for 3D fabrication what Youtube did for video, enabling designers to publish, share and embed their files in a visual and interactive way on any website.

Dreambox vending machines have already allowed anyone to get their 3D designs printed on demand, but what if they want to share their creations? Sketchfab is aiming to do for 3D fabrication what Youtube did for video, enabling designers to publish, share and embed their files in a visual and interactive way on any website.

Although 3D printing is rapidly becoming an industry in itself, designers don’t really have an effective way to showcase their skills, especially to potential clients or consumers who don’t have the graphical software that supports popular file formats. In much the same way that Youtube enables filmmakers to embed their content on any webpage, Sketchfab allows users to present an interactive preview of the file using standard HTML5. The platform supports over 20 file types and users can easily rotate, pan and zoom, as well as share, like and comment. Use of the service is free with an upload limit of 50MB, while a premium plan is available from USD 15 a month. Below is an example of how a file looks when embedded onto a website:

Sketchfab helps 3D modellers to create an online portfolio of their work, accessible to those with little technical knowledge. Are there other digital file types that could be brought into the mainstream through shareable platforms such as this?

Spotted by: Murray Orange