The Staggs 3D configurator is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with and customize 3D models in real-time. To ensure models integrate smoothly and offer full functionality, there are specific technical requirements that must be met. These guidelines help ensure that the models perform well, are easily customizable, and support interactive features like animations and material changes. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements for preparing your 3D models for the Staggs 3D configurator. 1. GLB Format The 3D model must be provided in the GLB format. GLB (GL Transmission Format Binary) is widely used for interactive 3D applications due to its compact size and ability to encapsulate geometry, materials, textures, and animations within a single file. It offers several key benefits, including: Efficient storage: GLB files combine all elements (geometry, textures, etc.) into a single binary file, reducing clutter and making file management easier. Web compatibility: GLB files are optimized for performance in web-based applications, ensuring smooth loading and high performance in the configurator. 2. Single File To maintain simplicity and ensure easy integration into the Staggs configurator, the 3D model must be a single file. Since GLB files combine all necessary components (textures, animations, and geometry) into one package, this prevents the need for multiple asset files, which could complicate the workflow and lead to errors. A single GLB file: Reduces the risk of missing files, such as separate texture maps. Simplifies the upload and configuration process, ensuring all elements load together without compatibility issues. If you want to show or hide parts, make sure all 3D model parts are included inside the file already. The only thing left to do is define the visibility of the nodes when various attribute options are selected. You can read more about it in this post 3. Exported from Blender We recommend you to export your 3D models using Blender, one of the most versatile and widely used 3D creation tools (and free to use as well). Blender offers robust support for the GLB format and ensures that the 3D models are properly structured for changes made by the Staggs configurator plugin. When exporting from Blender, take the following steps: Apply transformations: Make sure the model’s scale, rotation, and location are applied correctly before exporting. Check the export settings: Choose the appropriate GLB export options, ensuring materials, textures, and animations are included in the file. Optimize the model: Remove unnecessary geometry or detail that could slow down performance in the configurator. By using Blender as the primary tool for model preparation, you ensure that the file is correctly optimized for integration. If you have created your 3D model in different program, you may experience problems while setting up the configurator. 4. Ensure Valid Node Names For the 3D model to function properly within the Staggs configurator, all nodes must have valid, human-readable names instead of automatically generated UUIDs (universally unique identifiers). Nodes represent key components of the model, such as different meshes or animation points, and having clear, descriptive names improves usability and manageability. This means: Use descriptive names: For example, “door_handle” or “front_wheel” Avoid UUIDs: Generated UUIDs are random and make it harder to identify and interact with parts of the model You can check this by uploading your 3D model into our 3D model inspector tool.
The same applies to materials. Make sure to keep them readable and unique. If the 3D model inspector shows IDs, this means you either have not set node names, or you did not export the model correctly. 5. Contains materials For a rich interactive experience, the model must include materials for customizable parts. This feature allows users to modify aspects like colors, textures, and finishes on specific areas of the model within the configurator. To set up customizable parts: Assign distinct materials to the areas of the model that will be customizable, such as the body of a product, buttons, or individual components. Label materials appropriately so that they can be easily identified and adjusted programmatically in the configurator. Ensure that materials are designed with the necessary parameters to support customization, such as changing colors or textures. This step is essential for providing a tailored user experience, allowing consumers or clients to personalize products to their liking. 6. Contains Material Layers for Text and Image Upload The Staggs configurator supports the ability to upload custom text or images that can be applied to the 3D model. To accommodate this feature, the model must contain material layers specifically designed to handle text and image uploads. When setting up these material layers: Ensure that UV mapping is correctly applied so that the uploaded text or images display accurately on the model without distortion. Designate material layers that will serve as the placeholders for these uploads, such as an area for custom logos or personalized text. Test the functionality by applying sample images or text to verify that the configurator handles them properly. This feature adds another level of interactivity and customization, which is particularly useful for creating personalized products or branding. 7. Contains Animations (optional) To enhance user interaction, the model should include animations for any relevant parts. Animations can bring models to life, allowing users to see moving components or experience product features in a more dynamic way. When incorporating animations: Include basic animations like rotations, door openings, or product transitions to demonstrate how the product functions. Ensure that animations are embedded in the GLB file and can be triggered programmatically within the configurator. Label animations with descriptive names (e.g., “rotate_wheel” or “open_lid”) to make them easy to control and understand. Animations provide an engaging user experience, helping users visualize product features and explore interactive elements more intuitively. Next steps By following these guidelines, your 3D models will be optimized for customization, performance, and user interaction within the Staggs 3D configurator. Now you can upload your 3D model to the product and start building your 3D configurator. If you still have questions about this article, feel free to reach out.