Embed 3D models on website

Question

Is there a way to embed Sketchup models on a website? Preferably a free one, if it's a commercial solution I'd like a confirmation that it's actually worth the money... I know about the 3D warehouse thingy where you can rotate it (javascript and some images), but I can't upload anything to the 3D warehouse 'cause it always "resets the connection".

Answer 1

You can use http://sketchfab.com, they even have a SketchUp exporter.

Answer 2

Yes, you can do it without cost. See here: https://help.sketchup.com/en/article/3000258

EDIT:

There were some free rendering sites apart from Google, but they don't seem to be in operation anymore. Posting to the Google 3D warehouse is going to be your best bet. Regarding your problem posting there, try it with Chrome.

EDIT #2: If you don't want to upload to Google 3D Warehouse, you can achieve a similar effect with a little work. 3D Warehouse doesn't actually give the visitor the power to manipulate something in 3D, but rather it lets them "rotate" the image horizontally by simply showing a series of preset images of the 3D from various angles. You can take shots of your 3D object, import to Photoshop and create your own gif of the spinning object. A little more work than relying on Google, so you'll have to decide if it's worth it.

EDIT #3: If all else fails you can simply post the 3D model on your site as a downloadable file and advise visitors to get Sketchup to view it.

Answer 3

You can try the upcoming WebGL Functions in modern Browsers. There are some Javascript Libraries that can read model files and show them within your (HTML 5?) website. I have not used them yet, but try these links if this sounds interesting:

https://github.com/mrdoob/three.js/

https://github.com/timjb/sketchup-threejs/

Answer 4

I made a patch of an example game in three.js. Added ColladaLoader and Sketchup model + Third Person Shooter controls: https://github.com/irony/Nemesis Try it out (Works best in Chrome)

http://peaceful-woodland-4410.herokuapp.com/index.html