Working with 3D models

Original file format

• *.x3d (download the textures that are stored in separate files - the paths are specified inside x3d, usually just the file names = same directory)

Programs

• MeshLab
• CloudCompare
• Blender

Convert to other 3D formats

MeshLab

• File > Export Mesh As... supports a few formats: *.3ds, *.ply, *.stl, *.obj, *.dxf, *.dae, *.xyz, etc.
  • *.x3d to *.obj:
    • there will be 2 files generated: *.obj and *.obj.mtl - the latter contains a list of texture files which should be kept around as well

Blender

• Supports some x3d files but not all

View

MeshLab

• Open *.x3d

Notes:

• Lights off
• Couldn't adjust proper camera settings

Blender

• Convert to *.obj in MeshLab
• File > Import > Wavefront (.obj)

CloudCompare

• Convert to *.obj in MeshLab
• Drag and drop *.obj into the CloudCompare window
• Options > Display parameters > Colors and Materials > set all lights to white
• Options > Camera parameters > set Camera/Eye center and fov