Mar 20, 2018 | By Benedict
3D content platform Sketchfab has released a new Download API, letting app makers pull Sketchfab content directly into their 3D, VR, and AR software without asking users to leave their app environment. Sketchfab says it wants to become the “search bar for 3D.”
Sketchfab, a 3D content platform with a community of over a million creators, is one of the internet’s go-to destinations for 3D models—whether for 3D printing, AR/VR, or other 3D applications. Its store allows for secure transactions between 3D makers and consumers, while its real-time 3D viewer and model inspector provide added tools for 3D content browsing.
The creators of Sketchfab have now taken a big step toward expanding its 3D model empire, in a move that will take Sketchfab content to several news places.
The company today released its new Download API, with which app makers can pull Sketchfab content directly into their 3D, VR, and AR software without asking users to leave their app environment.
According to Sketchfab, the new API opens up hundreds of thousands of models under Creative Commons licensing and lets users search content by titles, tags, categories, polygon count, and other attributes, allowing instant access to 3D materials.
The API will essentially allow app developers to integrate a Sketchfab search bar into their app, allowing users of that app to quickly find any Sketchfab-uploaded 3D models and import them directly into the app as glTF format files.
At first, this search bar will only show 3D models shared with a Creative Commons license (there are currently more than 150,000 of these on Sketchfab), though users will later be able to import their own content and content they have already purchased through the search bar.
(Images: Sketchfab)
It is, in Sketchfab’s own words, an attempt to become the “de facto search bar for the 3D world.”
“Since we started Sketchfab in 2012, we’ve been on a mission to help democratize 3D, and make it accessible everywhere,” commented Sketchfab CEO Alban Denoyel. “Bringing 3D content everywhere also means sharing it outside of Sketchfab, so that it can be used in more ways, and as part of bigger projects. The download API is our first major step forward into these exterior environments.”
As well as the API, Sketchfab has also introduced import add-ons for Unity, Unreal, and Godot, as well as native integrations with Torch3D, Minsight, Spatial stories, Selerio, StellarX, Holobeam, AnimVR, Plattar, Sketchbox3D, and Looking Glass.
Sketchfab has also announced partnerships with developers who plan to use the Download API, including Amazon Sumerian, Substance, Modo, High Fidelity Sansar, The Wave VR, MasterpieceVR, and Meta.
So there you have it: your favorite VR creation tool or 3D modeling software could soon provide direct access to the Sketchfab database. Check out how it looks in the video below.
Posted in 3D Software
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Great news! Sketchfab is revolutionizing the 3D space step by step. Lov their 3D model store too. Good luck
Aviavi wrote at 3/22/2018 2:26:19 AM:
Great news! Sketchfab is revolutionizing the 3D space step by step. Lov their 3D asset store too. good luck
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