Today,magic monkey networkwill beShare with everyoneSome of the best3D viewer app that lets you open 3D files on your iOS or Android device. Some of them are cloud-based browser applications that support most CAD formats and can be used on almost any device with a supported browser and a web connection. Meanwhile, there are apps specifically for Android and iOS with offline capabilities, sharing tools, and other useful features. All apps support at least basic 3D model formats such as STL and OBJ.
Criteria for selecting these spectators:
There are many on the Internet3D visualization applications, so we used a few key considerations to narrow down our choices.
Multiple file formats: Most of these apps support multipleCAD file formats, from basic STL and OBJ files to other commonly used 3D file formats such as 3DS, STEP, GLB and glTF.
Platform options: We provideApps for iOS and Android users also provide browser-based apps to facilitate users who do not want to install programs but want to start using them at any time.
Affordable:existIt is best to open files in 3D viewing applications if they are free, and advanced tools can be obtained by purchasing the application. Most of our options are free and some paid options offer free trials.
Intuitive: The shortlisted apps are all user-friendly, with basic features like pan, orbit, and zoom, as well as other useful features like multiple file support, export options, and sharing tools.
Although these apps work well on smartphones, they are recommended for use on devices with larger screens, such as tablets.
1、ViewSTL
Use the trackpad, mouse or finger of your smartphone or tablet to interact with3D models for interaction (Source: Aftab Ali via All3DP)
ViewSTL is a browser-based application that allows you to open 3D files such as OBJ and STL without logging in or creating an account. This is a solid choice for users who want to open 3D files without downloading or installing apps. Since it is browser-based, an active Internet connection is required.
Viewing any file is as easy as dragging and dropping files. Additionally, you can browse your device (indicated by the files logo), which will take you to the device’s files directory, and there is also a viaURL options to open files.
Once the file is downloaded, you can use the top menu bar to switch between multiple orientations, open a grid, take a screenshot, export, and even change the background color. Using this software is very simple and intuitive.
platform: Browser based
cost：free
2、Exocad
Exocad is a fairly intuitive app with a user interface (UI) that covers all different platforms, from a web app to iOS, Android, and Windows versions, making it a great choice for beginners. It can open popular 3D file formats such as PLY, STL and OBJ. It’s completely free and doesn’t even require a login or registration.
Exocad also allows users to import 3D files through cloud services such as iCloud and Google Drive. To open 3D files, you need to install the app on your device or access the web app. Then click “Upload File” or “Google Drive” to select the desired file on your device. If you want to use iCloud Drive, please select the “iCloud Drive” location after clicking “Upload Files”.
The app will also ask you if you want to import textures for the mesh; If you want to do this, import the textures now as they cannot be added later. importOnce the 3D file is created, you can change the shadow and modify the field of view up to 90°. Standard functions such as zoom and pan work as usual; Use your finger, mouse or trackpad to interact with objects.
platform: Browser based,Windows, Android, iOS
cost：free
3、Emb3D
Emb3D is both a 3D model viewer and a dedicated Android and iOS app for a better mobile experience, and no matter which version you choose, they all offer an intuitive user interface. Using the online viewer is as simple as clicking the “Load Template” option at the bottom of the viewer, then selecting the file and clicking “Load.” It supports 3DS, GLB, OBJ, STL, ZIP and other popular file formats.
If you’re using the mobile app, tap at the bottom of the screen“+” icon and select the file to import. After importing, click File on the menu to view the 3D file. The tools in the web app are similar to those in the iOS and Android apps. In terms of features, in addition to the display, you can also select a grid, change the background and even activate the lights.
The web app has an option to export files while usingiOS or Android apps let you share models, view them offline, and even try experimental AR More.
platform: Browser based,iOS (iPad and iPhone), Android
cost：Free (with in-app purchases), Pro subscription fees are$5/month or $47/year
4、Fast STL Viewer
to leaveSTL visualization becomes fluid (Source: Fast STL Viewer via Google Play)
This popularThe STL Viewer app has high ratings, is free to download, and has cheap in-app purchases. Users love using it to view fine details and organize STL files remotely while working away from their computer. Other user-favorite features include mesh inspection, removing parts of the model, and edge detection.
This is a very intuitive and easy-to-use app, and users rave about its speed and simple interface, but one reviewer mentioned that the downside is that it can’t share files . If you choose in-app purchases, you can findSpecify the volume of a section of the STL file, display the model in real colors instead of the default options, and remove ads. App creators respond quickly to user requests and questions. Another advantage of this viewer is that it appeals to users of all skill levels; it offers more advanced features while remaining simple enough for those new to 3D printing.
platform:Android
cost：Free, with in-app purchases
5、3D Model Viewer–AR View
3D Model Viewer-AR View is a 3D model viewer for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) that can easily open 3DS, OBJ, DAE, Blend and STL files, and even import files from iCloud. Although the app is free, it is ad-supported and in the basic version you cannot import templates larger than 30MB or add custom backgrounds.
The program interface is simple and easy to understand and use. The bottom menu bar provides many valuable tools, allowing you to change background,AR modes, material types, shadows, cameras, etc. You can interact with 3D models using standard features such as rotating around center, pinch to pan, and pinch to zoom.
platform：iOS (iPhone and iPad)
price：Free, with in-app purchases
6、Online 3D viewer
The top menu also has useful navigation tools (Source:Aftab Ali of All3DP)
online3D Viewer is a cloud-based 3D viewer that you can access from any browser-enabled device. Opening a file is as simple as clicking the file logo located below the viewer logo in the upper left corner. Users can also choose to open files via URL or drag and drop.
The most useful feature is the measurement tool, which can measure the distance between two click points as well as the angle between them. There is also an option in the left menu to selectively display specific meshes from the model, and users can even view details of the selected material; The right menu contains options to change the background or switch to dark mode.
With the export option, users can choose from a drop-down menu toExport files to PNG or other formats. Additionally, there is an option to generate shareable links without requiring user registration.
platform: Browser based
cost；free
7、3D Model Viewer
Use the built-in lighting to check how your model reacts to natural light! (source:Aftab Ali of All3DP)
3D Model Viewer is an open source 3D viewer app for Android, lightweight and fast, but the user interface is not yet complete. It also offers 3D model demos if you want to see how your 3D models will look like in this app.
Find out in this appCreating a 3D model is very simple, just click “Load Model” and it will move to your smartphone’s file directory. Now, click on the file and its format (OBJ, STL, DAE) to view the model.
3D Model Viewer has many interactive features, such as switching lights, backgrounds, textures, animations and wireframes. Additionally, the developers have hinted that other features such as glTF support, glasses-free 3D and AR views will be available soon (although at the time of writing, the app has been last updated July 2022).
platform:Android
cost：free
8、Creators3D Online Viewer
Creators3D Online Viewer is a browser-based 3D viewer that can open a variety of 3D files. Users do not need to register to access the program, and uploading files is as easy as dragging and dropping or clicking “Drop files here.”
This online application has a variety of tools, from scenes, flashes, display effects to sharing and export options, all designed to improve the user experience. This viewer is compatible withViewSTL is similar, but it supports more 3D file types and integrates interactive tools into the viewer.
In addition, it offers the possibility of uploading files to the cloud and sharing them as links, but on the other hand users must create an account, converting the same file into;glTF(GLB) or USDZ and the download is just a click away.
platform: Browser based
cost：free
9、CAD assistant
The iOS app isn’t as polished as the others, but still works well (Source: Aftab Ali via All3DP)
CAD Assistant is an offline 3D CAD viewer available on all major platforms including iOS and Android. It uses open source libraries and supports multiple CAD file formats including STEP, glTF, PLY, STL, OBJ and 3DM etc.
You can view additional mesh data and switch between different mesh modes such as hollow mesh, wireframe, and mesh edges. Opening a file is as simple as clicking the file icon and selecting the desired file.
The interface is well optimized for finger gestures, which you can use to zoom in and out as well as rotate3D model. However, to “pan” you need to click on 3D Options in the left menu bar and then click on the “Single Touch Pan” option. Overall, beginners may need to spend some time getting familiar with this option.
platform：Windows、Linux、MacOS、AndroidWindows、Linux、MacOS、Android、iOS
cost：free
10、AVE3D Viewer
Display options range from scatter plot (left) toX-rays (middle) and can include textures (right) (Source: Bikaba Apps via Google Play)
AVE3D Viewer is not only a great choice for viewing STL files, its basic free version also supports a large number of other file types such as OBJ, PLY, GLTF, etc., so it is a “all-purpose” application in this regard. Additionally, you can also choose the paid version to support some other file types such as FBX, AMF and 3DS.
Some of the notable features of this app include screenshot taking capabilities, scatterplot display, and even a rather unique feature that allows you to view images on your phone.X-rays also show the pattern.
Users rave about its sleek and easy-to-use interface, smooth controls, rich selection of file formats (even in the free version), and clear layout.
platform:Android
cost：Free, with in-app purchases
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