Web3D 2024: X3D Authoring Tools and Deployment

 

X3D Authoring Tools and Deployment

 
Big Picture!  This tutorial will launch from simple tips and tricks to advanced capabilities for creating X3D scenes and publishing. We will showcase several content and development environments for the cross platform publication of interactive 3D scenes. Several examples in the open ecosystem will be presented. Across formats (X3D, glTF, OBJ,) and from in-browser editing (Playground, Sandbox, glitch, …) to pipelines (Blender, Castle Game Engine, Sunrize, …), we will compose Web and Immersive-ready scenes. We will also demonstrate the features and usage of X3D-Edit 4.0 Authoring Tool. 
 
X3D-Edit for Extensible 3D (X3D) Graphics is a free, open-source Extensible 3D (X3D) Graphics authoring tool for simple high-quality authoring, editing, import/export, validation and viewing of X3D scenes.  Thousands of example models are available to support import, conversion, model modification, and publication to the Web via multiple approaches for HTML presentation.  X3D-Edit also provides a "launching pad" for dozens of external tools that also offer X3D functionality.  Tooltips provided in context help authors understand how X3D Graphics models actually work.  Users will learn how to author, modify, and validate scenes for high levels of Quality Assurance (QA).  Suggested preparation: first install Java, Apache NetBeans, and then Tools/Plugins menu for X3D-Edit plugin in order for best understanding of the many capabilities provided.  Special attention is paid to interactive Web publishing for any models as part of an HTML page, for display or editing without needing plugins, showcasing both X_ITE or X3DOM open-source X3D players.
 
Castle Game Engine and related tools for content authoring using X3D (and other 3D formats)
  1. Using Castle Model Viewer for model inspection and GUI conversion (to / from X3D).
  2. Using Castle Model Converter for command-line model validation and conversion (to / from X3D).
  3. Using Castle Game Engine to design 3D and 2D worlds by composing models using X3D, glTF and many others.