The 3D block provides an interactive view of a 3D object. Such objects can be made either using a 3D software, or scanned using a mobile phone or a specialized 3D scanner. Many museums and other organizations are using 3D scanning techniques to visualize and digitally preserve artifacts. Being able to look at an object from all angles, almost as if you were holding it in your hand, is a great way to present such content to your visitors.

You can rotate and zoom in on the object by natural gestures, such as swiping and pinching on a touch screen. Buttons can be added to the object, acting as hot-spots to navigate to other objects or specialized views, play related content, or interact with the environment in any other way supported by Blocks.

Watch this video for a brief overview.

The 3D block requires Blocks 5 or later. Furthermore, this is a premium block type, which is an optional add-on to your Blocks license. Display spots will show a placeholder instead of the 3D object image if this option isn't included in your license key.

To try out this on your own, start with the general setup guide to recreate this application using this Blocks root.

1. Add a separate browser window (or a PIXILAB Player) pointed to your Blocks server.
2. Assign it to the display spot shown in the list.
3. The 3D block appears on the display spot.
4. Swipe (or drag with the mouse) to navigate.
5. Click the buttons to trigger actions.