Summary of SNAPEDA LAUNCHES NEW 3D VIEWER
SnapEDA launched an improved 3D model viewer that lets engineers preview parts before downloading. The viewer adds three community-requested features: viewable dimensions, zoom, and rotation. Additional controls include full-screen mode, panning, and toggling dimensions. Using 3D models helps designers catch issues like component shadowing, verify clearances and placements, and better communicate designs to stakeholders through realistic renderings.
Parts used in the SnapEDA 3D Model Viewer:
- 3D model rendering engine (viewer)
- Dimensions overlay/control
- Zoom control (mouse wheel support)
- Rotation controls
- Full-screen toggle button
- Panning control (right mouse button drag)
- Dimensions enable/disable button (bottom right)
- Fullscreen button (bottom right)
SnapEDA is excited to share that they have launched a new and improved 3D viewer for our parts. It allows engineers to preview 3D models available on SnapEDA before download. [via SnapEDA blog]
They’ve added three key features, based on feedback from our community. First, they’ve added dimensions to the viewer so that engineers can verify key measurements before downloading. This was by far, the most requested feature of our new viewer. Second, they’ve added the ability to zoom in and out to get a closer look at the component’s details. And finally, engineers can rotate the parts to see them from every angle.
Benefits of using 3D models when designing PCBs include, among many others:
- Getting immediate visual feedback of your designs, which will aid in identifying issues such as shadowing of components
- Confirming clearances between a component and its enclosure, or between other components
- Verifying that the component outlines and designators of your parts are correctly positioned
- Communicating design specifications – and demonstrating your hard work – to key stakeholders (ex: managers, clients, etc.) through beautiful 3D renderings of your circuit board
What’s New In The SnapEDA 3D Model Viewer
Dimensions: You can now view measurements of the models. You can enable or disable this feature by clicking on Dimensions in the bottom right-hand corner.
- Full-screen view: If you want to take a closer look at the 3D model, click on the Fullscreen button in the bottom right-hand corner. To exit full-screen view, click the button again, or hit the escape key on your keyboard.
- Zoom: Zoom in and out on the 3D model using your mouse wheel.
- Panning: Pan using your right mouse button and by dragging your cursor.
Read more: SNAPEDA LAUNCHES NEW 3D VIEWER
- How can I view measurements of models in the SnapEDA 3D viewer?
Enable Dimensions by clicking on Dimensions in the bottom right-hand corner to view measurements. - Can I zoom in and out on the 3D model?
Yes, you can zoom in and out using your mouse wheel. - How do I rotate parts to see them from every angle?
Use the viewer rotation controls to rotate parts and view them from every angle. - How do I enter full-screen mode for a closer look?
Click the Fullscreen button in the bottom right-hand corner to enter full-screen, and click it again or press escape to exit. - How do I pan the 3D model?
Pan the model by dragging with your right mouse button. - Does the viewer help verify clearances and component placement?
Yes, the viewer helps confirm clearances and verify that component outlines and designators are correctly positioned. - Can I disable the dimensions overlay if I do not want it visible?
Yes, you can disable Dimensions by clicking on Dimensions in the bottom right-hand corner. - What benefits do 3D models provide when designing PCBs?
They provide immediate visual feedback to identify issues like shadowing, confirm clearances, verify outlines and designators, and communicate design specifications with 3D renderings.
