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First steps with 3D

In this tutorial, we will explore a simple workflow for working with 3D models in PixelOver.

Open 3D models

To open a 3D model, you can either:

  • use File > Open... from the top menu, or
  • drag and drop the file directly into the PixelOver project window.

PixelOver imports 3D files in two different ways depending on the format:

Single-mesh formats

For formats that usually contain a single mesh (such as OBJ or voxel files), PixelOver creates a standard Mesh object.

Mesh

Full scene formats

For formats that can contain multiple meshes, bones, animations, and more (such as glTF/GLB, FBX, DAE, or BLEND), PixelOver imports the file as a packed Scene object.

Scene

Materials

Both Meshes and Scenes can include materials, visible in the Materials tab.

To learn how to edit them directly in PixelOver, follow the Material editing tutorial.

Transform and scale your model

After importing, you can scale your model to the desired size using the Gizmo tool.
Hold Shift + Left Click to scale uniformly.

Resize model

You can always select the canvas to check the final output size in pixels.

Canvas size

Setup the 3D layer and camera

Just like in 2D, the 3D layer supports shader properties.
However, it also includes additional 3D-specific settings.

MSAA anti-aliasing

The first important setting is MSAA anti-aliasing.
If you want a smooth render (not pixel art), increase the MSAA value to reduce jagged edges.

Layer msaa

Camera settings

The next important settings are the camera properties.
You can configure:

  • the camera projection mode (Perspective / Orthographic)
  • the FOV (in Perspective mode)
  • the camera angle

Camera properties

You can also adjust the camera angle directly using the layer gizmo on the right side of the main view.
The three-dots menu provides useful camera presets.

Layer gizmo

Environment and lighting

Finally, you can configure the environment settings, including:

  • the default environment color
  • an optional default directional light

Layer environment

Export

When exporting 3D scenes, PixelOver provides an Auto rotation option.
This allows you to export multiple directions automatically (for example 8 directions) in a single export.

Export 3d rotation

To go further

Some imported 3D scenes include rigged bones. You can: