Sketchfab, a web platform for publishing and embedding 3D files online, has just released an updated website with a suite of social features. This, together with significant efforts applied to its in-browser real-time 3D technology, a refreshed user interface and cleaner UX leads the Sketchfab team to believe it is the first fully social platform dedicated to 3D designers and is leading the way as a 3D model platform. The team also lays claim to having shared more than 100,000 3D files since its launch two years ago, with 50,000 of those in the last 127 days. They also go so far as to make a comparison with other sites, pointing out that it took the likes of Thingiverse and GrabCad more than four years to get to the same position.
There maybe some merit in that argument, I’m of the opinion that most people are looking for quality over quantity.
In terms of substance, Sketchfab is setting itself up as much more than just a 3D viewer. The latest version allows users to follow other users of interest, comment on people’s work, get feedback on their own work, favourite, share, discover, get inspired and gain exposure. That does sound sociable, and useful in the 3D world. Users can also be searched by location and skills the alternative is to browse content by folders or categories. The new version of Sketchfab is also reported to be fully responsive and mobile ready for uploading and downloading anywhere, on any device.
And brands are taking notice of Sketchfab too, it seems, with HTC recently unveiling its latest smartphone — the HTC One M8 in 3D.
Alban Denoyel, CEO of Sketchfab commented on the update and milestone reached: “Millions of people create 3D models or scan the real world in 3D, why would they share this in 2D? Our goal at Sketchfab is to be the go to platform for publishing 3D content online, as YouTube is for video, or SoundCloud for music.”
