Importing 3D Models: Builder To Paint

Paint 3D is a 3D modelling application that comes with Windows 10's Creators Update. It allows users to create their own 3D models and scenes with multiple 3D models. Paint 3D can export scenes to .FBX or .3MF files, which can then be imported into other applications for further editing. For instance, models created in Paint 3D can be printed using Windows 10's 3D Builder application. This paragraph will explore the process of importing models from Paint 3D to 3D Builder.

Importing .FBX or .3MF files into Paint 3D

To import .FBX or .3MF files into Paint 3D, you must first have the files exported from a modelling program such as Blender. You can then open Paint 3D and use the "Open" function to import the file.

To import .FBX files into Paint 3D, open the program and select "Open" from the file menu. Navigate to the folder containing your .FBX file and select it. The file will then open in Paint 3D.

If you are unable to find the option to export as .FBX in Paint 3D, it may be due to an update removing the feature. In this case, you can download an earlier version of the program from third-party websites such as FileHorse. It is recommended to use version 6.2004.20027 or earlier to ensure the .FBX export option is available.

Similarly, to import a .3MF file into Paint 3D, you can follow the same steps as above. Open Paint 3D and select "Open" from the file menu. Navigate to the folder containing your .3MF file and select it to open it in Paint 3D.

By following these steps, you will be able to import both .FBX and .3MF files into Paint 3D, allowing you to work with 3D models created in other programs and take advantage of the features offered by Paint 3D for editing and customizing your 3D objects.

Using the Canvas pane to import images

To import images using the Canvas pane in Paint 3D, start by finding an image you want to use and saving it to your PC. Then, click the "Stickers" icon on the toolbar—the third icon from the left—and select the “Custom Stickers” button on the sticker pane. From there, click "Add sticker" and select the image file you want to use. You can then position and resize the image to match your canvas before clicking the "Stamp" button to apply it as your canvas background.

In addition to importing images as stickers, Paint 3D also allows you to import .FBX or .3MF files created in other applications. You can then work on these imported scenes in Paint 3D and even print them to a 3D printer using Windows 10's 3D Builder application.

While Paint 3D does not offer many tools to create a detailed canvas image, you can also insert text onto the canvas or as a 3D object in your scene. To do this, simply click the "Text" button on the toolbar—the fourth button from the left—and customise the text as desired.

Another feature of Paint 3D is the ability to apply lighting effects to your scene using the Effects pane, located fifth from the left on the top toolbar. However, you can only choose a single effect that will be applied to your entire scene.

Using Microsoft Remix 3D models in Paint 3D

Microsoft's Remix 3D was an online community that allowed users to upload their 3D creations for others to use. The repository was discontinued in January 2020, but the Paint 3D app should still be active. Here is how you could use Remix 3D models in Paint 3D when the repository was still functional:

• Launch Paint 3D from the Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
• Click the Remix 3D button near the top of the window.
• Click the "Add to boards" button on a 3D model. It looks like a plus sign.
• Click a board.
• You can now find the model on the board you saved it to.

Uploading Your Creations to Remix 3D:

• Click the Expand menu button in the top-left corner of the window. It looks like a folder.
• Click Save.
• Click the Remix 3D button near the top of the window.
• Click the Upload button, which looks like an arrow pointing up.
• Click a background colour.
• Adjust the lighting by clicking and dragging the sun button around the Light wheel.
• Click Next.
• Type a name, description, and tags for the 3D object in the respective fields.
• Repeat steps 8-9 for up to 15 tags.

Remix 3D was integrated with Paint 3D to allow users to share their designs with the community. Microsoft also offered a special feature for Minecraft players, allowing them to directly export their creations from the game to Remix 3D or edit them with Paint 3D and turn them into 3D prints.

Printing 3D scenes from Paint 3D to 3D Builder

Paint 3D is a new application included with Windows 10's Creators Update. It is a user-friendly application that allows users to create 3D scenes and objects from scratch or by modifying pre-made scenes and models from Remix 3D. Users can add stickers, draw backgrounds, and resize the canvas to their liking.

Once you have finished creating your 3D scene in Paint 3D, you can save your project by going to the menu and selecting "Save." This will allow you to save your project as a local file. Alternatively, you can upload it to Remix 3D, which is Microsoft's gallery, by selecting "Upload to Remix 3D" from the menu.

To print your 3D scene from Paint 3D to 3D Builder, simply go to the menu and select "Print." This will open your 3D scene in 3D Builder, which is the software used for printing 3D models to a 3D printer.

It is important to note that 3D paints have some texturing limitations, such as the inability to control texture resolution and UV unwraps. However, it is fairly intuitive and easy to use for beginners.

Importing 3D objects from the real world

To use Meshroom, you'll need to take a lot of high-resolution photos of the object you want to scan from various angles and points. Once you have your 3D render, there are several steps you can take to optimize it for production, such as ensuring your textures are properly mapped, minimizing polygon count, and building a solid framework for consistent results. If you want to have more control over the texturing process, you can stop the reconstruction at the "texturing" node and do the texturing work yourself.

Another way to enhance the realism of your 3D scenes is by using a 360 camera to capture an HDRI map, which provides the correct environmental lighting for your model. You can then pair this with a traditional high-res photo to achieve an optimum balance between resolution and lighting. Additionally, you can use third-party models in supported formats to import and incorporate 3D objects into your scenes. For example, ArcGIS Pro supports various file formats like COLLADA, FBX, GLB, GLTF, and OBJ.

Once you've imported your 3D object, you can use editing tools to adjust its size, rotation, and position within the scene. You can also add multiple objects and layers to create a complex and realistic environment. These techniques allow you to bring real-world objects into your 3D projects, enhancing the visual quality and realism of your work.

Frequently asked questions