Sketchfab.com is an amazing resource of 3D and AR models. The site has a huge collection of interesting and amazing models that you can now embed directly into your books! You can even add your own 3D model files via Sketchfab.com and then access them in Book Creator.
Enable the 3D Models app
There are multiple ways to enable an app in Book Creator.
From inside a new book in edit mode, teachers will select the + button > select Apps > select 3D Models and enable the app. Like all other apps that are integrated into Book Creator, teachers can choose to enable the app just for themselves, or they can select which libraries to allow students to use the app too.
Teachers can also access and enable Apps from the Teacher Dashboard, which can be accessed using the 3 line menu. On the top of the screen, teachers will see the tabs for Libraries, Discover, Learn, Certification, and Apps. Simply go to the Apps tab and enable the 3D Models app and any other app available.
Admins also have the ability to enable and disable apps from the Admin Dashboard for all teachers and users within the organization. The support article for Managing Apps in the Admin Dashboard gives full details.
👑 Note: Teachers will need a premium subscription to be able to search and add 3D Models to books.
Teachers and admins must review Sketchfab's Terms of Use before using the app. Other important notes can be reviewed by clicking on the App Privacy details in the bottom left.
Note: This app is not for use with younger students. Some of the search results will be unsuitable for younger students and the embedded models do link back to the external Sketchfab website. Please do not enable this app if you are uncomfortable with that for your students.
Cost: Everything found within the Book Creator integration is free to use and embed into your books, however some of the 3D models offer an additional purchase from within the site to download and edit them.
👉 Check out this one-pager for easy instructions on enabling all apps to share online or to print for the staffroom! 💫
Using 3D Models inside Book Creator
Once the app is enabled, users can access 3D Models when creating and editing a book. To use 3D Models in edit mode, users should select the + button > select Apps > and select 3D Models. The enabled apps for that library will appear above the Apps to try section.
When the app is opened, users can search for specific terms in the Sketchfab library by typing (or speaking using the microphone) in the search bar or users can browse the categories provided. Simply select the thumbnail image and select Add in the top right of the toolbar to add it onto the page.
Viewing the 3D model
Users can view the model by clicking on it after it's added onto the page. This can be done in Edit or Read modes. Users can rotate the model 360 degrees and zoom in and out by using the mouse. What’s more, many of the models include the ability to view in AR on a mobile device or VR with a headset!
Blocking Unsuitable 3D models
Teachers and admins are able to block unsuitable 3D models that may appear in the search results by simply right-clicking on the thumbnail image and selecting Block this image. A red flag will appear in the bottom right corner of the image and this will immediately block the model from being seen in any future search results for all users in all libraries associated with that teacher. More information on blocking images can be found in this support article.
👉 Click here to find out more about other Apps available in Book Creator.