Giraffe models are extremely lightweight. Since the platform is browser based, most complex or detailed geometry is too heavy to perform well.
Therefore, we accept uploads of GLTF or GLB files to represent 3D models.
What is a GLTF?
A GLTF file (GL Transmission Format) is an open-source, royalty-free standard for transmitting and loading 3D scenes and models, often called the "JPEG of 3D" for its efficiency.
The format combines 3D data and color mapping into one compact file. glTF minimizes the size of 3D assets, and the runtime processing needed to unpack and use them.
How to Make a GLTF
Many softwares can natively save GLTF/GLB, or they have plug ins to create them. If you're not sure if your software can create a gltf, search Google for "[[software name]] + gltf export."
If your software does not export to GLTF, it likely exports other open 3D formats. You can convert a CAD mesh like .stl or .obj into a GLTF using Blender (free) or 3D Studio Max (included in many Autodesk AEC packages).
Some things to consider when creating the GLTF:
Move your geometry so it sits on the basepoint (origin) of the authoring software, with its base on the ground plane. The basepoint becomes the point in Giraffe.
Check the scale of the model in the authoring software. Ensure the scale matches Giraffe scale (real world meters).
Remove any extra geometry and simplify faces as much as possible. Remove any modeled ground planes, cameras, etc.
Export the color mapping in the GLTF. If no color is included in the export, Giraffe colors the model with the geometry's Color property, which is gray by default.
There are also hundreds of websites that have free and paid GLTF assets that you can download. Some of our favorites are TurboSquid, SketchFab, and CG Trader.
Always check files for safety before downloading. Zipped files may contain malware or viruses. Check for familiar file extensions before unzipping.
Never download or install .exe files that you do not recognize!
Add a 3D Model to your Project
The basepoint of your 3D model becomes the point in Giraffe. The basepoint is the origin (0,0,0) of the model in the software you exported it from. Giraffe mounts the model by placing that basepoint exactly on the point you place on the map. Wherever the model sits relative to its basepoint, it sits the same way relative to the point in Giraffe.
Set the basepoint before you export. Put it at the base of the building, at the corner or center you want to place on the map.
There are two ways to add a 3D model:
Annotations Tool
Adding the property
Annotations Tool
Click the annotation tool in the drawing toolbar (top center)
Select "Upload 3D model"
Click on the map to place a point
This places a point with the GLTF 3D property.
The "default" Giraffe GLTF appears.
Upload a new file by clicking change in the Files section of the properties palette.
Add the Property
Select a geometry.
Points work the best, but you can add a GLTF to any geometry.
Geometries with multiple control points will place the GLTF on the "first" point.
Click Add Property in the properties palette.
Search for "GLTF"
Click the property to add it.
The "default" Giraffe GLTF appears.
Upload a new file by clicking change in the Files section of the properties palette.
What are imported 3D models good for in Giraffe?
GLTF/GLB imports in Giraffe are not editable. They add context or graphic clarity - perhaps for a nearby building that you have an existing model of, or maybe you just want to add some entourage to your site for presentation purposes.
If you intend to edit your 3D model import, use one of the editable methods, like GeoJSON (best), or model the element natively in Giraffe.
| Use GLTF | Use Editable Import & Giraffe Geometry |
Detailed Entourage or site decoration | ✅ | ❌ |
Contextual Building Model - visuals only | ✅ | ✅ |
Solar Analysis | ❌ | ✅ |
Parametric sizing and adjustments to the model | ❌ | ✅ |
Giraffe publishes lots of 3D context and entourage to the Content Library - look there for park benches, picnic tables, awnings, trees, cars, people, and more!
Troubleshoot 3D models
Find the problem below for the cause and the fix.
A giraffe appears instead of my model
The giraffe is Giraffe's placeholder 3D model. The Upload 3D model tool places it first, then opens a file picker so you can swap in your own file. If you close the picker, the giraffe stays. To replace it:
Select the giraffe point on the map.
In the Files section of the properties palette, click Change….
In the Model selection window, choose your file from the list, or click Upload… to add it.
Click Confirm.
I can't see my model after I upload it
Your 3D model is most likely far from the point you placed. The basepoint (origin) of the model in the software you exported it from becomes the point in Giraffe. If the model sits far from its basepoint in that software, it shows up that same distance away from the point in Giraffe. Building models from BIM or survey files often have their basepoint at a site datum hundreds of meters away.
Zoom out and look around the point for the model.
In your authoring software, move the model so the basepoint sits at the base of the building.
Export the model again.
Select the point, click Change… in the Files section of the properties palette, and pick the new file.
If you still can't see the model, check its size in the section on models that are too big or too small. Also check that the geometry's layer is turned on in the Layer Palette.
My model floats above or sinks below the ground
The basepoint (origin) of a 3D model in its authoring software becomes the point in Giraffe, on the ground. Any part of the model below its basepoint goes underground, and any gap between the basepoint and the model's base lifts it into the air. Move the model in your authoring software so its base sits on the basepoint, then export it again.
My model is too big or too small
Giraffe reads 3D model units as meters, which is the glTF standard. A model drawn in other units shows at the wrong size. Select the point and set Scale in the Geometry section of the properties palette:
Millimeters: 0.001
Centimeters: 0.01
Inches: 0.0254
Feet: 0.3048
Move or rotate my model
A 3D model moves and turns with the point it sits on.
To move the model, select the point and drag it.
To rotate the model, select the point and type an angle in degrees in Rotation, in the Geometry section of the properties palette.
You can also move and rotate the point with the Move and Rotate tools.
My upload says the file is too large
3D model files must be under 10 MB. Giraffe shows "This file is too large" for anything bigger. To shrink the file:
Delete hidden geometry, interiors, ground planes, and cameras.
Reduce the polygon count. In Blender, the Decimate modifier does this.
Resize large textures. A 1024 px texture is plenty for most context models.
My upload says "We could not load this 3D model"
Giraffe couldn't read the 3D model file. Check for these causes:
The file is a .gltf that keeps its geometry or textures in separate .bin or image files. Giraffe uploads one file, so export a .glb instead.
The file uses Draco or meshopt compression. Export it again with compression turned off.
My GLB file shows as model/gltf
This is expected. Giraffe converts every 3D model to GLB when you upload it and labels all model files model/gltf. GLB and glTF files both work.
My model is gray or black
A gray 3D model has no colors of its own. Giraffe colors it with the geometry's Color property, which is gray by default. Change Color in the properties palette to tint it, or export the model again with its materials.
A black model has materials with a black base color, or relies on glowing (emissive) materials. Giraffe doesn't show glow. Give the materials a base color in your authoring software, then export the model again.