Introduction
3D Guides in Makula allow you to create interactive, step-by-step visual instructions using 3D models. You can capture specific views (snapshots), add annotations, and share these guides for easy communication of complex procedures.
Accessing 3D Guides
Log in to your Makula account.
Navigate to 3D Streams from the main menu.
Select 3D Guides from the secondary navigation.
Demo Guide
When you first access 3D Guides, a demo guide is available.
Use this to explore the functionality and learn the workflow before creating your own guides.
Creating a 3D Guide
Click the Create Guide button (top right corner).
In the right-hand drawer, use the Select Model dropdown to choose a 3D model.
(Note: The asset must already have a 3D model uploaded.)You can create multiple guides for the same asset.
Click Create Guide.
Initial Loading Time:
The first load may take up to 30 minutes. Subsequent loads are much faster due to caching.
Features and Tools in 3D Guides
3D Guides offer all standard 3D Model functionalities, including:
Tree View (Left Panel)
Displays a hierarchical tree view of model components.
Expand or collapse sections to navigate through sub-parts (accordion style).
Perspective Control Panel (Top Right)
Allows you to rotate the model from preset angles for easy viewing from different perspectives.
Right Toolbar Tools
Fit All
Recenters and fits the entire model into the screen.
Selection Modes
Four modes available:
Basic Selection
Transform
Select Area
Zoom Area
Measurements Tool
Measure distances using:
Arc measurement
Double measurement
Single measurement
Auxiliary Mode
Advanced model manipulation tools.
Three-Color Comparison
Highlights differences between parts using three distinct colours.
Drawing Mode*(Markups)*
Lets you paint or markup directly on the model.
Markup screenshots are saved and accessible via a submenu at the bottom of the screen. Markups can also be shared with other users.
Print Button
Prints the current model view.
Right-Click Menu
Set Pivot – Set a rotation center.
Fly To – Navigate directly to a part or node.
Visibility Toggles – Show, hide, or isolate parts.
Appearance – Change part colors or styles.
Render Modes – Shaded, wireframe, and others.
Notes – View metadata, set/reset transformations.
Aux Options – Show or hide auxiliary elements.
Exclusions – Isolate and inspect individual parts.
Note: The Spare Part Order feature is not available in 3D Guides.
Submenu
Snapshots
A snapshot captures the current view, part selections, and any applied markups or clip planes.
To create a snapshot, open the Snapshot tab located at the bottom submenu.
The button to create a new snapshot looks like this: ➕ (icon)Once a snapshot is created:
A new widget appears in the submenu showing a thumbnail of the view.
Clicking on the thumbnail will restore that view at any time.
Clicking the close (✖) button in the top right corner of the snapshot widget will delete the snapshot.
Editing Snapshots
Snapshots can be renamed or reordered by interacting with their widget in the submenu.
Snapshots define the step-by-step flow of your 3D Guide.
Markups
Paint directly on the model.
Save screenshots of markups (accessible in a submenu at the bottom of the screen).
Share markups with others.
Clip Planes
Create and save clip planes to focus on specific sections of the model.
Measurements
Measure distances using:
Arc Measurement – For curved distances.
Double Measurement – Measure two distinct points simultaneously.
Single Measurement – Straight-line distances.
Groups
Create groups of parts or sections for easy access.
Volume Tool
Available in the right-click menu.
Select a box from the node menu, clip nodes, or measure the volume of selected parts.
Saving Your Guide
Once you’ve created your steps and markups:
Click the Save button in the top-right corner.
A modal will appear prompting you to enter a Guide Name.
Enter the name and click Save.
If editing an existing guide:
Clicking Save will open a modal with two options:
Save Existing – Overwrites the current guide.
Save As New – Prompts for a new guide name and saves your changes as a new guide.
Conclusion
3D Guides enhance your ability to create detailed, interactive, and annotated instructions, improving collaboration and making complex models easier to understand and work with.