Transform Your 3D Models Into Interactive Websites with Luma, Spline, and Framer
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Scanning Objects with Luma AI
- Preparing the Model in Spline
- Adding the Model to a Framer Website
- Conclusion
Introduction to Scanning Real-World Objects into Interactive 3D Websites
In this post, we'll go through an end-to-end workflow for taking a physical object, scanning it into a 3D model, and then importing that model into an interactive, responsive website built with Framer. We'll be using three key tools in this process: Luma to capture the 3D scan, Spline to optimize the model for web, and Framer to create the final website.
Overview of the Process
Here's a high-level overview of the steps we'll cover:
- Use the Luma app to photograph and scan a real-world object into a 3D model file.
- Bring the scanned model into Spline and optimize it for web performance.
- Position the model, set up interactions, and export the interactive scene from Spline.
- Import the Spline model into a Framer site and add responsive design.
Key Tools We'll Use
Luma: An iOS app that can scan real-world objects into 3D models using just an iPhone camera. Spline: A 3D design tool optimized for creating responsive, interactive 3D content for the web. Framer: A leading web design platform for creating responsive, interactive sites.
Scanning a Real-World Object with Luma
The first step is to use the Luma app to scan a physical object into a 3D model. For this example, we'll scan a shoe.
After installing Luma from the App Store, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your object. Slowly move around the object, capturing photos from all angles and keeping the object framed in the guide lines. This photogrammetry process will construct a 3D model from the series of 2D photos.
Once scanning is complete, upload the model to Luma's servers, which will process the images into a detailed 3D model. This may take some time. When ready, the scanned model can be viewed and downloaded from the Luma website.
Downloading and Using the Luma App
First, download and install the Luma app on your iPhone from the iOS App Store. The app is free to use. Open the app and follow the prompts to begin scanning an object. Position the object on a clear surface and slowly move around it, keeping it centered in the on-screen guide lines. Capturing photos from multiple angles is key for constructing the 3D model. Tap the shutter button to take photos as you move. Try to fully surround the object, getting above and below it as well to capture all sides.
Uploading the Scan
Once you've fully captured the object from all angles, Luma will upload the photos to their servers to process into a 3D model. This processing time can take a while. Larger objects with more geometric complexity may take longer to generate. When ready, you'll get a notification that the model is available. Log in to your Luma account on their website to view and download the finished 3D model.
Preparing the Model in Spline
With the 3D model downloaded from Luma, we can now bring it into Spline for optimization and interactivity.
First, import the model into your Spline scene. The initial model will likely need cleaning up, simplifying, and optimization for web performance.
Position the model in the scene, crop away unnecessary geometry, and configure camera angles and interactions like hover effects.
Finally, export the interactive scene to a shareable URL that we can bring into the Framer site.
Importing the Luma Model
In Spline, import the .gltf/.glb 3D model file downloaded from Luma. The imported model will initially appear blurry. Change the camera mode from 'orthographic' to 'perspective' to properly view the model. Rotate the model right-side up and position it in the scene as desired. Use the axis handles to rotate, scale, and move the model.
Optimizing Performance
Check the model's performance. Complex models from Luma scans often have very poor performance initially. Use Spline's 'Crop Areas' tool to selectively remove unnecessary geometry. Draw crop shapes around details to remove. Hide any scaffolding or surfaces the object was placed on while scanning. This will greatly optimize the model. Re-check performance and continue optimizing until the model runs smoothly.
Positioning the Camera
With the model optimized, add a new perspective camera in the desired position. Adjust the camera placement to achieve an appealing shot of the model. Optionally add multiple cameras to quickly toggle between different views.
Setting Up Interactions
Use Spline's events system to add interactivity like hover effects. For example, have the model smoothly rotate when hovering over it. This creates a dynamic, engaging scene. Tune the interaction behaviors until they feel natural. Consider adding click events or animated transitions between states.
Adding the Model to a Framer Website
With our interactive 3D model exported from Spline, we can now bring it into a Framer website.
First, add the Spline model to the Framer page using the Embed component. This will let you position and style it like any other element.
Add some intro animations so the model loads in an engaging way. Make sure to delay these appropriately so the 3D has time to initialize.
Finally, customize the layout and interactions to be responsive across device sizes. Now we have an interactive, professional 3D web experience!
Importing the Spline Model
Copy the published link for the Spline model. In Framer, add an Embed component and paste in the Spline URL. Position and size the Embed element to place the 3D model in the desired location. Consider adding a loading state so the model doesn't just pop in.
Styling and Animating
Style the Embed container with colors, borders, shadows, etc. like any other element. Add intro animations so the model appears in an engaging way. Use delays to account for Spline's loading time. For advanced animations, go back to Spline to add transitions then update the Embed URL.
Making It Responsive
Adjust the layout, text, and model scaling to look great on both desktop and mobile. Use Framer's responsive design features to reposition and resize elements across breakpoints. This allows delivering an optimal, tailored experience on any device size.
Conclusion
That wraps up our complete workflow for taking a real-world object and turning it into an interactive 3D experience on the web!
Using Luma, Spline, and Framer together provides an end-to-end solution for creating engaging, responsive 3D content.
With just an iPhone camera and some easy 3D design tools, anyone can now build professional-quality 3D websites.
FAQ
Q: How do I get the best scan of a real-world object with Luma AI?
A: Move slowly around the object, pointing your camera directly at it. Fill the guide lines in the app to capture the object from all angles.
Q: What can I do in Spline to optimize the 3D model for web performance?
A: Use the crop tool to remove unnecessary background details. This will reduce model complexity and improve rendering speed.
Q: How do I make my 3D model interact with the cursor in Spline?
A: Go to Play Settings and enable 'On Hover.' Adjust the hover values to create the desired effect.
Q: What code do I need to add a Spline model to my Framer site?
A: Simply insert the Embed component in Framer and paste your Spline model's public URL. No coding required.
Q: How can I animate the 3D model entering the Framer page?
A: Add an Appear transition effect to the Embed component. Adjust the delay and transition duration.
Q: What's the easiest way to make my Framer site responsive?
A: Use the built-in breakpoints feature. Adjust component styling and layout for tablet, mobile, etc.
Q: Can I create animated transitions for my 3D model in Spline?
A: Yes, use Spline's state and transition features. Update the Framer embed URL to see the animations.
Q: What file type do I export from Luma AI?
A: You'll want to download the .glTF file to import into Spline.
Q: How do I position the camera in Spline?
A: Add a new camera and position/angle it to get the desired view of your 3D model.
Q: Can I edit an embedded Spline model further in Framer?
A: No, you'll need to go back to Spline to make edits like materials, lighting, etc.