How can you use CAD software to create interactive presentations?

1 Choose the right CAD software

The first step to create interactive presentations is to choose the right CAD software for your needs. There are many options available, but not all of them offer the same features and functionalities. Some CAD software are more suited for creating realistic renderings and animations, while others are more focused on creating immersive and interactive environments. For example, you might want to use Autodesk Revit or SketchUp for architectural design, Blender or Maya for 3D modeling and animation, or Unity or Unreal Engine for game development and virtual reality. Depending on your project goals, you might need to use more than one CAD software to achieve the desired results.

2 Export your CAD models

Once you have created your CAD models, you need to export them in a format that can be used for interactive presentations. Depending on the CAD software you use, you might have different options for exporting your models. Some common formats are OBJ, FBX, STL, and GLTF. These formats allow you to preserve the geometry, materials, textures, and animations of your models. However, you might need to adjust some settings and optimize your models before exporting them, such as reducing the polygon count, simplifying the materials, and baking the lighting. This will help you improve the performance and quality of your interactive presentations.

3 Import your CAD models into a presentation software

The next step is to import your CAD models into a presentation software that can display them interactively. There are many presentation software that can handle 3D models, such as PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi, or Google Slides. However, these software have some limitations, such as the size, complexity, and interactivity of the models. If you want to create more advanced and interactive presentations, you might want to use a software that is designed for 3D visualization and interaction, such as Sketchfab, Verge3D, or PlayCanvas. These software allow you to upload your CAD models online and embed them into web pages, where you can add interactivity, annotations, and effects.

4 Add interactivity to your CAD models

One of the main advantages of using CAD software to create interactive presentations is that you can add interactivity to your CAD models. This means that you can allow your audience to explore, manipulate, and interact with your models in real time. For example, you can enable zooming, panning, rotating, and orbiting of your models. You can also add buttons, sliders, menus, and pop-ups that can trigger actions, such as changing the colors, materials, or configurations of your models. You can also add animations, sounds, and videos that can enhance the storytelling and engagement of your presentations.

5 Test and share your interactive presentations

The final step is to test and share your interactive presentations with your audience. You should test your presentations on different devices, browsers, and platforms to ensure that they work properly and smoothly. You should also check the loading time, resolution, and quality of your presentations. You can use tools such as Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights to measure and improve the performance and accessibility of your presentations. To share your presentations, you can use different methods, such as sending a link, embedding a code, or using a QR code. You can also use social media, blogs, or portfolios to showcase your interactive presentations and attract more attention and feedback.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?