PowerPoint 3D Models: Everything You Need to Know

PowerPoint 3D Models are a fantastic tool for adding a new level of visual interest and engagement to your presentations.

Whether you’re creating a slideshow for a business presentation, educational lecture, or personal project, these 3D models can help bring your ideas to life in a way that static images simply can’t.

With PowerPoint 3D Models, you can create dynamic animations, showcase complex designs, and captivate your audience with stunning visuals that are sure to make your presentation stand out.

However, before you start using 3D models in your presentations, there are a few things you should know.

Introduction

A 3D model is a three-dimensional object created using specialized software.

These models can be used to represent anything from a simple geometric shape to a complex structure. With the increasing popularity of 3D printing and virtual reality, 3D models are becoming more and more prevalent in various industries.

PowerPoint 3D models allow you to insert these 3D objects directly into your presentations.

This gives you the ability to add a whole new level of interactivity and engagement to your slides.

Whether you’re creating a product demo, educational presentation, or marketing pitch, 3D models can help you communicate your message more effectively.

How to Insert 3d Models in PowerPoint Slide

The 3D model feature is currently available in Microsoft 2019 up to the latest versions. This feature will help you to spice up your presentation and bring your design to the next level. So, let’s dive in!

Firstly, we have a new slide with a blue background for demonstration purposes. Inserting 3D models into your slides is as easy as inserting images or videos. Under the “Insert” tab, just select the 3D models. 

Powerpoint presentation

You have two options here: the “From Device” option if you wish to import 3D models directly from your system files, and the “Stock 3D models” option so you can browse and insert 3D models from Microsoft’s online library. 

For now, we will use the stock 3D models option.

PowerPoint stock 3d models

In the popup window that appears, you can browse or search for 3D models from the catalog.

powerpoint stock 3d model catalog

We can see here different 3D models which are classified into different categories.

There are a variety of 3D models available for PowerPoint, from simple geometric shapes to complex objects.

Some popular models include furniture, clothing, toys, tools and buildings. There are even 3D models of people and animals, allowing you to add a more human touch to your presentation.

The animated 3D models have this animation symbol below them, and the simple and still 3D models without the animation symbol, which you can also animate later using the morph transition.

Now, let’s select a building 3D model.

powerpoint stock 3d model search

In case if you want to insert multiple 3D models, simply select them all and click on the “Insert” button.

Once inserted, the thumbnails of your selected 3D models will be marked with an orange check-mark for easy identification.

Format 3d model and other settings

After inserting a 3D model into your slide, a contextual tab named “3D Model” will appear in the ribbon.

This tab provides various options to customize your model according to your needs. You can modify the model settings, adjust its dimensions, add text overlays, and arrange it within the slide.

Also, you will get a contextual tab on the side tools called “Format 3d model“. On the format tab, there are some handy controls to help you customize how your 3D images are going to look.

Downloading and Using 3D Models in PowerPoint

There are several ways to obtain PowerPoint 3D models.

You can create your own 3D models using specialized software or hire a professional 3D modeler to create them for you.

However, creating 3D models can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of skill and expertise.

Fortunately, there are several resources available online where you can download 3D models for free or for a fee.

Many websites offer a variety of 3D models in different formats, including OBJ, STL, and 3DS. Some websites even offer an online 3D model viewer, allowing you to preview the model before downloading it.

One of the most popular formats for 3D models is the OBJ file format.

This format is widely used in the 3D modeling industry and is supported by most 3D modeling software. OBJ files can be imported into PowerPoint using a plugin or add-in.

Once you have your 3D model, inserting it into PowerPoint is easy.

Insert Your own 3d Model

Simply click on the “Insert” tab, select the downward arrow below “3D Models” to access the dropdown menu and choose “This device“.

insert custom 3d model to powerpoint presentation

To insert your 3D model, simply select it and click on the “Insert” button.

select obj file from computer

PowerPoint allows you to insert 3D models in various file formats such as FBX, OBJ, 3MF, and STL.

House and car 3d model inserted into powerpoint slide

Now, you can then resize and rotate the 3D model to fit your slide.

If you’re new to using PowerPoint 3D models, there are several online tutorials and resources available to help you get started.

Many websites offer free 3D model templates and tutorials on how to create your own 3D models.

Also read: Blender GPU Rendering: CUDA vs OptiX – The Good and The Bad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where to Find 3D Models for PPT?

If you don’t want to create your own 3D models, there are plenty of sites that offer 3D models for use in PowerPoint presentations.

Some of the most popular sites include TurboSquid, 3D Warehouse, and Sketchfab. These sites offer a wide variety of 3D models in different file formats, so you’re sure to find something that meets your needs.

Where Can I Get Free 3D Models?

If you’re looking for free 3D models, there are also several sites that offer them.

Some of the most popular free 3D model sites include Free3D, CGTrader, and GrabCAD. Keep in mind that while these sites offer free models, not all of them are royalty-free. Make sure to read the license agreements carefully before using any free 3D models in your PowerPoint presentations.

Which 3D Format is Supported by PowerPoint?

As mentioned earlier, PowerPoint supports several 3D file formats.

These include FBX, OBJ, 3MF, and STL. If you’re not sure which format to use, it’s best to check the documentation for your 3D model to see which format is recommended.

Are PowerPoint 3D Models Royalty Free?

The short answer is that it depends on the source of the 3D models.

If you create your own 3D models or purchase them from a site that offers royalty-free licenses, then you can use them in your PowerPoint presentations without any issues.

However, if you download 3D models from a site that doesn’t offer royalty-free licenses, you may be infringing on someone’s copyright.

How to Import a 3D Model into PowerPoint?

Importing a 3D model into PowerPoint is a straightforward process. (see above images)

First, you need to ensure that the 3D model is saved in a compatible format, such as .obj or .fbx. Then, go to the “Insert” tab and click on down arrow below “3D Models.”

From there, select “This device” and navigate to where the 3D model is saved.

Click on “Insert” to add the 3D model to your PowerPoint slide.

What is the OBJ Format for 3D Models?

The OBJ format is a widely used 3D model format that is compatible with many 3D modeling software programs.

It is an open file format that allows for the exchange of 3D models between different software programs. OBJ files contain information about the geometry, texture, and materials of a 3D model.

Also Read: Maya vs Blender vs Other 3D Software: Theory and Industry Tools

Conclusion

In conclusion, PowerPoint 3D models are a great way to add depth and dimension to your presentations.

Specifically, 3D models can add a new dimension to your PowerPoint presentations, making them more engaging and interactive. With the help of the right resources and tools, you can easily find, create, and import 3D models into your PowerPoint presentations.

So why not give it a try and see how 3D models can enhance your next PowerPoint presentation?

Leave a Comment