3D Viewer Online vs BIMx Desktop Viewer

3D Viewer Online is a browser service for sharing, inspecting and reviewing 3D models. Its 3D Player and APIs can embed models in websites, catalogues and other applications. The viewer provides rotation, panning, zooming, preset views and measurement tools for checking geometry and dimensions. Users can share browser links, while teams add comments, markups and attached datasheets or supporting documents. Access depends on each model’s sharing settings. Listed formats include STEP, IGES, GLTF, 3MF, STL, OBJ, DWG and DXF; DWG and DXF do not support 3D solids. Embedding is available through external links or iframes. The REST API accepts uploads and returns a viewer URL and model ID, with token access and rate limits discussed with the company. The WebGL viewer is described for recent browsers on PCs, tablets and smartphones. The free Regular plan allows ten models and 50 MB files. Premium is $10/month and Business $25/month, both billed monthly.

BIMx Desktop Viewer is a free Windows and macOS application for exploring BIMx Hyper-models alongside linked 2D project documentation and embedded BIM data. Markers and hyperlinks connect locations in documents with the 3D model and are created during export. Smart Measure provides length, angle, and area measurements in 2D, plus measurement guides in 3D. Users can export a current layout, an entire layout book, or a 3D view to PDF. Display controls include field of view, perspective or parallel projection, shading, sun position, and anti-aliasing. Hyper-models can be generated in Archicad or DDScad and published locally, to BIMx Model Transfer, BIMcloud, or another location. They can also open in a browser through a web link without installing an app. Graphisoft says BIMx Issues support markup of 2D and 3D views and BCF compliance. Facility managers and owners can access Facilities Management databases through the BIM model. Minimum desktop requirements are 4 GB RAM and 5 GB free disk space; Windows 11 or macOS 10.15 are listed.