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This guide outlines best practices for converting CAD models from tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Solid Edge, Rhino, and others into optimized 3D assets suitable for real-time, web-based experiences. These guidelines help ensure efficient performance for product showcases, interactive demos, configurators, and more. For general tips on optimizing scenes in Spline, check out the How to optimize your scene guide.

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🧱 1. Prepare and Simplify Your CAD Model

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Clean Up Geometry

In your CAD software:
  • Remove unnecessary details that won’t be visible in the final 3D scene (e.g., internal parts, small screws, fine fillets).
  • Hide or delete hidden components to avoid exporting redundant geometry.
  • Consolidate geometry where possible:
    • Merge similar or repeated parts into a single object.
    • Standardize materials and colors — identical objects should use the same material definition.

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📤 2. Export from CAD as Mesh

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General Export Strategy

  1. Convert NURBS/solids to mesh:
    • Most CAD programs offer a way to convert solids into mesh geometry (polygonal).
    • Look for settings like Mesh Refinement, Deviation, or Chord Tolerance.
  2. Adjust tessellation settings:
    • Use fewer polygons when the visual fidelity doesn’t suffer.
    • Tune parameters like:
      • Distance Deviation / Chord Height: Higher values → lower polygon count.
      • Angle Deviation / Normal Tolerance: Controls detail in curved surfaces.
  3. Choose the Right Export Format
    • Recommended formats: .GLB, .STL, .OBJ, or .FBX.
    • Ensure correct units (e.g., mm vs. cm) and normal orientation during export.
    • Geometry merging options:
      • If your model uses a single material, merging all parts into one mesh can improve performance.
      • For complex models or when maintaining object-level control is important, export as separate objects— Spline allows merging later.

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🛠️ 🤖 3. Optimize for Spline

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Mesh Optimization

  • Ensure clean topology:
    • Avoid n-gons, intersecting geometry, and non-manifold edges.
    • Merge elements that use the same material.
  • Keep object count and polygon count low:
    • Target: 50k–150k polygons max.
    • Fewer objects generally means better real-time performance.

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Other Tips

  • Use descriptive object names (base_plate, screw_cap) to aid scene organization.
  • Limit the number of materials and textures — reuse materials wherever possible.

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🧪 4. Import into Spline

  1. Drag and drop your exported .obj, .glb, .stl, or .fbx file into the Spline canvas.
  2. Add up to two directional lights for efficient real-time shadows.
  3. For complex models:
    • Use 20 materials or fewer.
    • Compress large image textures and avoid using too many.
  4. Leverage Spline’s interactive tools to add animation, hover effects, or interactivity.
  5. Use the Performance Panel and Play Settings on Export to:
    • Enable mesh and texture compression.
    • Adjust scene settings for real-time performance.
🔗 Read more in the optimization guide