This document is intended for people preparing data for Web submission using a 3D package and the ZScape™ Preview application. This will give you a broad overview of the process along with the high-level steps required to create a nice hologram.
Getting your data into a format you can use is one thing, but this is an entirely new media, and as such it has strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to read the Introduction to Zebra Holograms document for all the details about what makes a great hologram. Understanding this in the beginning will save you time down the road.
File Formats We Support
The following is a list of file formats that you can drag directly into the ZScape™ Preview application. Note that not all features of each format are supported. The most heavily tested format is OBJ, and is preferred for this reason. More detailed descriptions about what we accept can be found Zebra Accepted File Formats Details.
OBJ
STL
LAS
PTS
XYZ and XYZi
CSV
ZSM
The Basic Steps to a Hologram
The following 5 steps are required:
1. Prepare the Data in Your 3D Application.
2. Export the Data from Your 3D Application.
3. Load the Exported Data into our software, called ZScape™ Preview.
4. Frame the data, adjust the lighting and look.
5. Save the Final Data and Upload to Zebra.
To get started, please visit store.zebraimaging.com!
Prepare the Data in Your 3D Application
Rarely can you simply perform a “File->Export” on 3D data and get exactly what you would like in the hologram. For example, if you use mental ray, you will have to replace the surface shaders with more “standard” types, such as Phong. Before you begin this process, please read the detailed document for the 3D Application you are using. We support 3DS Max, Maya, Sketchup, Revit, Blender, Rhino, and Aveva Review.
Export the Data from Your 3D Application
Once you get the data prepared within your 3D application, you may be ready for export, or you may need to break your data into multiple files to accommodate our requirements for import. More details about the limits of the export can be found in the How to Export Your Data into ZScape™ Preview document.
Import the Data into ZScape™ Preview
Loading the files into ZScape™ Preview is a simple matter of dragging them into the application from a file folder. For a basic walk through of this, see our Using ZScape™ Preview document.
Frame the Data, Adjust the Lighting and Create Previews
The data will be automatically centered within the frame when you drag it in, but you will probably want to adjust the orientation and scale to fit your needs. You can then light your model, and decide if you would like shadows and details. You can also create preview shots of your data if you like. Again, Using ZScape™ Preview provides the more detailed steps.
Save the Final Data and Upload to Zebra
When you save your data from ZScape™ Preview, a ZIP file will automatically be created. This is the file to be uploaded to Zebra on the Web Upload Page.
Order your hologram!
That’s all there is to it! We wish you well in all your data preparation efforts. Good luck!