{"id":5173,"date":"2026-03-23T09:28:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:28:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.tlsrv.net\/?p=5173"},"modified":"2026-03-23T09:28:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:28:29","slug":"how-to-create-interactive-3d-models-for-thinglink-with-your-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/how-to-create-interactive-3d-models-for-thinglink-with-your-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Interactive 3D Models for ThingLink with your Phone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>3D models are gaining popularity as the process of creating them has become more user-friendly. A few years ago you needed dedicated 3D modelling software, and a lot of time to create a 3D model. Today, everything is just so much easier with your phone, thanks to a technique called photogrammetry. All you have to do is scan the environment, or take photos, and an app will automatically create a 3D model for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can You Do With Your 3D Models?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With ThingLink, you can take your 3D models to a whole new level by making them interactive. You can add text, pictures, audio, video, and links to your 3D models, and embed them to your website or LMS. This way you can create replicas of the physical environment, add value to staff training, onboarding, sales, maintenance, customer engagement, and product marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Turn Real-World Objects into Interactive Spatial Learning Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With ThingLink Capture 3D scanning app, even complete beginners can scan objects and physical environments with their tablet or phone camera, and turn them into interactive training experiences-using just their phone and ThingLink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how the process works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wistia-inc wp-block-embed-wistia-inc\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"ThingLink Capture Video\" src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/s1ujixh2yi?dnt=1#?secret=9Vwl1licj4\" data-secret=\"9Vwl1licj4\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Scan a Real-World Object with Your iPhone or iPad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by using a LiDAR-enabled iPhone or iPad to capture a 3D scan of an object or environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With ThingLink Capture, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Walk around the object to record its shape and depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generate a detailed 3D model in minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload it directly to the ThingLink platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This step turns physical equipment, spaces, or tools into digital assets ready for training or education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Add Interactive Learning Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your 3D model is created, you can enhance it with interactive elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the ThingLink platform, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Add clickable hotspots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attach text instructions, images, or videos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include links or step-by-step guidance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These annotations transform a static 3D scan into a guided learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Publish and Share Across Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After adding content, your interactive model can be deployed across multiple platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Share via a link<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embed into learning management systems (LMS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes it easy to distribute training materials to teams, students, or remote learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Enable Real-World Object Recognition (ThingLink for Apple Vision Pro)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For more advanced use cases, open your project in ThingLink for Apple Vision Pro 1.5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using spatial tracking and 3D reference models:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The system can recognize real-world 3D objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital instructions appear anchored directly onto physical objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Content stays aligned as users move around and use at different angles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates a hands-on learning experience where guidance appears exactly where it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Use in Real Training Scenarios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This workflow is particularly valuable in industries where hands-on learning matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common applications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Equipment training in manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Procedural guidance in healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Onboarding for technical roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interactive exhibits in museums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vocational and skills-based education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can even simulate equipment that isn\u2019t physically available by placing virtual objects into real environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read about ThingLink Capture in more detail at our support pages <a href=\"https:\/\/support.thinglink.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/38901457360919-ThingLink-Capture-Scan-and-create-interactive-3D-experiences\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes This Approach Practical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The key advantage is accessibility. Instead of requiring specialized 3D modelling apps or development teams, this workflow uses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Standard ios mobile devices with LiDAR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple scanning and editing tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cross-device compatibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That means you can go from capturing a real-world object to delivering a usable training experience in just a few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Successful 3D Object Capture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Scan in a well-lit environment, avoid shadows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflective surfaces are sometimes tricky to 3D model<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you do a lot of 3D scans, you can consider buying a rotating plate and tripod for the device to create more accurate models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"tl-cta-block\"><h3>Meet a product expert<\/h3><p>If you\u2019d like to learn more about what ThingLink can offer to your organization, you can schedule an online meeting with one of our product experts below.<\/p><button class=\"tl-button tl-button--white tl-button--small tl-cta-block__button\" data-link=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/andrew-6\/thinglinkdemo\">Meet an Expert<\/button><\/section>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More Ways to Create Immersive Content Using Your Mobile Device and ThingLink: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pano to 360<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NEW!<\/strong> Creating virtual tours, exhibitions, escape rooms and other immersive content just got even easier! ThingLink has now launched <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/en-us\/pano-to-360\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pano to 360 by ThingLink<\/a>: an easy way to create a 360 photosphere from a panoramic image using any smartphone. For more information, including step-by-step instructions <a href=\"https:\/\/support.thinglink.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/15786957878039-New-feature-convert-panoramas-to-360-images\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">see this helpful support article.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ThingLink AR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The ThingLink AR Solution is an augmented reality creator and viewer app that allows you to annotate real-life objects and view those annotations using your phone or tablet (iOS\/Android).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It works by letting you take a photo of a real-world object (such as a painting, poster, or book cover), with your tablet or smartphone camera, upload it to ThingLink, and add interactive hotspots (tags) using the ThingLink media editor. Share with a share code or QR code, and use the ThingLink AR Viewer mobile app to view the tagged object in AR. Read more at the link below:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/support.thinglink.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/15786957878039-New-feature-convert-panoramas-to-360-images\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/beyond-the-screen-with-thinglink-ar-discover-a-world-where-anything-can-be-your-learning-interface\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"ThingLink AR Unveils a World Where Anything Can Be Your Learning Interface\" class=\"wp-image-9234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface-576x324.jpg 576w, https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Beyond-the-Screen-ThingLink-AR-Unveils-a-World-Where-Anything-Can-Be-Your-Learning-Interface.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ThingLink AR Unveils a World Where Anything Can Be Your Learning Interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"tl-cta-block\"><h3>Try the free Pano to 360 converter <\/h3><p>The Pano to 360 photosphere converter is free to use for anyone, no ThingLink account required! Upload a panoramic image to see it in action. <\/p><button class=\"tl-button tl-button--white tl-button--small tl-cta-block__button\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/en-us\/pano-to-360\">Try pano to 360 by thinglink<\/button><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ideas and Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.thinglink.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/4404263635863-3D-model-tagging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3D model tagging in ThingLink<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/guide-to-3d\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">An easy guide for annotating 3D models<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/5-ways-to-use-interactive-3d-models-in-healthcare\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 ways to use interactive 3D models in healthcare&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3D models are gaining popularity as the process of creating them has become more user-friendly. A few years ago you needed dedicated 3D modelling software, and &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13135,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[491],"tags":[514,452,177,158],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5173"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5173"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5173\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13146,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5173\/revisions\/13146"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thinglink.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}