SwPublish

Publish 3D On the Internet

SwPublish creates archive files of 3D content in SW3D format for display on a web page using the SwirlX3D plug-ins. The SW3D is a binary format based on VRML and X3D. The archive file contains both the basic 3D scene, and any support files such as image files, ExternProtos and subscenes in Inline or Anchor files.

The SW3D archive file can be inserted into any HTML page by simply adding a <script> tag at the appropriate location. The only information that needs to be supplied is the name of the archive file, and the width and height of the 3D scene when it is displayed within the HTML page.

Protect Your 3D Content

Because SW3D is a proprietary binary format, the contents of the file cannot be copied. This is important for protecting private data within the file and also for protecting the intellectual property rights of the scene's creator. By contrast VRML and X3D are open formats whose data is easily accessible.

An SW3D archive can be created by SwPublish, but SwPublish cannot be used to view the contents of an SW3D archive. An Sw3D archive can only be viewed with the SwirlX3D plug-ins. This is to protect the privacy the the data contained within the archive.

Control the Appearance of your Scene

VRML and X3D can be freely inserted into an HTML using the <embed> tag. In this case the visitor to the web site is responsible for obtaining a suitable VRML or X3D plug-in, and the licensing of the plug-in is the visitor's responsability. In order to provide a satisfying experience for the visitor the scene should be tested against most major plug-ins to ensure compatability. This often means that the scene should use only commonly available nodes, and perhaps restrict itself to VRML.

Since the SwirlX3D plug-in displays only SW3D files, and these files are ignored by other plug-ins, when using SwPublish it is only necessary to test the scene against the SwirlX3D plug-in. In this case, it will be possible to use some of the more recent features of the X3D specification, such as the Layout and Layering components.

Display an Unlimited Number of Scenes

The SwirlX3D plug-ins are availble for free and will display any supported SW3D file on a website, without the need for purchasing a website license file, or paying display charges for the scene. SwPublish can be used to create as many SW3D files as you like.

There are currently plug-ins for Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and SeaMonkey, running on Microsoft Windows. Plug-ins for Apple and Linux are under development, but are not available yet.

Test Scene

If you wish to test the use of SwPublish on your website, please download this test package. It contains three files: a sample HTML file containing a 3D scene in an SW3D file, the SW3D file describing the 3D scene, and a Java Script file to connect the HTML file to the 3D scene. These three file are uploaded to your website. A manual is also included.

When testing the plug-in you may change the HTML file to fit with your website.

Package for testing SW3D on your website.

Purchase

After you have tested SW3D on your website and you created a scene of your own to publish, the next step is to purchase SwPublish so that you can convert the 3D scene into an SW3D archive, and then upload the archive to your website.

Purchase SwPublish