The 3D Object Editor on the Merge Dashboard allows you to define the look of your 3D creations by modifying the position, rotation and scale of your object in relation to the Merge Cube, as well as adding labels and annotations to different parts of the object.

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In this article, we’ll introduce you to the main sections of the 3D Object Editor:

• General Settings - select the units of measurement for your object or edit its thumbnail
• Cube Settings - determine the position, rotation and scale of your object in relation to the Merge Cube
• World Settings - determine the position, rotation and scale of your object in relation to the World
• Actual Size - define the actual size of your object
• Labels - add additional information to parts of your object
  

Follow these instructions to find out how to use the 3D Object Editor:

To access the 3D Object Editor, go to https://dashboard.mergeedu.com and Sign In to your Merge Account.

1. Go to “My Stuff” and select the 3D object you want to modify
2. In the Object Details page, tap “Edit 3D Settings” to open the Object Editor

When you first open the Object Editor will see the General Settings tab of your 3D object. Use the General Settings options to change the units of measurement for your object, or take a new thumbnail image.

To Change Units

1. Tap the Units dropdown to select between Centimeters, Meters, Inches, or Feet.
2. Tap Yes in the following pop-up to confirm the units.
3. Tap the Save button in the upper-right corner to save changes.

To Change Thumbnail

1. Tap the Take Thumbnail button to show the thumbnail frame.
2. Rotate or resize your object until it is where you would like it to be in the thumbnail.
3. Tap the Confirm button in the Thumbnail Preview to confirm the new thumbnail.
4. Tap the Save button in the upper-right corner to save changes.

To access the Cube Settings, tap the cube icon at the top of the left-side menu. Use the Cube Settings to set the position, rotation and scale of your object in relation to the Merge Cube. This will determine how your object will appear when viewed on the Merge Cube.

To Change Cube Settings

1. Tap the “Size” button on the left-side menu to scale the model on the Cube.
2. Tap the “Position” button on the left-side menu to adjust the location of the model on the Cube.
3. Tap the “Rotate” button on the left-side menu to rotate the model on the Cube.
4. For any of the above controls, you can use the handles that show up on the model, or use the X, Y, and Z settings to adjust the object’s settings directly.
5. Once you have finished editing the settings, be sure to tap the “Save” button in the top-right corner to save.

To access the World Settings, tap the globe icon at the top of the left-side menu. Use the World Settings to set the position, rotation and scale of your object in relation to the World. This will determine how your object will appear when using the Place In the World feature in Object Viewer.

To Change World Settings

1. These settings can be used just like the Cube Settings, but must be adjusted separately.
2. Tap the “Size” button on the left-side menu to scale the model, the “Position” button to adjust the location of the model on the Cube, and the “Rotate” button to rotate the model on the Cube.
3. For any of the above controls, you can use the handles that show up on the model, or use the X, Y, and Z settings to adjust the object’s settings directly.
4. Once you have finished editing the settings, be sure to tap the “Save” button in the top-right corner to save.

To access the Actual Size tab, tap the 1:1 icon at the top of the left-side menu. Turn the Actual Size toggle ON, then adjust its size for that option to become available when viewing your object in Object Viewer. Once you have finished editing the size, be sure to tap the “Save” button in the top-right corner to save.

To access Labels, tap the tag icon at the top of the left-side menu. Use Labels to add additional information via annotative text to your 3D object. These annotations will be seen when the object is viewed in Object Viewer.

To Add Labels to your Model

1. Double click on any part of the model to place a label.
2. Give the label a title on the left-side menu (optionally you can add a description as well).
3. Once you have finished adding all of your labels, be sure to tap the “Save” button in the top-right corner to save them.

Once you are finished with the 3D Settings, be sure to tap the “Save” button to save any changes, then tap “Close” in the top-right corner to close the Object Editor. Then, tap “Save” again to close out the object and update all Settings.

View your Objects on the Merge Cube

Finally, you can use the Merge app, Object Viewer, to view your own 3D Object in the palm of your hand with the Merge Cube, or share your object with your class. Use the Share Options, like the QR Code, Link, or Object Code to share your 3D creations with others!

Check out this article to learn how to view your own 3D Object in Object Viewer.

Check out this article to learn how to Share your own 3D Objects with others.

Now that you’ve learned how to navigate the 3D Object Editor, you’re ready to begin uploading your own 3D creations and sharing them with your class!