Using Merge Object Viewer
3D Lessons on Every Desk
Merge Object Viewer allows learners to inspect, rotate, zoom, and interact with digital teaching aids right from their browser—no app downloads required.
From fossils and animal skulls to cells, geometric shapes, historical artifacts, simple machines, and more, students can explore complex concepts through authentic, hands-on 3D learning experiences.
In This Article, You Will Learn How To:
- Launch and use Merge Object Viewer
- Search and discover 3D objects
- Interact with objects using different interaction modes
- Access object information and labels
- Adding objects to your Library
- Add objects to Custom Collections
- Share Collections/Objects
Launch and use Merge Object Viewer
First, visit dashboard.merge3D.ai on a web browser and sign in.
To launch Object Viewer, simply select “Object Viewer” from the left side menu or from the home screen.
Open an Object
When you open Object Viewer, you will by default be on the "Collections" Screen. Simply browse the collections and tap on any of them to see the objects inside. Tap on an object to open it.
To search for an object, follow the steps below:
- To Search for a 3D object within Object Viewer, start typing in the search bar pictured below. For additional search methods available throughout the Merge 3D Platform, click here.
- Select the object you would like to explore.
- The object will open in 3D mode.
Explore the 3D Object
Once an object is open, you can:
- Rotate the object to view it from different angles
- Zoom in and out to examine details
- Move the object around the screen
Interact with Labels
Turn labels off and on, simply tap the "label" icon in the upper left corner of the 3D interaction screen. The label information will pop up on the right side of the screen.
Click here to learn more about labels
Turn Animations Off and On
Many objects in Object Viewer are animated. You can easily turn the animations on or off based on your preference and the interaction mode you are using. Simply tap the "pause" or "play" button that is in the upper left corner (next to the label button).
Choose an Interaction Mode
Merge Object Viewer supports multiple ways to interact with 3D content depending on your device and lesson goals. You will activate the various modes by tapping on them. Tap on them again to deselect them. All the interaction modes are found in the upper right corner of the screen. Read below to learn how each of them works.
3D Viewer Mode (Default View)
Explore and manipulate objects directly on your screen using a mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, or interactive display.
Hand Mode
Use hand tracking to naturally interact with objects in mid-air, creating a more engaging and embodied learning experience. See more by clicking here.
Head Mode
Move your head to look around objects and scenes naturally, helping students develop spatial understanding and perspective. See more by clicking here.
Cube Mode
Use a Merge Cube to hold and interact with digital objects as if they were physical teaching aids. See more by clicking here.
Anaglyph 3D Glasses Mode
Use Merge red/cyan 3D glasses to view objects with enhanced depth, creating an immersive 3D viewing experience on almost any screen. See more by clicking here.
Learn More About an Object
In addition to the label information, all of the objects in Object Viewer include a title and description. You can use this information to deepen understanding and support classroom instruction. To find the description and label information, simply scroll down under the object window.
Add an Object to your Library
You can add objects to your own library to make it easier to find and use later! Here are the instructions:
- Click the (+) Add button.
- Select Add to Library.
The object will now be available in your Library for quick access later. See more detail here.
Add an Object to a Custom Collection
- Click the (+) Add button.
- Select Add to Collection.
- Choose an existing collection or create a new one.
- Click Add to Collection.
Custom Collections allow teachers and students to organize related content for lessons, projects, and presentations. Find more detail here.
Share Objects/Collections
Sharing objects and collections makes it easy to collaborate with colleagues, provide students with curated content, and distribute instructional resources across your school or district. Follow the instructions below, or click to see more on sharing content here.
- Open the Collection or Object you would like to share.
- Click the Share button.
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Choose either:
- Copy Link
- QR Code
- Share the link or QR Code with students or colleagues.
Why Use Merge Object Viewer?
Merge Object Viewer makes it easy to bring 3D learning into everyday instruction by allowing students to:
- Explore objects that would otherwise be inaccessible
- Visualize complex concepts
- Develop spatial reasoning skills
- Engage with content through multiple embodied interaction methods
- Learn through observation, exploration, and discovery
Because Object Viewer runs directly in the browser, students can access interactive 3D learning experiences from virtually any device, making it easier than ever to integrate 3D learning into daily classroom instruction.
Now that you've learned how to use Merge Object Viewer, check out Merge Explorer to immerse students in interactive simulations and discovery-based learning experiences, or explore Merge HoloGlobe to investigate Earth, space, geography, and real-world data through engaging 3D visualizations.