Blender to GLB: Prepare a Model for ArchHive 3D Preview

A 3D preview lets visitors rotate a model and inspect its form before deciding whether the listing suits their project. This guide describes a preparation workflow; it does not report a seller case study or measured sales results.

Prep the .blend

• Purge unused data: File > Clean Up > Unused Data-Blocks.
• Apply scale on every object: Ctrl+A > Scale. Unapplied scale breaks GLB orbit on the web.
• Cap textures at 2048px. One 4K PNG adds 20MB for zero jury gain on a phone screen.
• Aim for a compact preview. Compare the export size and visual quality after reducing texture sizes and simplifying entourage.

Export GLB

• File > Export > glTF 2.0 (.glb).
• Check: Apply Modifiers, UVs, Normals, Materials > Export.
• Uncheck: Cameras, Lights, Animation unless the walkthrough needs them.
• Upload at /upload in the Interactive 3D Preview section. GLB renders in our three.js viewer with orbit + screenshot.

IFC path with Bonsai

• Working native IFC in Blender via Bonsai? Export .ifc straight from Bonsai, upload the same slot. Product pages parse it with web-ifc, no Revit license needed.
• Keep IFC under 100MB. Drop rebar + MEP into a separate file buyers get after purchase.

Help buyers evaluate the model

• Search has a gold 3D Preview filter. No preview means buyers filtering for 3D never see the listing.
• Seller dashboard flags every listing missing preview with a gold Add 3D Preview button.

This is reference material for study, not work to submit as your own. Build your own sheets from what you learn.

Show a useful preview and accurate file specifications when you list work at archhive.design. Standard sellers keep 70%; Premium sellers keep 85% of eligible file sales. Review pricing and pass costs before choosing a plan. Publication, ranking, and sales are not guaranteed.