Blend4Web

The Blend4Web framework leverages Blender to edit 3D scenes. Content rendering relies on WebGL, Web Audio, WebVR, and other web standards, without the use of plug-ins.{{cite web|url=https://hacks.mozilla.org/2014/10/blend4web-the-open-source-solution-for-online-3d/|title=Blend4Web: the Open Source Solution for Online 3D|publisher=Mozilla Hacks|date=2014-10-07|access-date=2015-08-13}}

It is dual-licensed. The framework is distributed under the free and open source GPLv3 and, a non-free license - with the source code being hosted on GitHub.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/TriumphLLC/Blend4Web|title=Blend4Web on GitHub|publisher=GitHub.com/TriumphLLC|date=|access-date=2014-08-11}}

A 3D scene can be prepared in Blender and then exported as a pair of JSON and binary files to load in a web application. It can also be exported as a single, self-contained HTML file, in which exported data, the web player GUI, and the engine itself are packed.Прахов, Андрей (Июль, 2015). "Blend4Web". Linux Format, стр. 20. The HTML option is considered to be the simplest way.{{cite web|url=http://www.blendernation.com/2014/07/11/blend4web-an-interactive-3d-viewer/|title=Blend4Web, an Interactive 3D Viewer|publisher=BlenderNation.com|date=11 July 2014|access-date=2014-08-11}} The resulting file, which has a minimum size of 1 MB, can be embedded in a web page using a standard iframe HTML element.{{cite web|url=http://belursus.info/index.php?c=s-blend4web|title=Blend4Web: способ вставить 3D-содержание на веб-страницу с использованием WebGL|publisher=Belursus.info|date=|access-date=2014-09-04|archive-date=2015-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626210953/http://belursus.info/index.php?c=s-blend4web|url-status=dead|language=ru}} Blend4Web-powered web applications can be deployed on social networking websites such as Facebook.{{cite web|url=http://www.dalaifelinto.com/?p=1078|title=Blender Models in Facebook|publisher=Dalai Felinto|date=2015-09-10|access-date=2015-09-11|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122445/http://www.dalaifelinto.com/?p=1078|url-status=dead}}

The Blend4Web toolchain consists of JavaScript libraries, the Blender add-on, and a set of tools for tweaking 3D scene parameters, debugging, and optimization.

Developed by Moscow-based company Triumph in 2010, Blend4Web was publicly released on March 28, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.blend4web.com/en/about/|title=Blend4Web Official Site - About|publisher=Blend4Web.com|date=|access-date=2015-08-13}}

At the end of 2017, the project founders Yuri and Alex Kovelenov quit Triumph to start the development of a new WebGL framework Verge3D.{{cite web|url=https://www.soft8soft.com/starting-up/|title=Starting up|publisher=Soft8Soft|date=5 October 2017|access-date=2017-11-23}}

In October 2019, an "Absolutely new Blend4Web"{{Cite web|title=New Blend4Web|url=https://www.blend4web.com/en/community/article/414/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Blend4Web|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225080032/https://www.blend4web.com/en/community/article/414/|url-status=dead}} was announced, planned to make developing 3D apps easier and to add a new marketplace where people can offer their 3D models.

The framework has a number of components typically found in game engines, including a positional audio system, physics engine (a fork of Bullet ported to JavaScript), animation system, and an abstraction layer for game logic programming.{{cite web|url=http://www.opennet.ru/opennews/art.shtml?num=39506|title=Представлен Blend4Web, движок для создания браузерных 3D-приложений|publisher=OpenNet.ru|date=|access-date=2015-06-18}}

Up to 8 different types of animations can be assigned to a single object, including skeletal and per-vertex animation. The speed and the direction of animation (forward/backward play), as well as particle system parameters (size, initial velocity, and count), can be changed through the API.{{cite web|url=http://www.opennet.ru/opennews/art.shtml?num=40457|title=Релиз движка для создания браузерных 3D-приложений Blend4Web 14.08|publisher=OpenNet.ru|date=|access-date=2015-08-13}}

Among other supported features are: scene data dynamic loading and unloading, subsurface scattering simulation, and image-based lighting.{{cite web|url=http://www.blendernation.com/2014/07/25/blend4web-update-adds-improved-lighting-and-more/|title=Blend4Web update adds improved lighting and more|publisher=BlenderNation.com|date= 25 July 2014|access-date=2014-08-13}}

Some out-of-box options exist for rendering extended outdoor environments, including foliage-wind interaction, water, atmosphere, and sunlight simulation. One example demonstrating these effects is "The Farm" tech demo, which also features multiple animated NPCs and the ability to walk, interact with objects and drive a vehicle in first-person mode.{{cite web|url=http://echtvirtuell.blogspot.de/2014/09/blend4web-farm-demo-einer-kleine.html|title=Blend4Web: "The Farm" - Demo einer kleinen virtuellen Welt|publisher=Echt Virtuell|date= 17 September 2014|access-date=2014-09-18}}

Being based on the cross-browser WebGL API, Blend4Web runs in the majority{{cite web|url=http://caniuse.com/webgl|title=Can I use WebGL?|publisher=caniuse.com|date=|access-date=2014-08-15}} of web browsers, including mobile ones.{{cite web|url=http://3dspace.com/2016/02/html5-the-3d-web-and-the-death-of-plugins/|title=HTML5, the 3D Web, and the Death of Plugins|publisher=3dspace.com|date=|access-date=2016-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215223613/http://3dspace.com/2016/02/html5-the-3d-web-and-the-death-of-plugins/|archive-date=2016-02-15|url-status=dead}} There are some caveats for browsers with experimental WebGL support, such as Internet Explorer.{{cite web|url=https://www.kaldata.com/IT-%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/Blend4Web-%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D1%81%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%83%D0%B7%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8-3D-%D1%81%D1%86%D0%B5-88641.html|title=Blend4Web: енджин за създаване на браузърни 3D сцени и приложения|publisher=Kaldata: Software, Hardware and Game Reviews|date= 7 April 2014|access-date=2014-09-04}} There are also applications developed to run on Tizen-powered devices such as the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch.{{cite web|url=http://www.tizenexperts.com/2016/08/real-time-3d-watchfaces-from-luxury-watches-for-the-gear-s2/|title=Real Time 3D watchfaces from Luxury Watches for the Gear S2|publisher=Tizen Experts|date=|access-date=2016-08-12}}

Other features include: draw call batching, hidden surface determination, threaded physics simulation and ocean simulation.Cozzi, Patrick. WebGL Insights. CRC Press, 2015 {{ISBN|978-1-49-871607-9}}.

In version 14.09, Blend4Web introduced the possibility of adding interactivity to 3D scenes using a visual programming tool.{{cite web|url=http://www.blendernation.com/2014/09/29/blend4web-update-non-linear-animation-and-more/|title=Blend4Web Update: Non Linear Animation and more|publisher=BlenderNation.com|date= 29 September 2014|access-date=2014-09-29}}{{cite web|url=http://digilinux.ru/2014/09/26/blend4web-14-09/|title=Выпущен фреймворк Blend4Web 14.09|publisher=digilinux.ru|date=|access-date=2014-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928073106/http://digilinux.ru/2014/09/26/blend4web-14-09/|archive-date=2014-09-28|url-status=dead}} The tool is reminiscent of the BGE's logic editor as it uses logic blocks that are placed inside Blender. It plays back animation tracks authored by an artist when the user interacts with predefined 3D objects.{{cite web|url=http://habrahabr.ru/post/259437/|title=Blend4Web: обзор новинки отечественного софтопрома|publisher=Habrahabr.ru|date=3 June 2015|access-date=2015-06-04}}

Since version 15.03, Blend4Web has supported attaching HTML elements (such as information windows) to 3D objects ("annotations") and copying objects in run time ("instancing").{{cite web|url=http://www.benicourt.com/blender/2015/04/blend4web-annotations-interactives/|title=Blend4web: annotations interactives et autres nouveautés|publisher=Greg G.d.Bénicourt|date=|access-date=2015-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514011354/http://www.benicourt.com/blender/2015/04/blend4web-annotations-interactives/|archive-date=2016-05-14|url-status=dead}}

The following post-processing effects are supported: glow, bloom, depth of field, crepuscular rays, motion blur, and screen space ambient occlusion.{{cite web|url=http://www.opennet.ru/opennews/art.shtml?num=42303|title=Релиз движка для создания браузерных 3D-приложений Blend4Web 15.05|publisher=OpenNet.ru|date=|access-date=2015-06-18}}

Virtual reality devices have been supported since the end of 2015. Specifically, Oculus Rift head-mounted display works over experimental WebVR API.{{cite web|url=http://www.cgchannel.com/2016/01/triumph-releases-blend4web-15-12/|title=Triumph releases Blend4Web 15.12|publisher= cgchannel.com|date=|access-date=2016-02-18}}

The software also now includes preliminary support for gamepads, based on the Gamepad API.{{cite web|url=http://www.cgchannel.com/2016/09/triumph-releases-blend4web-16-08/|title=Triumph releases Blend4Web 16.08|publisher= cgchannel.com|date=|access-date=2016-09-14}}

In 2017, the option to author augmented reality content was added.{{cite web|url=https://80.lv/articles/blend4web-17-06-is-out/|title=Blend4Web 17.06 is Out|publisher= 80 Level|date= 7 July 2017|access-date=2017-07-14}} The system is based on the open-source tracking library ARToolKit and uses the WebRTC protocols.{{cite web|url=http://www.cgchannel.com/2017/07/blend4web-17-06-adds-augmented-reality-support/|title=Blend4Web 17.06 adds augmented reality support|publisher= cgchannel.com|date=|access-date=2017-07-14}}

Starting from version 17.08, finger tracking is supported through the Leap Motion device.{{cite web|url=https://blog.r23.de/blend4web/|title=Blend4Web|publisher= blog.r23.de|date= 5 September 2017|access-date=2017-09-07}}

The Blender add-on is written in Python and C and can be compiled for the Linux x86/x64, OS X x64, and MS Windows x86/x64 platforms.

A Blend4Web-specific profile can be activated in the add-on settings. When switching to this profile, the Blender interface changes so that it only reveals settings relevant to Blend4Web.{{cite web|url=http://3ddey.com/blend4web-musthave-for-blenderfans/|title=Blend4Web – Must-Have for Blender Fans!|publisher=3ddey.com|access-date=2015-05-29|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601044525/http://3ddey.com/blend4web-musthave-for-blenderfans/|archivedate=2015-06-01}}

Blend4Web supports a set of Blender-specific features such as the node material editor (a tool for visual shader programming){{cite web|url=http://3d-magazin.eu/e-commerce/interaktives-3d-web-ist-das-die-zukunft|title=Interactives 3D Web – Ist Das Die Zukunft?|publisher=3d-magazin.eu|date=15 September 2016|access-date=2016-09-16}} and the particle system.{{cite web|url=https://entwickler.de/online/frameworks/3d-web-applikationen-mit-blend4web-erstellen-139994.html|title=3D-Web-Applikationen mit Blend4Web erstellen|publisher=entwickler.de|date=|access-date=2015-05-29|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184132/https://entwickler.de/online/frameworks/3d-web-applikationen-mit-blend4web-erstellen-139994.html|url-status=dead}} There is basic support for Blender's non-linear animation (NLA) editor for creating simple scenarios.

Blend4Web is based on Blender's real-time GLSL rendering engine, which users are recommended to use in order to enable WYSIWYG editing.{{cite web|url=http://blenderlounge.fr/blend4web-exporter-facilement-vos-scenes-en-html/|title=Blend4Web: Exporter Facilement en HTML|publisher=BlenderLounge|date=12 July 2015|access-date=2015-07-17}}

NASA developed an interactive web application called Experience Curiosity to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the Curiosity rover landing on Mars.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/new-online-exploring-tools-bring-nasas-journey-to-mars-to-new-generation|title=New Online Exploring Tools Bring NASA's Journey to Mars to New Generation|publisher=NASA|date= 5 August 2015|access-date=2015-08-07}} This Blend4Web-based app{{cite web|url=http://eyes.nasa.gov/curiosity/|title=Experience Curiosity|publisher=NASA's Eyes|date=|access-date=2015-08-07}} makes it possible to operate the rover, control its cameras and the robotic arm, and reproduce some of the prominent events of the Mars Science Laboratory mission.{{cite web|url=http://www.benicourt.com/blender/2015/09/prenez-le-controle-de-curiosity-avec-blend4web/|title=Prenez le controle de Curiosity avec Blend4Web|publisher=Greg G.d.Bénicourt|date=|access-date=2015-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919134539/http://www.benicourt.com/blender/2015/09/prenez-le-controle-de-curiosity-avec-blend4web/|archive-date=2015-09-19|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.technology.org/2015/08/11/internet-3d-take-the-curiosity-rover-for-a-spin-right-on-the-nasa-website/|title=Internet 3D: Take the Curiosity Rover for a Spin Right on the NASA Website|publisher=Technology.Org|date= 11 August 2015|access-date=2015-08-12}} The application got presented at the beginning of the WebGL section at SIGGRAPH 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.khronos.org/news/events/2015-siggraph|title=Khronos Events - 2015 SIGGRAPH|publisher=Khronos|date= 10 August 2015|access-date=2015-08-13}}

Experience Curiosity was ported to Verge3D for Blender in 2018 with several performance improvements and bug fixes.{{cite web|url=https://www.soft8soft.com/verge3d-nasa/|title=Experience Curiosity: NASA turns to Verge3D|publisher=Soft8Soft|date= 27 June 2018|access-date=2018-11-03}}

A General Motors authorized dealer in the United Arab Emirates has placed a functional Chevrolet Camaro 3D configurator on its website.{{cite web|url=http://www.benicourt.com/blender/2017/06/blend4web-un-configurateur-pour-chevrolet/|title=BLEND4WEB: UN CONFIGURATEUR POUR CHEVROLET|publisher=benicourt.com|date=|access-date=2017-06-23}}{{cite web|url=http://chevrolet.alghandi.com/new-vehicles/2017-camaro/|title=Al Ghandi Auto|publisher=Al Ghandi Auto|date=|access-date=2017-06-23}}

Greenpeace created interactive 3D infographics to back Greenpeace's Detox campaign in Russia.{{cite web|url=http://www.greenpeace.org/russia/ru/campaigns/water-pollution/detox/|title=Чистая мода - Гринпис России|publisher=Greenpeace|date=|access-date=2016-09-14|archive-date=2016-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003210431/http://www.greenpeace.org/russia/ru/campaigns/water-pollution/detox/|url-status=dead}} Tallink featured an interactive 3D presentation of its MS Megastar vessel to allow visitors to browse details of the ship.{{cite web|url=http://megastar.tallink.com/3d-experience/|title=Megastar 3D Experience|publisher=Tallink|date=|access-date=2016-09-14|language=fi}}

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