What is a 3D web-based configurator and how does it work?


Nowadays, a 3D web configurator has become a powerful online marketing tool. With 3D configurator software, online shoppers find it easy to make purchasing decisions, and businesses can, therefore, sell more products.

People tend to visualize and configure products before buying. That’s why more and more businesses use 3D configuration software to unlock their marketing potential and increase sales.     

Some people may find it difficult to understand the term “3D product configurator.” In this article, we’ll explain what a 3D web configurator is and how it works.  

What is a 3D web configurator?

A 3D product configurator is the software that makes it possible for consumers to visualize and customize their products in real-time. Buyers can see a product in three dimensions prior to making a purchase. 

It’s also important to note that the software allows consumers to customize the product’s colors, materials, sizes, designs as well as features. As a result, consumers get personalized products that meet their needs and preferences.     

Uses of 3D Configuration Software

It’s a good idea to use 3D presentations for advertising and marketing. Today, a 3D web configurator is used by different types of businesses in multiple industries, including:

  • automotive
  • architecture
  • building and construction 
  • industrial equipment
  • manufacturing
  • home renovation
  • interior design
  • fashion
  • furniture
  • real estate
  • transportation

Actually, this list could go on and on. The popularity of 3D visualization software is constantly growing these days. Even industry giants such as Apple, Adidas, Coca-cola, Nike, Samsung and others choose to implement a 3D web configurator into their marketing strategies.       

Features of a 3D Product Configurator

The modern 3D presentation solutions have all the necessary features to bring products to life and provide customers with the best possible shopping experience. 

The key features of a 3D web configurator include:

  • Real-time 3D product visualization
  • Augmented reality
  • Product customization  
  • Dynamic pricing
  • Data management
  • Seamless integration
  • Analytics and reporting

The software allows buyers to visualize products in real-time. Additionally, a 3D web configurator generates quotes automatically and provides potential customers with instant pricing. Augmentation reality makes it possible for consumers to visualize products in their own spaces. It’s also important to note that a 3D product configurator can be successfully integrated with ERP and CRM systems.

Advantages of a 3D Product Configurator

A 3D product configurator has benefits both for businesses and consumers. Businesses can use 3D configurator software as an online selling solution. The tool provides interactive shopping experience and enhances customer engagement.  

There are many reasons why business owners prefer to integrate a 3D web configurator into their sites. Using 3D configurator software delivers multiple significant benefits to businesses. 

  1. Product personalization. With 3D design software, potential customers can use the power of customization and get personalized products that meet their needs and tastes. This helps buyers make well-informed decisions and select the right products easily and quickly.   
  1. Enhanced shopping experience. A 3D web configurator provides potential clients with a realistic representation of the customized products. This helps consumers close the gap between imagination and reality.     
  1. Simplified sales process. 3D presentation of products makes the sales process simple. It’s much easier to make a purchase if you can customize a product and see how it looks and how much it costs.  
  1. Shorter sales cycle. It doesn’t take potential buyers too much time to select a product and customize it for their needs. Visualization of a product speeds up the decision-making process.    
  1. Customer satisfaction. Personalization has a profound positive impact on customers. Customizable 3D models provide consumers with interactive and engaging experiences and make them happy!   
  1. Higher conversion rates. Businesses that implement a 3D web configurator into their sites sell products more successfully. Customization makes it possible for potential buyers to find the answers to their questions about the product. As a result, the site’s visitors turn into paying customers.    
  1. An increase in sales. 3D digital designs allow businesses to establish a deeper connection between potential customers and products. Such a strategy results in more efficient selling. 

Businesses can benefit from a 3D configurator in a number of different ways. Generally speaking, 3D models help sellers represent their products efficiently and simplify the sales process.    

How does 3D product configurator work?

It’s necessary to have certain knowledge, technical experience as well as skills to build a 3D configurator. However, the modern 3D configurator software provides businesses with the so-called ready-to-use solutions. So, the product configuration process is automated and simplified. 

Once the solution is integrated into a business site, users can visualize and customize products. They can select the necessary parameters for a product and see how changes happen in real-time. 

Using 3D product configurator’s customization options online shoppers can get custom products that meet their unique tastes and needs. Additionally, buyers can get quotes for products automatically.     

How to Build a 3D Product Configurator

  • Step 1. Initially, a 3D model for a product is created. The model includes all the necessary data about the product. After that, the tool renders the product.
  • Step 2. Now, it’s time to pick a platform for a 3D visualization tool. Among the best platforms that can be used for 3D configurator software are: Shopify, Viro Media, Cesium and others.   
  • Step 3. At the next step, the logic of a 3D product configurator is developed. The logic determines how online shoppers will interact with 3D models and how they will customize products. 
  • Step 4. The tool has to be integrated with the product database. Make sure that the correct information about the product is provided.
  • Step 5. It’s necessary to test the software. The tool has to be optimized if such a need arises.  

Integrating a 3D Configuration Tool

Lastly, a 3D product configurator has to be integrated into a business site. The tool also has to be integrated with a shopping cart and checkout process. The software has to be implemented with the site’s product page and the data has to be passed to a 3D product configurator. On top of that, business owners should provide the prices for product configurations. So, a tool will be able to generate quotes automatically. 

Choose the right 3D configurator for your business needs

Nowadays, having a 3D product configurator is crucial to the success of every business that sells products. The software of this type plays an important role in the selling process and has a positive impact on buyer’s decisions. 

3D configuration tools give businesses the power of customization and provide consumers with personalized experiences.With 3D configurator software, business owners can get more clients and sell more products. 

However, your task is to choose the right 3D configurator that fits your business needs! A lot of 3D configurators are available today. Now, you have an understanding of a 3D configuration tool and how it works. Explore all your options carefully and make the best choice!