iBooks Author: Best practices for using 3D models

Summary

With iBooks Author you can add COLLADA (.DAE) files using the 3D widget; learn the best practices for creating these files for use with iBooks Author.

Products Affected

iBooks Author

Polygon Count

The first-generation iPad is optimized for viewing 3D objects with fewer than 20,000 moderately textured polygons. The second-generation iPad (iPad 2) supports viewing 3D objects in a completed book with up to 50,000 moderately textured polygons. More complicated objects may result in an increased load time, slower behavior, or a blurry image.

Lighting

Use simple lighting with ambient, omni, and directional lights. For best performance, limit the scene to three or four lights.

Textures

Any textures you use that are greater than 512 x 512 pixels will be resized to 512 x 512.

Camera

Be sure to add a camera to your object. This will be used for the default view in your iBooks Author book.

Exporting

Some modeling programs will get better results using the OpenCOLLADA exporters in place of their native exporters. These exporters are available on the OpenCOLLADA download page.

Previewing

To confirm your 3D object behaves as expected, be sure to preview your book on an iPad before publishing or exporting your book. Try to preview your book on a first-generation iPad to confirm expected behavior for the largest audience. 

Additional Information

For more information on the COLLADA format, see the COLLADA Digital Asset & FX Exchange Schema.

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